Objective
The aim of this study was to investigate the regenerative effects of alpha lipoic acid on the recovery of sciatic nerve crush injury (SNCI) in rats.
Design
This was a randomized, experimental, and sham-controlled study. The sciatic nerves of 28 rats in four groups were traumatized for 60 secs: G1, sham operated + saline; G2, SNCI + saline; G3, SNCI + alpha lipoic acid 50 mg/kg/day; and G4, SNCI + alpha lipoic acid 100 mg/kg/day. Sciatic functional index values were measured on day 0, 1, 7, 14, 21, and 28. Sciatic nerve stimulation threshold values were recorded on day 1, 14, and 28. End-point histopathologic evaluation was conducted.
Results
The mean sciatic functional index value of G2 but not G3/G4 on day 7 was significantly lower than on day 0 (P = 0.035, P = 0.447/P = 0.800). The mean sciatic functional index value of G2 but not G3/G4 increased significantly between day 7 and 14 (P = 0.035, P = 0.447/P = 0.438). The day 14 mean sciatic nerve stimulation threshold values of G3/G4 but not G2 were decreased significantly compared with those on day 1 (P = 0.022/P = 0.022, P = 0.933). The mean sciatic nerve stimulation threshold values of G3/G4 on day 14 were similar to those on day 0 (P = 0.106/P = 0.418). Regeneration in muscle and nerve connective tissues and nerve structures was observed in G3/G4. Inflammation in the muscle and nerve tissues of G4 was suppressed down to similar levels of G1. Myelinated nerve fibers were less degenerated in G3/G4.
Conclusion
Alpha lipoic acid has the potential to accelerate the process of nerve healing in the context of SNCI in rats.
Pregabalin is commonly used for the treatment of neuropathic pain and is attributed to adverse effects of peripheral vasodilation and peripheral edema. Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) is characterized by choroidal fluid leaks from choroidal vessels under the retina, causing focal retinal detachment with macular vision loss. Herein, we report two cases admitted to our clinic with vision loss while under pregabalin treatment. Upon eye examination, both patients were diagnosed with acute CSCR. Pregabalin treatment was discontinued upon the diagnosis of CSCR. We consider that the use of pregabalin in the presented two cases may be the causal effect of the CSCR diagnosis, as pathophysiology of CSCR is in parallel with the edema-related adverse effects of pregabalin.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of spasticity on glucose metabolism and percentage of fat-free mass (FFM%) in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI).
Patients and methods: A total of 33 patients (22 males, 11 females; mean age: 38.6±12.5 years; range, 20 to 64 years) with SCI defined by the American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale Grades A to D were included between September 2014 and May 2018. We assessed spasticity with the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) and evaluated spasms with the Penn Spasm Frequency Scale (PSFS). We assessed the glucose metabolism by calculating the Matsuda and HOMA-IR index, and measured FFM% by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.
Results: Fourteen patients had motor complete, and 19 had motor incomplete SCI. The neurological injury levels of the patients were C4-T12. There was a positive correlation between hip adductor muscle MAS and trunk, android, and gynoid FFM% and between hip extensor muscle MAS and android FFM% in patients with motor complete SCI. Hip extensor and knee flexor muscle MAS showed a negative correlation with the HOMA-IR. Hip adductor and extensor muscle MAS, as well as knee flexor and extensor muscle MAS, had a positive correlation with the Matsuda index in these patients. There was a positive correlation between knee extensor muscle MAS and gynoid FFM% and between PSFS and arms, trunk, gynoid, and total FFM% in patients with motor incomplete SCI. There was a negative correlation between hip adductor and extensor muscle MAS, PSFS, and level of fasting glucose in these patients.
Conclusion: This study supports the notion that spasticity has positive effects on the FFM% and glucose metabolism in patients with motor complete and incomplete SCI.
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