Breakthrough in foetus brain injuryRSS Feed

Researchers have discovered that the brain injury suffered by foetuses in the womb when they are deprived of oxygen is not a random process.

A study at The Scripps Research Institute revealed that the brain injury is linked to the specific action of naturally occurring fatty molecule LPA.

This takes place through a receptor which typically transfers information into brain cells.

According to researchers, this suggests that LAP could be linked to the brain injury in foetuses.

If so, this could lead to new treatments for the condition, lessening the number of cases of epilepsy, schizophrenia, autism, cerebral palsy and other problems linked to oxygen deprivation in the womb.

Scripps Research Professor Jerold Chunn commented: "Because this pathway can be targeted with drugs, the discovery suggests that creating new medicines that target LPA receptors may be a way of limiting or preventing serious developmental brain diseases."

In other news, scientists at the Gladstone Institutes have successfully transformed human skin cells into functional brain cells, potentially helping those with a number of brain injury conditions.

News brought to you by Serious Law specialists in brain injury

Posted by Timothy Walters
 

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