Effect of neural-induced mesenchymal stem cells and platelet-rich plasma on facial nerve regeneration in an acute nerve injury model.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and neural-induced human mesenchymal stem cells (nMSCs) on axonal regeneration from a facial nerve axotomy injury in a guinea pig model.


METHODS
Prospective, controlled animal study.


METHODS
Experiments involved the transection and repair of the facial nerve in 24 albino guinea pigs. Four groups were created based on the method of repair: suture only (group I, control group); PRP with suture (group II); nMSCs with suture (group III); and PRP and nMSCs with suture (group IV). Each method of repair was applied immediately after nerve transection. The outcomes measured were: 1) functional outcome measurement (vibrissae and eyelid closure movements); 2) electrophysiologic evaluation; 3) neurotrophic factors assay; and 4) histologic evaluation.


RESULTS
With respect to the functional outcome measurement, the functional outcomes improved after transection and reanastomosis in all groups. The control group was the slowest to demonstrate recovery of movement after transection and reanastomosis. The other three groups (groups II, III, and IV) had significant improvement in function compared to the control group 4 weeks after surgery (P < .05). On the electrophysiologic evaluation, there was significantly better performances in groups II, III, and IV when compared to group I with respect to the amplitude and excitation area of the compound motor action potentials (MAPs) 4 and 6 weeks after surgery (P < .05); group IV had the best performance. A Western blot assay showed that group II had marked expression of several neurotrophic factors. Groups II, III, and IV demonstrated better results in axon counts and myelin thickness when compared with group I. Based on quantitative histology analysis, group IV had the greatest myelinated axon fibers compared to the other groups (P < .05).


CONCLUSIONS
The use of PRP and/or nMSCs promotes facial nerve regeneration in an animal model of facial nerve axotomy. The use of nMSCs showed no benefit over the use of PRP in facial nerve regeneration, but the combined use of PRP and nMSCs showed a greater beneficial effect than use of either alone. This study provides evidence for the potential clinical application of PRP and nMSCs in peripheral nerve regeneration of an acute nerve injury. Laryngoscope, 2010.
Cho
Hyong-Ho
HH
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Chonnam National University Medical School, 8 Hackdong Donggu, 501-190, Gwangju, South Korea. victocho@hanmail.net
Jang
Sujeong
S
Lee
Sang-Chul
SC
Jeong
Han-Seong
HS
Park
Jong-Seong
JS
Han
Jae-Young
JY
Lee
Kyung-Hwa
KH
Cho
Yong-Bum
YB
D000818:Animals; D001369:Axons / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology*; D019771:Axotomy; D015153:Blotting, Western; D004576:Electromyography; D019054:Evoked Potentials, Motor / Q000502:physiology; D005154:Facial Nerve / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D020220:Facial Nerve Injuries / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D005158:Facial Paralysis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D006801:Humans; D045164:Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000379:methods; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000502:physiology; D009416:Nerve Regeneration / Q000502:physiology*; D053657:Platelet-Rich Plasma; D011446:Prospective Studies; D023822:Tissue Engineering / Q000379:methods*
D009414:Nerve Growth Factors