Evaluation of TNF-Α expression after adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) treatment combined with freeze-dried amniotic membrane wrapping in rat sciatic nerve defect model

Nerve regeneration presents a clinical challenge to biomedical engineering. Recently, adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) are known as one of the strategies in tissue regeneration. ASC has good potential to differentiate into neurogenic cells with capability in producing neuronal markers. This study aimed to evaluate the role of application of ASCs on sciatic nerve healing in association with the expression of TNF-α. Thirty-six Spraque-Dawley rats weighing approximately 250 g were divided into 6 control group and 6 experimental groups (n:3). The 6 experimental group was divided into evaluation on the 1^st, 3^rd,5^th,7^th 14^th and 21^st day after surgery. ASCs was applied to the injury site (dose 1 × 10⁶ cells/nerve) with the freeze-dried amniotic membrane. Histopathology was evaluated with Hematoxylin-eosin and Masson’s Trichrome staining. Application of ASCs could down-regulate the TNF-α expression, decrease inflammation and fibrous collagen formation during nerve healing. Moreover, it can conclude that ASCs with freeze-dried amniotic membrane wrapping can decrease the inflammation and perineural fibrous collagen formation during Sciatic nerve healing.