Stromal vascular fraction combined with silicone rubber chamber improves sciatic nerve regeneration in diabetes

<italic>Purpose:</italic> To study the effects of transplantation of characterized uncultured stromal vascular fraction (SVF) on sciatic nerve regeneration. <italic>Methods:</italic> A 10-mm sciatic nerve defect was bridged using a silicone conduit filled with SVF. In control group, silicone conduit was filled with phosphate-buffered saline alone. In sham-operated group, the sciatic nerve was only exposed and manipulated. The regenerated nerve fibers were studied 8 and 12 weeks after surgery. <italic>Results:</italic> Behavioral and functional studies confirmed faster recovery of regenerated axons in SVF transplanted animals than in control group (p < 0.05). Gastrocnemius muscle mass in SVF transplanted animal was found to be significantly more than that in control group. Morphometric indices of the regenerated fibers showed the number and diameter of the myelinated fibers to be significantly higher in SVF transplanted animals than in control group. In immunohistochemistry, the location of reactions to S-100 in SVF transplanted animals was clearly more positive than that in control group. <italic>Conclusion:</italic> SVF transplantation combined with silicone conduit could be considered as a readily accessible source of stromal cells that improves functional recovery of sciatic nerve. It may have clinical implications for the surgical management of acute diabetic patients after facial nerve transection.