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Updated: Jun 25, 2026
Regulating Schwann Cell Growth by Nanosecond Pulsed Electric Field for Peripheral Nerve Regeneration In Vitro
Published on: May 3, 2024
Proteasome inhibition promotes functional recovery after peripheral nerve reperfusion injury
Jong Woong Park1, Kwang Mo Kim, Kwang Joon Oh
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Korea. ospark@korea.ac.kr
Background:
The proteasome degrades NF-kappaB blocking protein (I-kappaB) and activates NF-kappaB that plays as a key transcriptional factor to regulate inflammatory factors that are involved in the tissue reperfusion injury. This study was designed to assess whether the proteasome inhibitor can attenuate peripheral nerve ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury and consequently promote motor functional recovery after ischemic insult.
Methods:
Rat sciatic nerves were exposed to 2 hour of ischemia followed by various periods of reperfusion. Rats were administered either proteasome inhibitor (bortezomib) or phosphate-buffered saline 30 minutes before reperfusion start. Results were evaluated using a walking track test, and an isolated muscle contraction test, and by muscle weight, and histology.
Results:
Bortezomib treatment induced an earlier improvement in sciatic functional index and a more rapid restoration of contractile force and wet weight of extensor digitorum longus muscle. Bortezomib reduced early axonal degeneration and promoted regeneration.
Conclusion:
This study indicates that bortezomib; a proteasome inhibitor, is effective at promoting the functional recovery of reperfused peripheral nerve. The proteasome inhibition may play a role as one of the clinical strategy in the peripheral nervous system I/R injury with further understanding its mechanism of action.
