Molecular mechanisms of traumatic brain injury in children. A review.
Despite advances in molecular biology and genetics, the precise pathophysiology of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in children is unknown. In this paper the authors review what is currently known about intra- and extracellular responses to pediatric TBI and relate these factors to future investigations. Although hyperemia and vascular congestion have long been thought to be the hallmarks of pediatric TBI, on a cellular level, calcium influx as well as modulation of local neurotransmitters appears to play a major role in its onset. Recent genetic and proteomic research has identified specific neurotrophic factors as well as apoptotic and antiapoptotic genes that appear to control the progression of inflammation and neuronal damage. The search for a therapeutic target will ultimately require a thorough understanding of these factors and their interplay on a proteomic, genomic, and neuromic level.
Jagannathan
Pavan
P
Landon School, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
Jagannathan
Jay
J
D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000628:therapy; D016923:Cell Death / Q000502:physiology; D002648:Child; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism
D009414:Nerve Growth Factors