Effects of mecobalamin on Bax and Bcl-2 in neurons after peripheral nerve injury
Wang, D.; Zhang, P.; Li, Z.; Liu, Y.
Zhonghua Lao Dong Wei Sheng Zhi Ye Bing Za Zhi 33(11): 841-843
2015
ISSN/ISBN: 1001-9391 PMID: 26887269 Document Number: 679501
To observe the effects of mecobalamin on the expression of apoptosis-related proteins, Bax and Bcl-2, in neurons after peripheral nerve injury, and to explore the role of neuron apoptosis in peripheral nerve regeneration after injury. Thirty healthy adult male wistar rats were randomly divided into sham-operation group, model group, and mecobalamin group, with 10 rats in each group. A rat model of left sciatic nerve semi-injury was established using forceps. Rats in the mecobalamin group were fed mecobalamin, while rats in the sham-operation group and model group were given the same dose of normal saline. The protein expression of Bax and Bcl-2 in neurons was measured at 14 days after operation. A semi-quantitative analysis of Bax and Bcl-2 proteins was performed by image analysis technology. The model group had significantly increased Bax protein expression and significantly reduced Bcl-2 protein expression in spinal cord anterior horn motor neurons and ganglion sensory neurons compared with the sham-operation group (P<0.05). Compared with the model group and sham-operation group, the mecobalamin group had significantly reduced Bax protein expression and significantly increased Bcl-2 protein expression in spinal cord anterior horn motor neurons and ganglion sensory neurons (P<0.05). Mecobalamin has anti-apoptotic effect, and it contributes to neurological function recovery possibly by inhibiting the death of injured neurons.