Curcumin upregulates S100 expression and improves regeneration of the sciatic nerve following its complete amputation in mice

Neural Regeneration Research, 2016 · DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.189196 · Published: August 1, 2016

Pharmacology Regenerative Medicine Neurology

Simple Explanation

This study investigates whether curcumin, a compound from the Curcuma plant, can help repair nerve damage after complete amputation. The researchers focused on the sciatic nerve in mice. Mice with amputated sciatic nerves were given different doses of curcumin for a week. The study looked at nerve function, myelin (the protective coating around nerves), and levels of a protein called S100. The results showed that higher doses of curcumin improved nerve function, myelin structure, and increased S100 protein levels, suggesting curcumin aids in nerve repair by promoting Schwann cell proliferation.

Study Duration

8 weeks

Participants

200 healthy male BALB/c mice

Evidence Level

Level 2; Animal study

Key Findings

1
High and moderate doses of curcumin significantly improved the action potential amplitude of the sciatic nerves and the conduction velocity of motor neurons.
2
Luxol fast blue staining showed that high and moderate doses of curcumin resulted in regular myelin shapes, uniform thickness, clear boundaries, and little hyperplasia.
3
Curcumin upregulated mRNA and protein expression of S100 in L4–6 spinal cord segments, indicating increased Schwann cell proliferation.

Research Summary

This study investigated the effects of curcumin on peripheral nerve regeneration following complete sciatic nerve amputation in mice. The mice were administered different doses of curcumin for one week after undergoing epineurium anastomosis. The results indicated that high and moderate doses of curcumin improved sciatic nerve function, as evidenced by increased action potential amplitude and motor nerve conduction velocity. These doses also improved myelin sheath structure and increased the number and diameter of myelinated fibers. The study found that curcumin upregulated S100 mRNA and protein expression in the spinal cord, suggesting a mechanism by which curcumin promotes nerve regeneration through Schwann cell proliferation.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential

Curcumin may be a potential therapeutic agent for promoting peripheral nerve regeneration following complete nerve amputation injuries.

Dosage Considerations

Moderate to high doses of curcumin (20-40 mg/kg/d in mice) appear to be more effective in promoting nerve regeneration compared to lower doses.

Mechanism of Action

Curcumin's neuroprotective effects may be mediated through the upregulation of S100 expression, leading to increased Schwann cell proliferation and improved myelination.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted on mice, and the results may not be directly applicable to humans.
2
The duration of curcumin administration was limited to one week, and the long-term effects of curcumin on nerve regeneration were not assessed.
3
The study focused primarily on S100 expression as a marker for Schwann cell proliferation, and other potential mechanisms of curcumin's neuroprotective effects were not fully explored.

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