UCLA biologists have discovered how head injuries adversely affect individual cells and genes, leading to serious brain disorders. According to a UCLA news report, when a traumatic brain injury affects the hippocampus—the area of the brain that controls learning and memory—life scientists can provide a virtual map of it.
As part of this study, researchers studied over 6,000 cells in 15 hippocampal cell types. Each cell has the same DNA, but the genes will vary in different cell types. This gave them a detailed understanding of brain injuries’ impact.
What the Study Revealed
The biologists found that hundreds of genes are adversely affected by mild traumatic brain injuries such as concussions. These altered genes, they found, could later lead to Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and other diseases. The researchers essentially reproduced a concussion-like brain injury in mice, comparing them to other mice that had not received brain injuries. The researchers then analyzed thousands of cells in the hippocampus of both groups of mice.
They discovered evidence showing that brain trauma negatively affects at least 12 out of 15 cell types, some more so than others. They were able to observe how certain genes that have been associated with Alzheimer’s disease behaved in various cell types, which revealed new information about how these genes behave when they experience brain trauma.
Biologists have discovered for the first time that traumatic brain injury, which is currently associated with neurotic behavior in humans, affects a number of genes. Traumatic brain injury has also been linked to other mental conditions such as depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia. The findings could lead to new treatments for these conditions.
Living with a Traumatic Brain Injury
Head injuries could occur as a result of everyday events such as auto accidents, slip-and-fall or trip-and-fall accidents, contact sports, or due to acts of violence. Regardless of how these head injuries occur, they can leave individuals with lifelong disabilities. Recent studies have shown that even concussions that were previously believed to be “milder” traumatic brain injuries can result in permanent and irreversible damage to brain cells.
Suppose you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing. In that case, you may be able to seek compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, permanent injury, loss of earning capacity, disability, pain and suffering and emotional distress. An experienced brain injury lawyer will be able to help you better understand your legal rights and options.
Source: http://newsroom.ucla.edu/releases/ucla-cell-study-reveals-how-head-injuries-lead-to-serious-brain-diseases
