Control‑released basic fibroblast growth factor‑loaded poly‑lactic‑co‑glycolic acid microspheres promote sciatic nerve regeneration in rats

Although peripheral nerve injury may result in a loss of function in innervated areas, the most effective method for nerve regeneration remains to be determined. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of control‑released basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)‑loaded poly‑lactic‑co‑glycolic acid (PLGA) microspheres on sciatic nerve regeneration following injury in rats. bFGF‑PLGA microspheres were prepared and their characteristics were evaluated. The sciatic nerve was segmentally resected to create a 10 mm defect in 36 Sprague Dawley (SD) rats and, following the anastomosis of the nerve ends with a silicone tube, bFGF‑PLGA microspheres, free bFGF or PBS were injected into the tube (n=12 in each group). The outcome of nerve regeneration was evaluated using the sciatic function index (SFI), electrophysiological test and histological staining at 6 weeks and 12 weeks post‑surgery. The bFGF‑PLGA microspheres were successfully synthesized with an encapsulation efficiency of 66.43%. The recovery of SFI and electrophysiological values were significantly greater (P<0.05), and morphological and histological observations were significantly greater (P<0.05) in bFGF‑PLGA microspheres and bFGF groups compared with those in the PBS group, and the quickest recovery was observed in the bFGF‑PLGA microspheres group. In conclusion, the bFGF‑PLGA microspheres may promote nerve regeneration and functional recovery in the sciatic nerve, and may have potential therapeutic applications in peripheral nerve regeneration.