Concentrated growth factor increases Schwann cell proliferation and neurotrophic factor secretion and promotes functional nerve recovery in vivo

Abstract

Concentrated growth factor (CGF) is a newly generated complex that comprises a fibrin matrix incorporating growth factors and plasmatic and leukocyte cytokines. It has been widely used in bone regenerative medicine. However, the effect of CGF on peripheral nerve regeneration had not been previously investigated. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the possibility of using CGF for nerve regeneration by i) investigating the effect of CGF on the proliferation of Schwann cells (SCs) and secretion of neurotrophic factors nerve growth factor (NGF) and glial cell line‑derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) in vitro; and ii) analyzing the effect of CGF on functional nerve recovery after nerve injury in vivo. CGF was prepared from venous blood taken from rats, and using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) we noted that it featured a fiber‑like appearance with pore size ranging from 0.1 to 1.0 µm. The soluble component of CGF was used to produce conditioned media with which to treat the Schwann cell line. A cell counting kit-8 assay and cell cycle analysis were both used to study the proliferative effect of CGF on SCs. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blot analysis demonstrated that there was an increase in the mRNA and protein expression of NGF and GDNF, both of which are markers of SC neurotrophic secretion. A model of sciatic nerve crush injury was established for the in vivo experiment, and CGF was found to increase the sciatic functional index (indicative of nerve function). We noted that CGF increased SC proliferation and secretion of neurotrophic factors in vitro, and promoted functional recovery after peripheral nerve injuries in vivo. These results suggest that CGF is a promising candidate biomaterial for peripheral nerve regeneration, and may potentially be utilized to repair nerve injuries.

In vitro and in vivo effects of concentrated growth factor on cells and tissues

“…Most studies listed in Tables and have focused on proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. However, the effects of CGF on migration and endothelial differentiation or angiogenesis were also under investigation in four studies included in this review (Hong et al, ; Jin et al, ; Jun et al, ; Qin, Wang, Sun, et al, ). Improvement of cell migration is the result of a high concentration of chemotactic factors, such as PDGF‐BB and bFGF in CGF.…”

Platelet-rich plasma for regeneration of neural feedback pathways around dental implants: a concise review and outlook on future possibilities

“…18 By contrast, one study 82 reported that platelet gel with a collagen tube conduit did not have a beneficial effect on rat sciatic nerve regeneration 12 weeks after microsurgical reconstruction. However, 2 years later, the same group 83 observed that the same gel could have a positive effect on nerve repair.…”

“…17, 18 Thus, the following review summarizes the state-of-the-art application of PRP for recovery of injured peripheral nerves and offers an outlook on possible future use as an emerging strategy for osseoperception. The articles cited in the review, published up to the 15 November 2016 and including electronic early-release publications, were acquired using three databases: MEDLINE (PubMed), Web of Science (ISI Web of Knowledge) and OpenGrey (System for Information on Grey Literature in Europe).…”

Recovery of erectile function comparing autologous nerve grafts, unseeded conduits, Schwann cell seeded guidance tubes and GDNF-overexpressing Schwann cell grafts

“…As neuronal repair mechanisms might take a longer period of several months, previous work has proposed the delivery of growth factors in peripheral nerve repair (Qin et al, 2016). Numerous investigations have demonstrated that cavernous nerves can be successfully repaired using autologous nerve grafts and artificial conduits.…”