Role of selenium nanoparticles versus platelet-rich plasma in regeneration of surgically-severed sciatic nerve in adult male albino rat: histological, immunohistochemical and biochemical study

Peripheral nerve injury of the sciatic nerve could be caused by several factors leading to a variety of symptoms. Therapeutic modalities are tested to enhance healing and the clinical outcome. The present study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic role of selenium nanoparticles versus platelet rich-plasma concomitantly administered with microsurgical repair in the regeneration of surgically induced severance of the sciatic nerve in adult male albino rats in both proximal and distal segments. Thirty adult male albino rats were used in this study, divided into six equal groups. Group I: the rats received no manipulation. Group II: the rats had a skin incision in the gluteal region followed by suturing of this incision. Group III: the rats were subjected to surgical severing of the sciatic nerve, and were left for spontaneous recovery. Group IV: surgical severing of the sciatic nerve followed immediately by microsurgical repair. Group V: surgical severing by microsurgical repair, then intraperitoneal injection of SeNPs at a daily dose of 0.5 mg/kgbw for 2 weeks. GroupVI: immediate microsurgical repair, then a single injection of 0.3 ml PRP into the endoneurium of the nerve. All animals were sacrificed 6 weeks. Sciatic nerve specimens were subjected to histological immunohistochemical and histomorphometric examinations. Measurement of oxidative stress makers using ELISA and PCR quantitative analysis of NGF and VEGF gene expression was done. Administration of either selenium nanoparticles or platelet-rich plasma, concomitantly with microsurgical repair, enhances the regeneration of surgically-induced severed sciatic nerve, in adult male albino rats. The efficacy of PRP surpasses that of SeNPs.