Evaluation of the effects of different doses of Zinc L-carnosine on healing in an experimental sciatic nerve damage model in rats

Uysal S. Evaluation of the Effects of Different Doses of Zinc L-Carnosine on Recovery in Experimental Sciatic Nerve Injury in Rats. Van Yüzüncü Yıl University, Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Master's Thesis, Van, 2025. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical, biochemical, and histopathological effects of different oral doses of Zinc L-Carnosine on nerve regeneration in a rat model of sciatic nerve axonotmesis. A total of 28 female Wistar albino rats were used. Following general anesthesia, the right hind limb of each rat was aseptically prepared, and axonotmesis-type injury was induced by compressing the sciatic nerve with forceps for 30 seconds. Rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=7 per group): control (GrpK), 10 mg/kg (Grp10), 20 mg/kg (Grp20), and 40 mg/kg (Grp40) Zinc L-Carnosine treatment. GrpK received 2 cc of 10% Tween-80 orally. Zinc L-Carnosine was dissolved in 10% Tween-80 and administered orally once daily for 30 days. The doses caused no signs of toxicity. The Sciatic Functional Index (SFI) test was performed on days 1, 14, and 30, and footprints were analyzed using ImageJ software. Body weights were monitored weekly for dose adjustment. On day 30, rats were sacrificed under general anesthesia, and blood samples were collected. Macroscopic evaluation of the incision site and nerve adhesions was performed. Sciatic nerves were collected for histopathological analysis. Although no statistically significant difference was found between groups in SFI scores or serum zinc levels (p>0.05), within-group differences were significant (p<0.05). Histopathological evaluation revealed minimal regeneration and neovascularization and severe fibrosis, inflammation, and vacuolization in GrpK and Grp10. In Grp20 and Grp40, regeneration was highest, with reduced fibrosis and vacuolization. Grp40 showed the lowest inflammation and the highest neovascularization. These findings suggest that 40 mg/kg is the most effective dose in promoting sciatic nerve regeneration. Overall, Zinc L-Carnosine appears to reduce inflammation and enhance regeneration in axonotmesis-type peripheral nerve injury. Keywords: Axonotmesis, Regeneration, Sciatic Nerve, Zinc L-Carnosine