title: Neuroprotective Effect of Genistein in Peripheral Nerve Injury.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the effects of genistein in a rat model of sciatic nerve crush injury and complete sciatic nerve transection. The effects of genistein were compared with those of gabapentin, which is widely used in clinical practice for peripheral nerve injury.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty-eight rats were randomly divided into six groups (8 rats in each group): group 1 (sham); group 2, sciatic nerve crush injury (control); group 3, sciatic nerve crush injury+genistein 20 mg/kg; group 4, sciatic nerve crush injury+gabapentin 90 mg/kg; group 5, sciatic nerve transection+genistein 20 mg/kg; group 6, sciatic nerve transection+gabapentin 90 mg/kg. The effects of genistein and gabapentin were assessed with immunohistochemical staining for growth associated protein-43 (GAP-43) and myelin basic protein (MBP). Interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor α levels in the injured nerve specimens were assessed as a measure of inflammatory response; walking track analysis and sciatic function index for neurological recovery and the paw mechanical withdrawal threshold were examined for neuropathic pain.
  
  
  RESULTS
  On histopathological examination, genistein use was associated with a greater immunoreactivity for GAP-43 and MBP compared with that associated with gabapentin. Genistein and gabapentin had similar effects on anti-inflammatory activity, functional recovery, and neuropathic pain.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Genistein and gabapentin exhibit positive effects on histopathology, inflammation, and clinical findings of peripheral nerve injury. When the systemic side effects of gabapentin are considered, genistein (a basic soy isoflavone that has no side effects) can be used as an alternative to medical treatment in peripheral nerve injury.
authors.affiliation: Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Department of Neurosurgery, Eskisehir, Turkey.
authors.forename: Zuhtu
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Ozbek
authors.forename: Hasan Emre
authors.initials: HE
authors.lastname: Aydin
authors.forename: Atacan Emre
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Kocman
authors.forename: Emre
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Ozkara
authors.forename: Erhan
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Sahin
authors.forename: Ezgi
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Bektur
authors.forename: Murat
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Vural
authors.forename: Aydan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kose
authors.forename: Ali
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Arslantas
authors.forename: Cengiz
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Baycu
mesh_terms: D000588:Amines / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000818:Animals; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019922:GAP-43 Protein / Q000378:metabolism; D000077206:Gabapentin; D019833:Genistein / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D053583:Interleukin-1beta / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D004676:Myelin Basic Protein / Q000378:metabolism; D009409:Nerve Crush; D009437:Neuralgia / Q000188:drug therapy; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D059348:Peripheral Nerve Injuries / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000187:drug effects; D012584:Sciatic Nerve / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000293:injuries / Q000378:metabolism; D020426:Sciatic Neuropathy / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000378:metabolism; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000588:Amines; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; D019922:GAP-43 Protein; D053583:Interleukin-1beta; D004676:Myelin Basic Protein; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; D000077206:Gabapentin; D019833:Genistein