Assessing Median Nerve Regeneration in Rodent Models– A Systematic Review
Abstract:
Peripheral nerve
injuries (PNI), particularly median nerve injuries, lead to significant motor
and sensory impairments, affecting daily function and quality of life. Rodent
models are extensively used for studying nerve regeneration due to their physiological
similarity to humans. Accurate assessment of nerve regeneration is critical for
evaluating therapeutic approaches, yet existing methods lack standardization
and comprehensive analysis. A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA
guidelines, searching databases including PubMed, Google scholar and science
direct from 2013 to 2024. Inclusion criteria focused on studies using rodent
models to investigate median nerve regeneration with surgical interventions and
reporting functional, physiological, histomorphometry, or molecular outcomes. Out
of 110 studies, 13 studies were selected and reviewed. The review identified
various assessment techniques includes, Functional test evaluates motor and
sensory recovery. Electrophysiological test measure nerve conduction velocity
and muscle action potentials. Histological analyses examine nerve morphology,
myelination, and axonal regeneration. Molecular methods assess gene expression
and protein markers. A multimodal approach combining these methods provides the
most comprehensive evaluation of nerve regeneration. This systematic review
highlights the current state of median nerve regeneration in rodent models. The
results suggest that rodent models are a valuable tool for studying nerve
regeneration and evaluating potential therapeutic interventions. However, there
is a need for standardization in the methods used to assess nerve regeneration,
as well as the reporting of study results.
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