Determining parameters of the Obestatin/GPR39 system action in the peripheral nervous system

Abstract

Peripheral nerve injury is a high-incidence clinical problem, significantly affecting the patient’s life quality and causing an enormous socioeconomic burden. It still stands as one of the most challenging tasks in neurosurgery, as functional neuromuscular recovery is rarely satisfactory. Accordingly, the improvement of surgical techniques and the clinical application of innovative therapies have been intensively studied worldwide. In this scenario, the present study involves the obestatin/GPR39 system in the improvement of the peripheral nerve repair, by enhancing both neuroprotection and remyelination, and thus the regeneration of the damaged nerve, counteracting the severe loss of function and the atrophy of the innervated muscle. Consequently, obestatin is postulated as a potential therapeutic agent for peripheral nervous system regeneration.