Local Polyethylene Glycol in Combination with Chitosan Based Hybrid Nanofiber Conduit Accelerates Transected Peripheral Nerve Regeneration.

OBJECTIVE

The incapability to promptly improve behavioral function after discontinuation of peripheral nerves is a current problem in clinical practice. Effect of local polyethylene glycol in combination with chitosan-based hybrid nanofiber conduit was assessed.

STUDY

DESIGN

A 10-mm sciatic nerve defect was bridged using a chitosan-based hybrid nanofiber conduit (Chitosan) filled with phosphate-buffered saline. In authograft group (AUTO), a segment of sciatic nerve was transected and reimplanted reversely. In polyethylene glycol-treated group (CHIT/PEG), the conduit was filled with polyethylene glycol solution. The regenerated fibers were studied within 12 weeks after surgery.

RESULTS

The behavioral and functional tests confirmed faster recovery of the regenerated axons in PEG-treated group compared to Chitosan group (p < .05). The mean ratios of gastrocnemius muscles weight were measured. There was statistically significant difference between the muscle weight ratios of CHIT/PEG and Chitosan groups (p < .05). Morphometric indices of regenerated fibers showed number and diameter of the myelinated fibers were significantly higher in CHIT/PEG than in Chitosan. In immuohistochemistry, the location of reactions to S-100 in CHIT/PEG was clearly more positive than Chitosan group.

CONCLUSION

polyethylene glycol solution when loaded in a chitosan-based hybrid nanofiber conduit resulted in acceleration of functional recovery and quantitative morphometric indices of sciatic nerve.