Effects of undifferentiated cultured omental adipose-derived stem cells on peripheral nerve regeneration.

Background/aims: Employment of regenerative properties of stem cells at the service of nerve repair has been initiated during recent decades. Effects of transplantation of undifferentiated cultured omental adipose-derived stem cells (uADSCs) on peripheral nerve regeneration were studied using a rat sciatic nerve transection model.

Methods: A 10-mm sciatic nerve defect was bridged using a silicone rubber chamber filled with uADSCs. In control group, the silicone conduit was filled with phosphate-buffered saline alone. The regenerated nerve fibers were studied 4, 8, and 12wk after surgery. In sham-operated group, the sciatic nerve was only exposed and manipulated.

Results: Functional study confirmed faster recovery of regenerated axons in uADSC-transplanted animals than in control group (P<0.05). Gastrocnemius muscle mass in uADSC-transplanted animals is found to be significantly more than that in control group. Morphometric indices of the regenerated fibers showed that the number and diameter of the myelinated fibers were significantly higher in uADSC-transplanted animals than in control group. In immunohistochemistry, location of reactions to S-100 in uADSC-transplanted animals was clearly more positive than that in control group.

Conclusion: uADSC transplantation could be considered as a readily accessible source of stromal cells that improve functional recovery of sciatic nerve.