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The Role of NAD? in Peripheral Nerve Regeneration: A Systematic Review of Preclinical Studies
Alexander Hayek, BSA
1, Majeed Saad, BS
1, Evan J Hernandez, BS, MBA
2, Kadi Cooley, MD
1, Tammam Hanna, MD
1, Anceslo Idicula, MS, MD
3; Brendan J MacKay, MD
2(1)Texas Tech University Health Science Center School of Medicine, Lubbock, TX, (2)University Medical Center, Lubbock, TX, (3)Texas Tech Health Sciences, Lubbock, TX
Introduction:
Peripheral neuropathies, often resulting from trauma or systemic disease, present significant challenges in clinical recovery. NAD?, a coenzyme involved in redox reactions and cellular repair, has shown neuroprotective potential in neurodegenerative conditions. This study aims to systematically evaluate the role of NAD? and its analogs in promoting peripheral nerve regeneration in animal models.
Methods:
A systematic review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar databases with queries targeting "peripheral nerve regeneration" and NAD? or its analogs. Articles were screened for relevance, with inclusion criteria requiring the use of NAD? or analogs in rodent models with induced peripheral nerve injury. Studies were excluded if they focused on non-peripheral nerves, unrelated diseases, or utilized treatment other than NAD+. After duplicate removal and full-text review, 12 studies were selected.
Results: Of the 12 studies, 75% utilized mice for their rodent models. Physical damage was the most common induced neuropathy (50%), where drugs and protein mutation were both the second (33.3%). Regarding treatment, 75% of studies utilized multiple options, with NMN (precursor to NAD+) being the most common (58.3%). The sciatic nerve was the most commonly tested nerve as an indication for peripheral neuropathies (25%). 8 studies (66.7%) reported improvement of symptoms (pain, motor function, vision, etc), where delayed degeneration and/or demyelination was the second most reported outcome (33.3%) when treating peripheral neuropathy with NAD+ or its analogs.
Discussion and Conclusion:
Preclinical studies suggest NAD? and its analogs enhance peripheral nerve regeneration through multiple neuroprotective mechanisms. While results are promising, heterogeneity in methods and endpoints highlights the need for standardized protocols. These findings provide a foundation for future translational research in human peripheral neuropathy and nerve injury management.
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