Administration of mesenchymal stem cells after rat sciatic nerve defect reconstruction with amnion tube expresses higher s100 protein

Introduction: Peripheral nerve injury is still a difficult challenge. Amnion tube construction guides the regeneration of axons in peripheral nerve injury defects. Schwann cells have an important role in the healing of nerves, characterized by the presence of S100 proteins. This study aims to assess the expression of S100 protein after reconstruction of sciatic nerve defect using amnion tube and mesenchymal stem cells. Methods: This study was an experimental study with a post-test only control group using 3-month Wistar white rats weighing 200-250 grams. Neurectomy procedure of sciatic nerve with a defect of 10 mm was performed and subjects were randomized into 2 groups: control group (n = 18) treated with amnion tube and treatment group (n = 18) treated with amnion tube combined with mesenchymal stem cells. Ten days post-treatment, S100 protein expression was examined immunohistochemically in the proximal nerve, the middle part of the amniotic tube, and the distal part. The data obtained was analyzed using SPSS. Results: Statistical analysis by Chi square test found that the expression of S100 in the nerve cells was significantly higher (P <0.05) on the proximal, middle, and distal ends in the treatment group treated with a combination of amnion tube and mesenchymal stem cells when compared to the control group given only amnion tube. Conclusion: Mesenchymal stem cells treatmentin postreconstruction of sciatic defect of rats combined with amnion tube provides better regeneration ability, characterized by higher S100 protein expression, compared to amnion tube treatment without mesenchymal stem cells.