Subacute and Chronic Spinal Cord Injury: A Scoping Review of Epigenetics and Secondary Health Conditions

Epigenetics Insights, 2023 · DOI: 10.1177/25168657231205679 · Published: September 11, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Participation Genetics

Simple Explanation

Epigenetics involves changes in gene expression without altering the DNA sequence itself. These changes can be influenced by environmental factors and behaviors. Neuroepigenetics applies these concepts specifically to neurons, where modifications aren't passed down to future cells, but the core regulatory mechanisms remain the same. This review examines the state of epigenetics research related to secondary health conditions (SHCs) following spinal cord injury (SCI), highlighting the need for more studies in this area.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

23 articles

Evidence Level

Review

Key Findings

1
The review found that most studies focused on histone modification and DNA methylation as epigenetic mechanisms in SCI, primarily in animal models.
2
Many studies examined central nervous system regeneration, with limited research on clinically relevant secondary health conditions like neuropathic pain.
3
Key genes, proteins, and pathways like BDNF, GDNF, NGF, HDAC1, NF-kappaB, and JAK-STAT were identified across studies, suggesting their critical role in epigenetic regulation of biological processes after SCI.

Research Summary

This scoping review examines the state of the science in epigenetics and secondary complications following SCI. The review identified 23 articles that investigated SCI and examined epigenetic regulation as part of the study methodology. The studies primarily focused on histone modification and DNA methylation in animal models, with a significant emphasis on CNS regeneration rather than secondary health conditions. The review highlights the need for more studies that leverage epigenetic methods to identify prognostic biomarkers in SHCs and develop better preclinical models that reflect the heterogeneity found in the clinical population of persons with SCI.

Practical Implications

Translational Research

More translational research is needed to translate findings from bench to bedside, impacting patient outcomes.

Precision Health

There is a need to examine the potential of clinically applied precision health within rehabilitation for individuals living with SCI and managing SCI-associated SHCs.

Biomarker Identification

Identification and use of prognostic biomarkers are major steps in developing decision trees, predictive tools, personalized interventions, and treatments.

Study Limitations

1
Most studies focus on acute or subacute post-SCI phase
2
Lack of studies examining gene expression changes in chronic SCI
3
Preclinical models of SCI were genotypically and phenotypically similar, which is not reflective of the heterogeneity found in the clinical population of persons with SCI

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