Glial fibrillary acidic protein levels are associated with global histone H4 acetylation after spinal cord injury in rats

Neural Regeneration Research, 2018 · DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.239443 · Published: November 1, 2018

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the relationship between astrocytic reactivity markers (GFAP and S100B) and global histone H4 acetylation levels following spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats. The research found that GFAP levels, but not S100B, are associated with global histone H4 acetylation levels after SCI. The study also identified distinct phases of global histone H4 acetylation levels during the first week post-SCI, suggesting potential therapeutic windows for epigenetic interventions.

Study Duration

7 days

Participants

61 male Wistar rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
GFAP, but not S100B, was associated with global histone H4 acetylation levels after SCI.
2
Global histone H4 acetylation levels exhibited a complex pattern after SCI, encompassing three phases: no changes (6-48 hours), increased levels (72 hours), and return to control levels (7 days).
3
There was a strong positive correlation between GFAP and global histone H4 acetylation levels in the undamaged animals (sham group).

Research Summary

This study investigated the relationship between GFAP/S100B markers post-SCI and the global histone H4 acetylation levels. Results indicate global histone H4 acetylation levels exhibit a complex pattern after SCI, encompassing at least three clearly defined phases. The study suggests GFAP is associated to the global histone H4 acetylation levels in remodeling spinal cord parenchyma.

Practical Implications

Biomarker Potential

H4 acetylation could be a potential biomarker for tissue remodeling after spinal cord injury.

Therapeutic Windows

Identifying the distinct phases of H4 acetylation post-SCI could help define therapeutic windows for epigenetic interventions.

GFAP as a Target

The association between GFAP and H4 acetylation suggests GFAP modulation may influence epigenetic mechanisms in SCI recovery.

Study Limitations

1
The study assessed the full tissue sample, which may influence GFAP, S100B and global H4 acetylation expression.
2
The specific cell types (astrocytes, microglia, Schwann cells, neurons or others) provoking altered GFAP, S100B or global H4 acetylation levels after SCI were not identified.
3
HDAC inhibitors would help clarify the hypothesized relationship between global H4 acetylation, GFAP and S100B levels in functional recovery.

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