Revolutionizing nerve regeneration: A novel approach using polylactic acid/chitosan conduit with nerve-like cells and Bacopa monnieri in male rat model.

OBJECTIVES

This research aims to use neural-like cells (NLCs) derived from endometrial mesenchymal stem cells (EnMSCs) on a polylactic acid/chitosan scaffold (PLA/CS) along with the use of bacopa monnieri (Memocopa) in a rat sciatic nerve injury model for sciatic nerve regeneration. While previous studies have explored stem cell therapies and scaffold-based approaches for nerve regeneration, using EnMSCs in combination with a PLA/CS scaffold and Memocopa represents a novel, potentially synergistic approach.

METHOD: EnMSCs were isolated, characterized, and differentiated in a study. The expression of specific genes in the differentiated cells was confirmed using RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry. PLA nanofiber and chitosan hydrogel scaffolds were created for neural tissue engineering. Memocopa was administered orally alongside scaffold and cell transplantation. The study involved 25 adult male Wistar rats with a 3 mm sciatic nerve gap, divided into five groups based on treatment. Animals were monitored for 8 weeks, during which SFI was measured. Tissue samples were then prepared for histological examination, including various staining techniques.

RESULTS

The combination of scaffold, cells, and Memocopa showed significant improvements in sciatic nerve function, as indicated by the SFI results in the eighth week: conduit group -33.87, conduit/cells group -25.92, conduit/cells/Memocopa group -22.86, Memocopa group -30.93, and control group -38.87. Histological findings revealed improvements in various aspects, including percentages of new nerve formation across the different treatment groups: conduit group 4.62 %, conduit/cells group 16.45 %, conduit/cells/Memocopa group 21.32 %, Memocopa group 7.07 %, and control group 0.22 %.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study showed that efficient differentiation of EnMSCs into NLCs is possible, and with the help of PLA/CS scaffold and simultaneous use of Memocopa, it is possible to repair and improve sciatic nerve injury in a rat animal model.