Polypathologies and animal models of traumatic brain injury

Freeman-Jones, E., Miller, W. H. , Work, L. M. and Fullerton, J. L. (2023) Polypathologies and animal models of traumatic brain injury. Brain Sciences, 13(12), 1709. (doi: 10.3390/brainsci13121709) (PMID:38137157) (PMCID:PMC10741988)

Abstract

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an important health issue for the worldwide population, as it causes long-term pathological consequences for a diverse group of individuals. We are yet to fully elucidate the significance of TBI polypathologies, such as neuroinflammation and tau hyperphosphorylation, and their contribution to the development of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and other neurological conditions. To advance our understanding of TBI, it is necessary to replicate TBI in preclinical models. Commonly used animal models include the weight drop model; these methods model human TBI in various ways and in different animal species. However, animal models have not demonstrated their clinical utility for identifying therapeutic interventions. Many interventions that were successful in improving outcomes for animal models did not translate into clinical benefit for patients. It is important to review current animal models and discuss their strengths and limitations within a TBI context. Modelling human TBI in animals encounters numerous challenges, yet despite these barriers, the TBI research community is working to overcome these difficulties. Developments include advances in biomarkers, standardising, and refining existing models. This progress will improve our ability to model TBI in animals and, therefore, enhance our understanding of TBI and, potentially, how to treat it.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Miller, Dr William and Work, Dr Lorraine and Fullerton, Dr Josie

Creator Roles

Fullerton, J.: Conceptualization, Supervision, Writing – review and editing
Miller, W.: Supervision, Writing – review and editing
Work, L.: Supervision, Writing – review and editing

• Authors: Freeman-Jones, E., Miller, W. H., Work, L. M., and Fullerton, J. L.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
• Journal Name: Brain Sciences
• Publisher: MDPI
• ISSN: 2076-3425
• ISSN (Online): 2076-3425
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2023 by the Authors
• First Published: First published in Brain Sciences 13(12):1709
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a creative commons licence

Project Code	Award No	Project Name	Principal Investigator	Funder's Name	Funder Ref	Lead Dept
308034		Cardiac-targeted exosome-mediated delivery of angiotensin-(1-7) to treat cardiac disease	Stuart Nicklin	British Heart Foundation (BHF)	PG/21/10559	SCMH - Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health