The effect of the stem cells with ckit marker on diabetic neuropathy and the expression of miRNA-96 and Nav1.3 in the sciatic nerve of male rats

Abstract

One of the known and common complications of diabetes is diabetic neuropathy. Evidence of the positive effect of ckit-containing stem cells on neuropathy has been reported. However, there is not enough information and more research is needed in this field. Therefore, this experimental study was designed and implemented with the aim of evaluating the effect of stem cells with ckit marker on diabetic neuropathy and the expression level of miRNA-96 and Nav1.3 in the sciatic nerve of male rats. Materials and methods: In this experimental study, 48 male Wistar rats were tested in 4 groups: control, diabetic, and diabetic treated with stem cells without ckit and with ckit markers. After the induction of diabetes in rats, the desired functional outcome was measured using thermal sensitivity tests (Hot plate and Tail withdrawal latency) and the mechanical sensitivity test of van Frey filaments. Also, the expression level of miRNA-96 and Nav1.3 was measured by rt-PCR method. Sciatic nerve tissue of study rats was examined in terms of myelin sheath thickness and nerve fiber diameter. Results: Treatment with ckit-expressing stem cells has been associated with improvement in tail movement latency. Also, the threshold of mechanical sensitivity of rats treated with stem cells with ckit marker was more favorable. The level of miRNA-96 in the group treated with ckit was significantly higher than all the study groups, and conversely, the level of Nav1.3 in the group treated with ckit was the lowest. Treatment with ckit- and ckit+ stem cells significantly prevented the decrease in diameter and nerve fiber and myelin thickness due to diabetes, and this effect was more obvious in the ckit+ treatment group.