Eﬀects of Growth Hormone Treatment and Rehabilitation in Incomplete Chronic Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury: Insight from Proteome Analysis

Journal of Personalized Medicine, 2020 · DOI: 10.3390/jpm10040183 · Published: October 21, 2020

Spinal Cord Injury Endocrinology Bioinformatics

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the effects of growth hormone (GH) treatment combined with rehabilitation on patients with incomplete chronic traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). The aim was to identify biomarkers that could predict a patient's response to either GH treatment or rehabilitation alone. Using a proteomic approach, the researchers analyzed blood plasma samples from patients who received either recombinant somatropin (GH) or a placebo, both in conjunction with rehabilitation. They looked for specific protein signatures that could indicate how well a patient would respond to each treatment. The findings revealed that certain proteins are associated with a positive response to GH treatment, while others are linked to a positive response to rehabilitation. These proteins are involved in processes like inflammation, homeostasis, and coagulation, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for SCI management.

Study Duration

1 year

Participants

46 patients with chronic SCI

Evidence Level

Level II/III, Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial, Proteomic Analysis

Key Findings

1
The combined treatment of GH plus rehabilitation is feasible and safe, and that GH but not placebo slightly improves the SCI individual motor score.
2
Two proteomic signatures with predictive value were identified: (i) response to recombinant somatropin treatment and (ii) response to rehabilitation.
3
Proteins implicated in these signatures are related to homeostasis, inflammation, and coagulation functions.

Research Summary

This study used a proteomic approach to identify biomarkers in blood plasma that could predict the response of patients with incomplete chronic traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) to growth hormone (GH) treatment and/or rehabilitation. The research revealed distinct proteomic signatures associated with positive responses to either GH treatment or rehabilitation alone, involving proteins related to homeostasis, inflammation, and coagulation. These findings suggest potential new avenues for assessing and therapeutically managing SCI patients, potentially improving their clinical response by tailoring treatment based on these predictive protein signatures.

Practical Implications

Personalized Treatment Strategies

Identified protein signatures can help tailor treatment plans for SCI patients, maximizing the benefits of GH therapy and rehabilitation based on individual responsiveness.

Development of Targeted Therapies

Understanding the role of proteins involved in inflammation, homeostasis, and coagulation may lead to the development of new therapeutic interventions for SCI.

Improved Patient Monitoring

The identified biomarkers can be used to monitor treatment effectiveness and adjust interventions as needed, leading to better patient outcomes.

Study Limitations

1
Limited sample size, requiring larger studies for confirmation.
2
Need for functional analysis of identified markers to assess their role in improving function in SCI patients.
3
A prospective study is required to determine the clinical utility of these proteins.

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