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Scientists Probe Genetics Of Brain Vulnerability
January 10, 2003Researchers at the University of Edinburgh are investigating why people with a specific genetic makeup are more likely to develop brain disease and less likely to make a good recovery from head injury. The study has important implications for those with the particular brain protein who choose to take part in potentially dangerous contact sports such as ice hockey, football, rugby and boxing.
One third of the population carries the specific form of brain protein (APOE-4) which is known to be associated with higher danger both of developing dementia and also of recovering less well from a head injury. At present, there are few effective treatments for brain injury and damage and there is poor understanding of the underlying mechanisms involved. The Edinburgh scientists aim to understand why people with APOE-4 protein are more vulnerable to the effects of brain injury and diseases.
Dr Karen Horsburgh of the Centre for Neuroscience Research, said: "In the United Kingdom more than 100,000 people are admitted to hospital each year with head injury, and there are an estimated 100,000 head injury survivors with persistent handicap-many of these are young people. A history of previous head injury is also a major risk factor in developing Alzheimer's disease, the cause of the majority of cases of dementia. Alzheimer's affects 5% of the population over the age of 65 and 20% of those aged over 80, so it is seen as a growing problem in an ageing society.
"Brain cells slowly deteriorate and die as part of normal ageing but this process is accelerated in Alzheimer's disease and also as a result of a brain injury such as stroke or head injury. Those with APOE-4 have a greater risk than normal of developing dementia. We also believe that young people carrying APOE-4 will make a worse recovery from head injury, perhaps because of a reduced capacity for brain repair. This research therefore has implications for doctors treating patients with brain injury, stroke or dementia and strategies for patient care."
Dr Horsburgh and her colleague Professor James McCulloch will spend five years studying the links between APOE-4 and brain injury and disease, supported by a Wellcome Trust grant of £348, 000.
Edinburgh, University of
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