Astaxanthin-folic acid combined treatment potentiates neuronal regeneration and functional recovery after brachial plexus avulsion and reimplantation

Brachial plexus avulsion (BPA) is a severe injury that disrupts nerve connections between the spinal cord and the body, leading to loss of movement and sensation. This study explores using astaxanthin (AST) and folic acid (FC) to help nerves regenerate after BPA. AST is a powerful antioxidant, and FC can reduce inflammation. Researchers tested whether combining these could improve recovery in rats with BPA. The study found that the combination of AST and FC helped reduce damage to nerve cells, promoted nerve regeneration, and improved motor function in the affected limbs of rats after BPA.

• 1
  AST-FC combined therapy effectively alleviated oxidative stress and the inflammatory response in the acute phase of BPA.
• 2
  AST-FC treatment increased the survival rate of neurons after brachial plexus avulsion.
• 3
  The combined treatment promoted neuronal regeneration and recovery of motor functions in the late stage of BPA.