Nerve conduit aids low-level laser therapy in sciatic nerve regeneration

Aug. 8, 2014

Seeking a way to better repair nerve lesions using low-level laser therapy (LLLT), researchers at Central Taiwan University of Science and Technology developed a biodegradable nerve conduit that contains genipin-cross-linked gelatin with beta-tricalcium phosphate (TCP) ceramic particles (Genipin-Gelatin-TCP, or GGT) to bridge the transection of a 15 mm sciatic nerve in rats.

Seeking a way to better repair nerve lesions using low-level laser therapy (LLLT), researchers at Central Taiwan University of Science and Technology (Beitun District, Taichung, Taiwan) developed a biodegradable nerve conduit that contains genipin-cross-linked gelatin with beta-tricalcium phosphate (TCP) ceramic particles (Genipin-Gelatin-TCP, or GGT) to bridge the transection of a 15 mm sciatic nerve in rats.

Related: Low-level laser therapy: Treatment through precise application of light

The study confirmed that combining the GGT nerve conduit with an LLLT system may be beneficial for the regeneration of nerves across long gaps, as well as for accelerating the reinnervation rate of nerves and improving recruitment in muscles. These benefits may lead to improve functional and morphologic recovery of peripheral nerves. Further studies on the use of LLLT as a noninvasive treatment modality for various nerve diseases and injuries could pave the way for mainstream acceptance and standardization of this innovative therapy.

Full details of the team's work appear in the journal Neural Regeneration Research; for more information, please visit http://dx.doi.org/10.4103/1673-5374.135323.

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