Kong Junjie, Teng Cheng, Liu Fenglan, Wang Xuzhaoyu, Zhou Yi, Zong Ying, Wan Zixin, Qin Jun, Yu Bin, Mi Daguo, Wang Yaxian
Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Affiliated Hospital and Medical School, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China.
Department of Orthopedics, Nantong City Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nantong, China.
Front Neurosci. 2024 Feb 8;18:1361590. doi: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1361590. eCollection 2024.
Peripheral nerve injuries, especially those involving long-distance deficits, pose significant challenges in clinical repair. This study explores the potential of continuous microcurrent electrical nerve stimulation (cMENS) as an adjunctive strategy to promote regeneration and repair in such cases.
The study initially optimized cMENS parameters and assessed its impact on Schwann cell activity, neurotrophic factor secretion, and the nerve regeneration microenvironment. Subsequently, a rat sciatic nerve defect-bridge repair model was employed to evaluate the reparative effects of cMENS as an adjuvant treatment. Functional recovery was assessed through gait analysis, motor function tests, and nerve conduction assessments. Additionally, nerve regeneration and denervated muscle atrophy were observed through histological examination.
The study identified a 10-day regimen of 100uA microcurrent stimulation as optimal. Evaluation focused on Schwann cell activity and the microenvironment, revealing the positive impact of cMENS on maintaining denervated Schwann cell proliferation and enhancing neurotrophic factor secretion. In the rat model of sciatic nerve defect-bridge repair, cMENS demonstrated superior effects compared to control groups, promoting motor function recovery, nerve conduction, and sensory and motor neuron regeneration. Histological examinations revealed enhanced maturation of regenerated nerve fibers and reduced denervated muscle atrophy.
While cMENS shows promise as an adjuvant treatment for long-distance nerve defects, future research should explore extended stimulation durations and potential synergies with tissue engineering grafts to improve outcomes. This study contributes comprehensive evidence supporting the efficacy of cMENS in enhancing peripheral nerve regeneration.
周围神经损伤，尤其是那些涉及长距离功能缺损的损伤，在临床修复中面临重大挑战。本研究探讨了连续微电流电神经刺激（cMENS）作为一种辅助策略在此类病例中促进神经再生和修复的潜力。
该研究首先优化了cMENS参数，并评估了其对雪旺细胞活性、神经营养因子分泌和神经再生微环境的影响。随后，采用大鼠坐骨神经缺损-桥接修复模型评估cMENS作为辅助治疗的修复效果。通过步态分析、运动功能测试和神经传导评估来评估功能恢复情况。此外，通过组织学检查观察神经再生和失神经肌肉萎缩情况。
该研究确定100μA微电流刺激10天的方案为最佳方案。评估聚焦于雪旺细胞活性和微环境，揭示了cMENS对维持失神经雪旺细胞增殖和增强神经营养因子分泌的积极影响。在大鼠坐骨神经缺损-桥接修复模型中，与对照组相比，cMENS显示出更好的效果，促进了运动功能恢复、神经传导以及感觉和运动神经元再生。组织学检查显示再生神经纤维成熟度提高，失神经肌肉萎缩减轻。
虽然cMENS作为长距离神经缺损的辅助治疗显示出前景，但未来研究应探索延长刺激持续时间以及与组织工程移植物的潜在协同作用以改善治疗效果。本研究提供了全面的证据支持cMENS在增强周围神经再生方面的疗效。
