Evaluation of the Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection After Recurrent Nerve Injury in Rats

Area of Science:

• Regenerative Medicine
• Neurosurgery
• Biomaterials

Background:

• Recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injuries during thyroidectomy can lead to persistent hoarseness, dysphagia, and dyspnea.
• Current surgical repair of the RLN offers slow and incomplete nerve healing.
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), a concentration of growth factors, shows potential in accelerating tissue regeneration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the therapeutic efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in conjunction with surgical repair for recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injuries.
• To assess the impact of PRP on nerve healing and functional recovery following RLN transection in a rodent model.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-eight male Wistar albino rats underwent recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) transection, allocated into four groups: primary repair only, no repair, primary repair with PRP injection, and PRP injection without repair.
• Functional assessment included pre- and post-operative laryngoscopy and electromyography (EMG).
• Histopathological analysis evaluated Schwann cell count, axonal damage, and Ki-67 (cell proliferation marker) staining intensity.

Main Results:

• Electromyography (EMG) demonstrated significantly higher amplitudes in the group receiving both primary repair and PRP injection (Group 3) at 3 and 6 weeks post-surgery.
• Histopathological examination revealed increased Schwann cell counts and Ki-67 staining in Group 3, indicating enhanced cell proliferation.
• Axonal damage and cytoplasmic vacuolization were minimized in the PRP-treated group compared to other groups.

Conclusions:

• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection, combined with primary nerve repair, significantly promotes the healing of injured recurrent laryngeal nerves (RLNs).
• PRP enhances Schwann cell proliferation and accelerates nerve axon regeneration, leading to improved functional outcomes in a rodent model.