Association of a2-HS Glycoprotein with Neurogenic Heterotopic Ossification in Patients with Spinal Cord Injury

Medical Science Monitor, 2017 · DOI: 10.12659/MSM.904626 · Published: November 12, 2017

Spinal Cord Injury Neurology Musculoskeletal Medicine

Simple Explanation

This study aimed to find a connection between a specific protein in the blood, called a2-HS glycoprotein, and the development of abnormal bone growth (neurogenic heterotopic ossification or NHO) in individuals who have suffered a spinal cord injury (SCI). The researchers compared the levels of a2-HS glycoprotein in SCI patients who developed NHO with those who did not. They also looked at other substances in the blood, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), D-dimer, and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP). The results suggested that lower levels of a2-HS glycoprotein might be linked to the formation of NHO in SCI patients. This finding could mean that a2-HS glycoprotein could potentially serve as a marker to identify individuals at risk of developing NHO after SCI.

Study Duration

January 2011 to January 2012

Participants

75 patients (67 male) with paraplegia caused by spinal cord injury

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
SCI patients with NHO exhibited significantly lower levels of a2-HS glycoprotein compared to those without NHO.
2
SCI patients with NHO showed significantly elevated levels of serum calcium, D-dimer, BMP, and CRP compared to those without NHO.
3
The degree of maturity of NHO did not affect the level of a2-HS glycoprotein.

Research Summary

This study investigated the relationship between a2-HS glycoprotein levels and neurogenic heterotopic ossification (NHO) in spinal cord injury (SCI) patients. The study found that decreased levels of a2-HS glycoprotein in SCI patients were associated with the formation of NHO. Multivariate analysis indicated that serum a2-HS glycoprotein levels were correlated with CRP and spasticity.

Practical Implications

Risk Factor Identification

A decreased level of a2-HS glycoprotein might be a risk factor for NHO in patients with SCI.

Early Monitoring and Diagnosis

The findings may have potential benefits for patients with SCI through early monitoring and diagnosis of NHO.

Potential Therapeutic Target

Further research could explore a2-HS glycoprotein as a potential therapeutic target for preventing or treating NHO in SCI patients.

Study Limitations

1
The sample size in this study is relatively small.
2
Further well-designed clinical studies with larger sample sizes are needed.
3
Long-term follow-up are needed to elucidate the actual role of a2-HS glycoprotein in NHO.

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