Nerve Regeneration

   CONTENTS  

Advances in the regeneration of peripheral nerves

The Research Group on Nerve Regeneration promotes investigations of peripheral nerves and their regenerative power from the points of view of basic, pre-clinical, and clinical science. The studies began in 2004, when doctor and group leader Jefferson Braga da Silva led a successful surgery for the regeneration of peripheral nerve (forearm) lesions in patients with the use of their cellular material.

Using the new procedures, the researchers demonstrated that the mononuclear cells regenerate nervous tissues more rapidly and with better quality compared to an isolation technique with a silicone tube. The rate of success of the surgeries is attributed to the autologous material (patient’s own material), reducing the possibility of rejection, and the important assistance of growth factors that this cellular tissue provides for nerve regeneration. It was from these studies that the research migrated to the use of growth factors in peripheral nerve regeneration.

A partnership is maintained with the Schools of Chemistry and Physics of PUCRS, with the goal of advancing research to develop a polymer that is compatible with the repair of peripheral nerves.

Based on an international agreement, established in the year 2010 with the University of Montpellier, professors and undergraduate and graduate students (doctorate or post-doctorate) perform exchanges with the Montpellier Neuroscience Institute (France). This agreement establishes scientific cooperation in basic, pre-clinical, and clinical research.

Scientific production is consolidated with dissertations and theses, directed by the six faculty researchers that make up the group, mainly focusing on regenerative medicine. Studied topics cover the regeneration of bone, muscles, skin, nerves, and tendons. There are a total of 105 people working in the network, including 28 graduate students and 32 undergraduate students.