Oxytocin mitigates peripheral nerve damage via Nrf2 and irisin pathway

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Regenerative Medicine
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Peripheral nerve injuries pose significant challenges to functional recovery.
• Oxytocin (OT) exhibits neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties, suggesting therapeutic potential.
• Understanding OT's mechanisms, specifically its interaction with nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and irisin pathways, is crucial for optimizing nerve repair strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of oxytocin in peripheral nerve recovery.
• To elucidate the involvement of the Nrf2 and irisin pathways in oxytocin-mediated nerve regeneration.
• To assess the therapeutic efficacy of oxytocin in a rat sciatic nerve injury model.

Main Methods:

• Sciatic nerve injury was induced in adult male Wistar rats.
• Animals were divided into control, saline, and oxytocin treatment groups.
• Nerve function was evaluated using electromyography (EMG) and inclined plane tests, alongside histological assessments, nerve growth factor (NGF) immunoexpression, axonal parameters, plasma irisin, and Nrf2 levels.

Main Results:

• Oxytocin administration significantly improved EMG parameters, inclined plane scores, and histological outcomes compared to the saline group.
• Increased NGF immunoexpression, axon diameter, and number, with reduced fibrosis, were observed in the oxytocin-treated group.
• Oxytocin treatment elevated plasma irisin, nerve NGF, and Nrf2 levels, indicating pathway activation.

Conclusions:

• Oxytocin effectively mitigates the functional and histological deficits caused by peripheral nerve injury.
• The therapeutic effects of oxytocin are associated with the upregulation of Nrf2 and irisin pathways, enhancing antioxidant defense and neurotrophic support.
• Oxytocin shows promise as a therapeutic agent for nerve injury, warranting further investigation into its molecular mechanisms and clinical applications.