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Effect of Minocycline on Traumatic Facial Nerve Injury: An Experimental Study
Bugra Celik1, Ozge Caglar Cil1, Erkan Tezcan2
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Onsekiz Mart University Medical School, Çanakkale, Türkiye.
Background:
This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of minocycline (M) and methylprednisolone (MP) in the treatment of trauma to the facial nerve (FN).
Methods:
The study was conducted on 35 male Wistar albino rats. The subjects were randomly divided into 5 groups. Buccal branches were traumatized except those in the sham group. Group 2 received 3 mg/day saline intramuscularly, the third group (M group) 90 mg/day M intraperitoneally, the fourth group (MP group) 1 mg/kg/day MP intramuscularly, the fifth group (M + MP group) 90 mg/day M intraperitoneally and 1 mg/kg/day MP treatment for 14 days. Electrophysiological tests were performed before and after the trauma, and the results were recorded. Then, the relevant nerve parts in the buccal branches of the subjects were removed and sent for histopathological examination.
Results:
The best results were observed in Group 1 and Group 5, while Group 2 had the worst results in terms of axonal diameter measurement, myelin sheath degeneration, and mast cell count parameters measured in histopathological examinations. In the electrophysiological analyses, the differences between the third week (posttreatment) and the first measured (pre-traumatic) NET (nerve excitability test) and MST (maximum stimulation test)values were observed to be significantly lower in Groups 1, 4, and 5 compared to Group 2. This was statistically significant.
Conclusion:
Positive effects on nerve fibers were observed when M was used alone and together with MP. It is suggested that M, whose effectiveness in traumatic FN injury has not been previously investigated in the literature, be used as a treatment in humans for this purpose, and that more diverse and advanced comparative studies be conducted.
Insights
Minocycline (M) and methylprednisolone (MP) show promise in treating facial nerve (FN) trauma. Combination therapy (M + MP) yielded the best results in rat models, suggesting potential human applications.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Facial nerve (FN) injuries can lead to significant functional deficits.
- Current treatment options for traumatic FN injury are limited.
- Investigating novel therapeutic agents is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of minocycline (M) and methylprednisolone (MP) in treating experimental facial nerve trauma.
- To compare the effects of M, MP, and their combination in a rat model.
Main Methods:
- 35 male Wistar albino rats underwent surgical trauma to the buccal branches of the facial nerve.
- Rats were divided into five groups: sham, saline control, minocycline (M) alone, methylprednisolone (MP) alone, and combination (M + MP).
- Electrophysiological tests (nerve excitability test [NET] and maximum stimulation test [MST]) and histopathological examinations were performed.
Main Results:
- Histopathological analysis revealed superior outcomes in axonal diameter and reduced myelin sheath degeneration in the M + MP group compared to controls.
- Electrophysiological tests showed significant improvements in NET and MST values in groups treated with M, MP, or both, compared to the saline group.
- The combination therapy (M + MP) demonstrated the most favorable results, closely followed by MP alone.
Conclusions:
- Minocycline (M), both alone and in combination with methylprednisolone (MP), positively impacts nerve fiber regeneration after facial nerve trauma.
- M represents a potential therapeutic agent for traumatic FN injury, warranting further clinical investigation.
- Advanced comparative studies are recommended to further elucidate the therapeutic potential of M and MP in FN regeneration.
