The possible protective effect of L-cysteine in a rat model of sciatic nerve ischemia-reperfusion; A possible role for NRF1 and Caspase 3 (Biochemical, Histological, Immunohistochemical study).

Organ damage brought on by ischemia is exacerbated by the reperfusion process. L-Cysteine is a semi-essential amino acid that acts as a substrate for cystathionine-β-synthase in the central nervous system. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible protective effects of L- cysteine against the structural and biochemical changes that occur in the rat sciatic nerve after ischemia reperfusion (I/R) and to address some of the underlying mechanisms of these effects. Rats were divided into 4 groups: sham, L cysteine, I/R, and L cysteine- I/R groups. Specimens of sciatic nerve were processed for biochemical, histological, and immunohistochemical assessment. The results showed in I/R group, a significant increase in malondialdehyde with a significant decrease in both Nuclear respiratory factor-1 (NRF1) and superoxide dismutase levels. Moreover, with histological alteration. There was a significant increase in the mean surface area fraction of anti-caspase immunopositive cells as well as a decrease in anti-CD 34 immunopositive cells. In contrast, the L-cysteine- I/R group showed amelioration of these biochemical, structural, and immunohistochemical changes. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study showing the protective effects of L Cysteine in sciatic nerve I/R via NRF1and caspase 3 modulation as well as telocyte activation.