4D printed tri-segment nerve conduit using zein gel as the ink for repair of rat sciatic nerve large defect.

Zein has enormous potential for application in biomedical field due to biodegradation and biocompatibility, we have recently prepared zein gel as a possible 3D printing ink. Our previous studies found that the pore structure in zein material can reduce early inflammation, promote the polarization of macrophages toward the M2 phenotype, and accelerate nerve regeneration. To further explore the role of zein in nerve repair, we used 4D printing technique to create nerve conduits with zein protein gel, and designed 2 types of tri-segment conduits with different degradation rates.

Zein-induced immune response and modulation by size, pore structure and drug-loading: Application for sciatic nerve regeneration.

Zein is a biodegradable material with great potential in biomedical applications. However, as a plant-derived protein material, body's immune response is the key factor to determine its clinical performance. Herein, for the first time, the zein-induced immune response is evaluated systemically and locally, comparing with typical materials including alginate (ALG), poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) and polystyrene (PS).

Long Non-coding RNA Regulates the Regeneration of the Sciatic Nerve via the miR-331-3p-NLRP3/MAL Axis.

Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) is a common clinical problem, which can cause severe disability and dramatically affect a patient's quality of life. Neural regeneration after PNI is a complex biological process that involves a variety of signaling pathways and genes. Emerging studies demonstrated that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) were abnormally expressed after PNI and played pivotal roles in peripheral nerve regeneration.

Exosomes produced by adipose-derived stem cells inhibit schwann cells autophagy and promote the regeneration of the myelin sheath.

Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) is encountered relatively commonly in the clinic and often results in long-term functional deficits. Research to develop methods to improve regeneration following nerve injury is ongoing. Numerous studies have shown that adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) promote the regeneration of peripheral nerve injury; however, the mechanism is unclear.

Reducing Neuron Apoptosis in the Pontine Micturition Center by Nerve Root Transfer for Restoration of Micturition Function after Spinal Cord Injury.

Objective: The rate of neuronal apoptosis increases after spinal cord injury (SCI). Anastomosing the normal nerve roots above the SCI level to the injured sacral nerve roots can enhance the functional recovery of neurons. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of sacral nerve root transfer after SCI on pontine neuronal survival.

Syringic acid delivered via mPEG-PLGA-PLL nanoparticles enhances peripheral nerve regeneration effect.

To deliver syringic acid (SA) with a nanocarrier and enhance its function. mPEG-PLGA-PLL (PEAL) nanoparticles were used to deliver SA. The characterization, storage stability, drug release, blood-compatibility and biocompatibility of SA-PEAL were detected by and assays.

Differential gene and protein expression in gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior muscle following tibial and peroneal nerve injury in rats.

Peripheral nerve injury is encountered quite commonly in the clinic, and treatment results are often not satisfactory. Therefore, promoting nerve regeneration and functional recovery is a primary goal of neuroscience research. Recovery of corresponding target muscle can differ following peripheral nerve injury, but the reasons are unknown.

Syringic acid promotes proliferation and migration of Schwann cells via down-regulating miR-451-5p.

Schwann cells are the main force in spontaneous regeneration after peripheral nerve injury. The neurotrophic factors could promote the regeneration, but clinical applications of these factors are limited by some constraints. Hence, searching for new substances to elevate the function of Schwann cells and facilitate the regeneration of nerve is urgently needed.

Differential gene and protein expression between rat tibial nerve and common peroneal nerve during Wallerian degeneration.

Wallerian degeneration and nerve regeneration after injury are complex processes involving many genes, proteins and cytokines. After different peripheral nerve injuries the regeneration rate can differ. Whether this is caused by differential expression of genes and proteins during Wallerian degeneration remains unclear.

Effect of exosomes from adipose-derived stem cells on the apoptosis of Schwann cells in peripheral nerve injury.

Aims: Recovery after peripheral nerve injury (PNI) is often difficult, and there is no optimal treatment. Schwann cells (SCs) are important for peripheral nerve regeneration, so SC-targeting treatments have gained importance. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and their exosomes can promote peripheral nerve repair, but their interactions with SCs are unclear.

Effect of exogenous spastin combined with polyethylene glycol on sciatic nerve injury.

Polyethylene glycol can connect the distal and proximal ends of an injured nerve at the cellular level through axonal fusion to avoid Wallerian degeneration of the injured distal nerve and promote peripheral nerve regeneration. However, this method can only prevent Wallerian degeneration in 10% of axons because the cytoskeleton is not repaired in a timely fashion. Reconstruction of the cytoskeletal trunk and microtubule network has been suggested to be the key for improving the efficiency of axonal fusion.

Transferring of femoral nerve motor branches for high-level sciatic nerve injury: a cadaver feasibility study.

Background: Sciatic nerve injuries cause significant disability. We propose here a novel reconstructive procedure of transferring the motor branches of the femoral nerve as donor nerves to reconstruct both the peroneal and tibial nerve function as a novel approach to treat high sciatic nerve injury.

Methods: The autopsies of donor nerves (vastus lateralis nerve branch (VLN), vastus medialis nerve branch (VMN), saphenous nerve (SAN)) and respective recipient nerves (deep peroneal nerve branch (DPN), medial gastrocnemius nerve branch (MGN), sural nerve (SN)) were conducted in six fresh-frozen lower limbs.

Transfer of obturator nerve for femoral nerve injury: an experiment study in rats.

Background: Quadriceps palsy is mainly caused by proximal lesions in the femoral nerve. The obturator nerve has been previously used to repair the femoral nerve, although only a few reports have described the procedure, and the outcomes have varied. In the present study, we aimed to confirm the feasibility and effectiveness of this treatment in a rodent model using the randomized control method.

[Experimental study of urinary center change in pons after conus medullaris injury in rats].

Objective: To observe the structural changes of urinary center and the expression of Bcl-2 after conus medullaris injury in rats brain so as to explore the possible influence factors of degeneration in brain.

Methods: Thirty-six adult Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into experimental group ( =30) and control group ( =6). In the experimental group, the conus medullaris injury model was established by cutting off the spinal nerve below L , and no treatment was done in the control group.

[Biomechanics test of fixation of star-shaped six-part patellar fractures with petal-shaped poly-axial locking plate].

Objective: To compare the biomechanical difference between petal-shaped poly-axial locking plate and tension band wire cerclage in fixing star-shaped 6-part patellar fractures in cadaver model, and provide the experimental data for clinical use.

Methods: The paired 12 knee specimens from 6 human cadavers were randomly divided into 2 groups (the control group and the test group) after a star-shaped 6-part patellar fracture model was established. The specimens were weighted, and the control group was fixed with tension band wire cerclage and the test group was fixed with petal-shaped poly-axial locking plate.

[Anatomical study on the repair of femoral nerve injury with anterior branch of obturator nerve].

Objective: To investigate the feasibility of the anastomosis of the anterior branch of obturator nerve and the muscular branch of femoral nerve.

Methods: Five fresh frozen cadavers, including 3 males and 2 females, were included. Both of the obturator nerve, femoral nerve and their branches were dissected, then their routes and anatomical positions were observed.

[Changes of endogenous Spastin expression after sciatic nerve injury in rats].

Objective: To investigate the expression change of endogenous Spastin after sciatic nerve injury in rats, and to discuss the role and significance in the peripheral nerve regeneration.

Methods: Thirty-six adult male Sprague Dawley rats weighing 180-220 g were randomly divided into the experimental group ( =30) and the control group ( =6). Sciatic nerve compression damage model was established in the experimental group, and the sciatic nerve was only exposed in the control group.