Turkish Neurosurgery
The Healing Effect Of Digoxin On Peripheral Nerve Damage and Its Relation to IL-17/IL-10
Gokhan Gurkan1, Mumin Alper Erdogan2, Gokhan Karahan3, Huseyin Kaya4, Gurkan Yıgıtturk5, Ceren Kizmazoglu6, Oytun Erbas7
1Izmir Katip Celebi University Atatürk Training and Research Hospital, Neurosurgery, Izmir,
2Izmir Katip Celebi University, Physiology, Izmir,
3Bozyaka Training and Research Hospital, Orthopedics and Traumatology, Izmir,
4Ege University, Orthopedics and Traumatology, Izmir,
5Sitki Kocman University, Histology, Mugla,
6Dokuz Eylul University, Neurosurgery, Izmir,
7Bilim University, Physiology, Istanbul,
DOI: 10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.38233-22.3

Aim:Peripheral nerve damage mainly develops after mechanical trauma, and microenvironment impairment after damage delays the healing process. Additionally, digoxin is a glycoside with proven anti-inflammatory activity. Thus, this study aimed to demonstrate the curative effect of digoxin on peripheral nerve damage with its anti-inflammatory role on interleukin (IL)-17.Material and Methods:The study was conducted with 30 male Sprague Dawley albino mature rats, of which 10 formed the control group, 10 were surgically treated and administered saline (group S), and another 10 were surgically treated and administered digoxin (group D). Motor functions and immunohistochemical and biochemical variables of the rats were assessed after therapy.Results:The amplitude of the inclined plane test scores and the compound muscle action potential levels were greater in group D than in group S. Likewise, there were higher nerve growth factor percentages, higher axon counts, and lower fibrosis score percentages in group D than is group S. Lastly, lower tissue malondialdehyde and plasma IL-17 levels were determined in group D, while the IL-10 level was higher.Conclusion:Digoxin contributes to nerve healing and neuroprotective effect by demonstrating its anti-inflammatory effect on IL-17. It can be considered an adjunctive therapy for peripheral nerve injury.

Corresponding author : Gokhan Gurkan