Recent Approaches for Augmenting Peripheral Nerve Regeneration: Mini-review

Injury to superficial or deeply seated nerve is commonly reported in human and animals causing crippling morbidity. The sciatic nerve is the most frequently involved nerve in such injuries. There could be several approaches for the repair of injured peripheral nerves. However, recent therapeutic approaches include the use of molecular, cellular and electrophysical methods.Mesenchymal stem cells are the most commonly used adult stem cells for the therapeutic purpose. Several studies have shown that stem cell transplantation may promote neural regeneration by enhanced growth factor secretion, extracellular matrix production and differentiation into Schwann cell, which are primarily responsible for the axonal regeneration. Scaffolds are used to maintain cell viability, support cell proliferation and permit intercellular communication. ECM proteins, and nerve growth factors can be incorporated into nerve conduits in order to improve the nerve regenerative ability. Among the electro physical methods use of 20Hz electrical stimulation, No thermal Laser Amnion Wrap and Thermal Laser Welding have shown promising results. The present review focuses on the application and outcome of important molecular, cellular and electro physical methods used for nerve regeneration.