What Frozen Frogs and TBI Potentially Have In Common
July 07, 2022
The answer to that question is that they can induce a state of hypometabolism. This happens when an organism shuts down some of its biological processes not needed immediately for survival.
The most exciting part of the latest research into finding ways to help those who suffer from a traumatic brain injury involves examining how various organisms have evolved to survive periods of dehydration, low oxygen levels, and freezing temperatures. These conditions would kill a human brain, but somehow, frogs and other forms of animals do not sustain brain damage. The million-dollar question is, “Why don’t their brains sustain lethal damage?”
To survive a difficult period in a frog’s life, or that of bears, ground squirrels, or naked mole rats, they induce a state of hypometabolism. Metabolic rate depression ensures a survival strategy for many animal species and is a common hibernation element.
Researchers are examining the types and levels of microRNA in the brain tissues of various animals, attempting to discover how their molecules change gene expression, ensuring the survival of critical neurons that help the brain survive. This is where the wood frog comes into the scientific mix. It can survive, while completely frozen, for long periods but does not sustain brain damage.
Research indicates that microRNAs may be involved in offering neuroprotection from an ischemic brain injury that happens when blood flow to the brain is stopped or reduced. Other studies discovered that multiple microRNAs reduced or suppressed response to a stimulus, such as dehydration.
In naked mole rats, it was found that microRNAs coordinated defenses to protect neurons that helped them tolerate reduced oxygen, also referred to as hypoxia. Overall, the studies to this point are indications that the microRNAs are vitally important in maintaining the brain of these animals. Extrapolated from this research is the hope that these findings are, at some point, applicable in human medicine. If there was another method to prevent brain damage, this could save many human lives.
While this may seem far-fetched, microRNAs are being applied now in the medical field to treat pathogenic and genetic diseases. There are also several microRNAs therapeutics that are in clinical and preclinical trials.
VA benefits are a well-deserved and earned benefit. If you have run into difficulties seeking veteran’s benefits, Legal Help For Veterans is here to help. We are a nationwide VA Disability law firm that assists veterans and their family members in federal VA benefit matters.
Legal Help for Veterans PLLC has a national practice representing veterans from across the country. We have helped veterans collect over $30,000,000 annually in future and retroactive benefits.