The effects of FGF-2 gene therapy combined with voluntary exercise on axonal regeneration across peripheral nerve gaps

This study investigates whether combining gene therapy with exercise can improve nerve regeneration after injury. They transplanted Schwann cells, some modified to produce a growth factor called FGF-2, into nerve gaps in rats. Some rats were allowed to exercise, while others were kept sedentary. The researchers looked at the levels of certain proteins associated with nerve growth and measured how well the nerves regenerated across the gaps. They found that exercise, especially when combined with FGF-2 gene therapy, helped the nerves regenerate better. This suggests that combining these approaches could be a promising way to treat peripheral nerve injuries, potentially leading to better recovery of movement and sensation.

• 1
  Exercise for 7 days elevated mRNA levels of regeneration associated proteins (GAP-43 and synapsin I) in lumbar spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia of SC transplanted, in contrast to non-cellular reconstructed rats.
• 2
  FGF-2 gene therapy followed by 25–27 days of exercise did enhance regeneration of myelinated axons in comparison to sedentary animals.
• 3
  Four weeks after surgery mRNA levels of regeneration associated proteins were significantly higher in lumbar spinal cord of running compared to sedentary SC transplanted animals.