Qian-Zheng-San promotes regeneration after sciatic nerve crush injury in rats

Neural Regeneration Research, 2019 · DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.247472 · Published: April 1, 2019

Alternative Medicine Regenerative Medicine Neurology

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the potential of Qian-Zheng-San (QZS), a traditional Chinese medicine, to aid in nerve regeneration following a sciatic nerve crush injury in rats. The researchers created a nerve injury model in rats and then administered QZS to a treatment group to observe its effects on nerve recovery. The study assessed nerve motor function using footprint analysis, nerve conduction function via electrophysiological experiments, and nerve regeneration through immunofluorescence and immunohistochemical staining. These methods helped quantify the extent of nerve damage and recovery. The findings suggest that QZS has a positive effect on peripheral nerve regeneration by improving nerve function, increasing the number of regenerated axons, and enhancing myelin regeneration. This indicates QZS could be a potential therapeutic agent for peripheral nerve injuries.

Study Duration

8 weeks

Participants

18 male Sprague-Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Qian-Zheng-San (QZS) treatment resulted in a higher sciatic nerve function index (SFI) in rats at 2 and 4 weeks post-surgery compared to the control group, indicating improved motor function.
2
Nerve conduction velocity (NCV) was significantly higher in the QZS-treated group at 2 and 4 weeks post-surgery, suggesting enhanced nerve signal transmission.
3
The number of regenerated axons and axon diameter of the sciatic nerve were increased in the QZS treatment group compared to the control group at 2 and 4 weeks postoperatively, indicating improved nerve regeneration.

Research Summary

This study evaluated the therapeutic potential of Qian-Zheng-San (QZS) on sciatic nerve crush injury in rats. Results indicated that QZS promoted nerve regeneration, improved nerve function, and enhanced myelin regeneration. The sciatic nerve function index and nerve conduction velocity were significantly improved in the QZS treatment group compared to the control group at 2 and 4 weeks post-surgery. These findings suggest that QZS has a positive effect on peripheral nerve regeneration and could potentially be used as a therapeutic agent for nerve injuries. Further research is needed to isolate and identify the active ingredients of QZS.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic potential

Qian-Zheng-San (QZS) may be a potential therapeutic agent for peripheral nerve injuries due to its ability to promote nerve regeneration and improve nerve function.

Clinical Application

The study indicates potential clinical application prospects in nerve injury induced by traffic trauma, mechanical trauma and other external damage.

Drug development

Further research should focus on identifying and isolating the active components of QZS to develop targeted therapies for nerve regeneration.

Study Limitations

1
The active ingredients of QZS that promote nerve regeneration are unclear.
2
The concentration of the drug solution may be too small, or systemic treatment by oral gavage makes it impossible for the drug to concentrate at the injury site.
3
The nerve crush model was used, in which the nerve recovery cycle is shorter.

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