Circulating PAMM, a novel antioxidant and anti‑inflammatory protein, is elevated in acute SCI

J Transl Med, 2020 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12967-020-02304-0 · Published: March 14, 2020

Spinal Cord Injury Genetics Bioinformatics

Simple Explanation

This study investigates a novel protein called PAMM, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, in the context of acute spinal cord injury (SCI). The researchers hypothesized that PAMM levels might change in individuals with acute SCI due to the oxidative stress and neuroinflammation associated with such injuries. The study involved measuring PAMM levels in adults with and without acute traumatic SCI to determine if there was a significant difference in circulating PAMM expression between the two groups. The findings suggest that PAMM could potentially serve as a biomarker for neurological injury or as an indicator of the body's natural anti-inflammatory responses following such an injury.

Study Duration

Between December 10, 2012 and September 30, 2013

Participants

105 men and women (54 with SCI and 51 without SCI)

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Participants with motor complete SCI showed the greatest change in PAMM levels compared to able-bodied individuals, with a statistically significant difference.
2
The study model, adjusting for BMI, age, and gender, explained 26% of the variation in circulating PAMM levels.
3
The results suggest that PAMM may serve as a novel biomarker of neurological injury or of native anti-inflammatory responses to neurological injury.

Research Summary

This study assessed factors associated with circulating PAMM levels in adults with acute, traumatic SCI and in adults without SCI. Factors associated with PAMM levels varied based on the presence or absence of acute SCI. The lack of validated biomarkers for spinal cord injury is a major limitation. PAMM may be a biomarker of injury severity in acute SCI and a novel prognostic biomarker of neurological recovery in acute SCI. In this study, researchers report that PAMM is a candidate circulating biomarker of acute, traumatic SCI. They hypothesize that adipose tissue is the source of circulating PAMM.

Practical Implications

Biomarker for Injury Severity

PAMM could potentially serve as a biomarker of injury severity in acute SCI, aiding in clinical assessments.

Prognostic Biomarker

PAMM may also be a novel prognostic biomarker of neurological recovery in acute SCI, potentially identifying those who will experience neurological recovery.

Therapeutic Target

Given its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, PAMM may represent a potential therapeutic target for interventions aimed at mitigating secondary injury mechanisms after SCI.

Study Limitations

1
Relatively small sample size
2
Few women in the study
3
Mechanisms leading to increased circulating PAMM levels after traumatic SCI are unclear

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