COBRE for Skeletal Health and Repair: The Impact of Aging on the Capacity for Peripheral Nerve Regeneration

R I Med J, 2013 · DOI: · Published: January 1, 2013

Aging Neurology Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cells

Simple Explanation

Peripheral nerves are essential for motor and sensory functions. When these nerves are injured due to trauma or illness, it can lead to a loss of function. Fortunately, peripheral nerves have the capacity to regenerate, but this ability diminishes with age, reducing the potential for nerves to fully recover. The article explores how the aging process affects the ability of peripheral nerves to regenerate after an injury. It focuses on the concept of inflammaging, which is chronic, low-grade inflammation, and how it impacts the function of macrophages and Schwann cells, which are important for nerve regeneration. The review discusses potential treatments to improve nerve regeneration in older individuals by targeting key cytokines (proteins that regulate inflammation) and improving cellular function. This includes inhibiting pro-inflammatory targets and genetically altering aged Schwann cells to enhance their reparative abilities.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Review article

Key Findings

1
Inflammaging, a state of chronic, low-grade inflammation, impairs peripheral nerve maintenance and regeneration in older individuals.
2
Delayed macrophage recruitment and impaired function in aged animals contribute to the slowing of nerve regeneration.
3
Schwann cells (SCs) experience negative effects in response to an aging environment, becoming less efficient in their role of supporting peripheral nerves.

Research Summary

Nerve regeneration is a coordinated process involving cellular dedifferentiation and chemotaxis to create a healing microenvironment. Aging negatively affects this process. Aging-related factors such as chronic inflammation (inflammaging), alterations in the microenvironment, and genetic changes in Schwann cells and macrophages contribute to the decline in nerve regeneration capacity with age. Potential treatment strategies to enhance nerve regeneration in older individuals involve targeting key cytokines, improving cellular function, and considering senolytics to remove senescent cells.

Practical Implications

Targeted Therapies

Developing therapies that target specific cytokines like CCL11 and MCP-1 could improve nerve regeneration in the elderly.

Genetic Interventions

Genetic manipulation of aged Schwann cells to enhance c-Jun and p75 expression may improve their reparative abilities.

Senolytic Treatments

Using senolytics to remove senescent cells could restore Schwann cell activity and improve nerve regeneration in aged individuals.

Study Limitations

1
The review relies on existing research and may be limited by the scope and quality of available studies.
2
The reviewed studies are primarily conducted on animal models, and the findings may not directly translate to human physiology.
3
Further mechanistic studies are needed to improve the localization and targeting of treatments to ensure their safety and effectiveness in a vulnerable patient population.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Aging