Efficacy and mechanisms of concentrated growth factor on facial nerve rehabilitation in a rabbit model

Abstract

Accelerated rehabilitation following facial nerve injury presents unique clinical challenges. This study evaluates the therapeutic effects of concentrated growth factor (CGF) on facial nerve recovery in a rabbit model and on RSC96 Schwann cells. Characterization of the CGF membrane (CGFM) revealed a three-dimensional fibrin network with embedded platelets, and representative growth factors, including TGF-β1, PDGF-BB, IGF-1, bFGF, and VEGF, were detected. In vivo, the Crush + CGFM group exhibited enhanced axon and myelin regeneration, increased Schwann cell proliferation, and improved facial nerve function compared to the Crush group. In vitro, CGF treatment significantly promoted the proliferation and migration of RSC96 cells and facilitated axon elongation in NG108-15 cells compared to controls. Mechanistically, CGF treatment led to a significant increase in PDGFRβ phosphorylation. Inhibition of this pathway with SU16f decreased Schwann cell activity and hindered overall nerve rehabilitation. These results underscore CGF's potential to accelerate nerve repair by promoting axon and myelin regeneration and enhancing Schwann cell biological activity, with the PDGFRβ pathway playing a crucial regulatory role. This study highlights CGF as a promising therapeutic strategy for improving facial nerve rehabilitation.