Serum and cerebrospinal fluid tau protein level as biomarkers for evaluating acute spinal cord injury severity and motor function outcome

Neural Regen Res, 2019 · DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.249238 · Published: May 1, 2019

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine Bioinformatics

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the potential of tau protein as a biomarker for spinal cord injury (SCI) severity and motor function outcome. The researchers measured tau protein levels in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of rats with varying degrees of SCI. They found a correlation between tau protein levels and the severity of SCI, suggesting its potential as a biomarker.

Study Duration

28 days

Participants

160 female Sprague-Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Tau protein levels in serum and CSF increased rapidly after SCI, peaking at 12 hours.
2
A positive linear correlation was found between tau protein levels and SCI severity.
3
Tau protein levels at 12 hours were negatively correlated with locomotor rating scale scores at 28 days.

Research Summary

This study investigated the relationship between tau protein levels in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and the severity and functional outcome of traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats. The study found that tau protein levels increased significantly after SCI, peaking at 12 hours, and were positively correlated with the severity of the injury. The researchers concluded that tau protein levels in serum and CSF may be a promising biomarker for predicting the severity and functional outcome of traumatic SCI.

Practical Implications

Diagnostic Tool

Tau protein levels in serum and CSF could be used as a biomarker to evaluate the severity of SCI in the acute phase.

Prognostic Indicator

Monitoring tau protein levels may help predict locomotor function outcomes after SCI.

Therapeutic Target

Further research could explore the use of microtubule stabilizers to prevent abnormal tau release and improve function after traumatic SCI.

Study Limitations

1
Further studies in patients with varying degrees of SCI are needed.
2
Associations between immune cells and tau protein following central nervous system damage need exploration.
3
The study was conducted on rats, and the results may not be directly applicable to humans.

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