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December 2007
Children's Research Institute News Brief
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Bernard L. Maria, MD, MBA
Executive Director
Darby Children's
Research Inst. |
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Inderjit Singh, PhD
Scientific Director
Darby Children's
Research Inst. |
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Study shows statins could help treat traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries
DCRI investigators studying brain and spinal cord injuries have found a promising new treatment that could be relevant to patients suffering from sports injuries, shaken baby syndrome, war-related injuries and other traumas.
"We previously determined that Lipitor (atorvastatin, or AT) provided protection before trauma, but traumas are unpredictable," says Dr. Inderjit Singh of the Department of Pediatrics. Pioneering research by Dr. Singh and fellow researchers in the Center for Developmental Neurological Disorders used cholesterol-lowering drugs to successfully control neuro-inflammatory conditions including multiple sclerosis, stroke and Alzheimers.
The group then set out to investigate AT's post-injury efficacy in treating spinal cord injuries.
The results of their study show that post-trauma Lipitor atorvastatin (AT) treatment prevents endothelial dysfunction, facilitates neuroprotection and promotes locomotor recovery following spinal cord injury.
"To our surprise, we found a major benefit for spinal cord and brain injuries," says Dr. Singh. Researchers proved that animals models that were not treated with AT remained paralyzed, while those treated with statins gained locomotive functions. The study's encouraging results have been confirmed by numerous studies coming out of other research centers worldwide, he explains.
"This is extremely relevant, since there is no standard drug available for spinal cord and brain injuries at this time."
Since brain and spinal cord injuries are a major cause of disability, Dr. Singh says he expects the results of the study to have critical therapeutic value.
"These types of injuries are a major issue for many; for example, for the Department of Defense, because although soldiers wear protective helmets and/or are protected in specialized vehicles, they still suffer injuries when thrown in blasts and explosions."
The statins could decrease the damage from such injuries significantly. "These drugs are effective when used to treat patients before and up to six hours after an injury."
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