Effects of adipose derived stem cells pretreated with resveratrol on sciatic nerve regeneration in rats

Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are popular in regenerative medicine because they are easily accessible and have low immunogenicity. However, their therapeutic efficacy can be weakened by the oxidative microenvironment of damaged tissue, which induces apoptosis of transplanted stem cells. Resveratrol (Res) is a natural compound that can regulate stem cell function. This study investigated whether incubating ADSCs with Res could improve their ability to promote peripheral nerve regeneration. The researchers cultured ADSCs in vitro and treated them with H2O2 to create an apoptosis model, then tested the effect of Res on ADSC proliferation and survival. In vivo, rats with sciatic nerve injuries were treated with ADSCs pretreated with Res, and their gait and nerve regeneration were observed. The results indicated that Res pretreatment significantly improved H2O2-induced apoptosis in ADSCs and enhanced their ability to promote sciatic nerve regeneration in rats.

• 1
  Resveratrol pretreatment significantly improved H2O2-induced apoptosis in ADSCs in vitro, as confirmed by the TUNEL assay and the expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins (caspase-3, Bax, and Bcl-2).
• 2
  At 4 weeks after surgery, the functional index of the sciatic nerve (SFI) in the ADSCs + Res group was significantly higher than that in the model group, indicating improved nerve function recovery.
• 3
  The average density of the sciatic nerve myelin sheath and the number of motor neurons in the spinal cord were significantly increased in the ADSCs + Res group compared to the model group, demonstrating enhanced nerve regeneration and protection.