Plasmid-based gene therapy with hepatocyte growth factor stimulates peripheral nerve regeneration after traumatic injury

Treatment by pC4W-hHGF led to restoration of nerve structure and functional recovery compared to similar parameters in control animals. Compound action potentials (CAP) in experimental groups treated with 100 or 200 μg of pC4W-hHGF demonstrated increased amplitude and latency decrease compared to spontaneous recovery control group. In HGF-treated mice histological analysis showed a three-fold increase in axon number in nerve portion located distal to the lesion site compared to control. Moreover, significant functional recovery of n. peroneus communis triggered by pC4W-hHGF gene therapy was observed using the footprints analysis. Obtained results provide evidence for plasmid-based HGF gene therapy as a potential treatment for traumatic injury of peripheral nerve.