Centella asiatica (L.)-Neurodifferentiated Mesenchymal Stem Cells Promote the Regeneration of Peripheral Nerve

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Centella asiatica (L.) is a plant with neuroprotective and neuroregenerative properties; however, its effects on the neurodifferentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and on peripheral nerve injury are poorly explored. This study aimed to investigate the effects of C. asiatica (L.)-neurodifferentiated MSCs on the regeneration of peripheral nerve in a critical-size defect animal model. METHODS: Nerve conduit was developed using decellularised artery seeded with C. asiatica-neurodifferentiated MSCs (ndMSCs). A 1.5 cm sciatic nerve injury in Sprague-Dawley rat was bridged with reversed autograft (RA) (n = 3, the gold standard treatment), MSC-seeded conduit (MC) (n = 4) or ndMSC-seeded conduit (NC) (n = 4). Pinch test and nerve conduction study were performed every 2 weeks for a total of 12 weeks. At the 12th week, the conduits were examined by histology and transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: NC implantation improved the rats' sensory sensitivity in a similar manner to RA. At the 12th week, nerve conduction velocity was the highest in NC compared with that of RA and MC. Axonal regeneration was enhanced in NC and RA as shown by the expression of myelin basic protein (MBP). The average number of myelinated axons was significantly higher in NC than in MC but significantly lower than in RA. The myelin sheath thickness was higher in NC than in MC but lower than in RA. CONCLUSION: NC showed promising effects on nerve regeneration and functional restoration similar to those of RA. These findings revealed the neuroregenerative properties of C. asiatica and its potential as an alternative strategy for the treatment of critical size nerve defect.

Effect of Pre-Induced Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Coated Cellulose/Collagen Nanofibrous Nerve Conduit on Regeneration of Transected Facial Nerve

“…The highest degree of recovery based on histological findings was also observed in group II. The transplantation of MSC or neurodifferentiated MSC enhanced the regeneration of Schwann cells and thickness of myelin sheath [ 21 , 22 ]. In the present study, although we did not observe the significantly increased axon counts between three groups, but the thickness of myelin sheath was enhanced regeneration in the MSC treated group I and II compared to control group.…”

Therapeutic Potential of Complementary and Alternative Medicines in Peripheral Nerve Regeneration: A Systematic Review

“…For instance, Chang et al [ 165 ] developed a natural biodegradable multi-channeled scaffold with aligned electrospun nanofibers and a neurotrophic gradient, which resulted in superior nerve recovery and less muscle atrophy compared with nerve autografts. Hussin et al [ 56 ] used Centella asiatica (L.) to neurodifferentiate mesenchymal stem cells. This was subsequently developed with decellularized artery as a nerve conduit, which demonstrated functional restoration in an SNI model similar to that of reversed autograft.…”

Prospects of Using Chitosan-Based Biopolymers in the Treatment of Peripheral Nerve Injuries

“…The outer surface of the conduits is often treated to enhance their biocompatibility and cell adhesion [ 58 , 59 , 60 , 61 ]. Chitosan and its polymers interact with the surrounding tissues, promoting cell attachment and growth on the conduit’s surface ( Table 1 ) [ 62 ]. Chitosan and its polymers have been shown to possess adhesive properties, allowing cells to adhere to their surfaces.…”