Selenium-Binding Protein 1 (SELENBP1) as Biomarker for Adverse Clinical Outcome After Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury

Frontiers in Neuroscience, 2021 · DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.680240 · Published: May 28, 2021

Spinal Cord Injury Neurology Bioinformatics

Simple Explanation

Traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) can have dramatic consequences, and additional biomarkers are needed for improved care. This study investigates serum selenium binding protein 1 (SELENBP1) as a potential biomarker for TSCI. The study found that serum SELENBP1 levels were elevated in patients with more severe neurological impairment. Furthermore, SELENBP1 levels differed between patients who showed neurological recovery and those who did not. The researchers conclude that circulating SELENBP1 concentrations are related to the degree of neurological impairment in TSCI and provide information about the odds of remission. This suggests SELENBP1 could be a valuable biomarker for assessing TSCI.

Study Duration

From 2011 to 2018

Participants

44 patients: 34 with neurological impairment, 10 with vertebral fractures without neurological impairment

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Serum SELENBP1 concentrations are elevated in patients with more severe neurological impairment (AIS A) compared to those with less severe impairment (AIS B-D) at the time of admission.
2
The dynamics of circulating SELENBP1 concentrations during the first 3 days after injury differ significantly between patients who show neurological remission (G1) and those who do not (G0).
3
A cut-off value of 30.2 µg/L for SELENBP1 at admission can predict whether a patient will show neurological recovery or not within 3 months after the trauma, with a high sensitivity.

Research Summary

This study investigated the potential of serum SELENBP1 as a biomarker for traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI). The researchers analyzed serum samples from patients with TSCI, comparing SELENBP1 levels to the severity of neurological impairment and clinical outcome. The findings revealed that elevated SELENBP1 concentrations at admission correlated with the severity of neurological impairment and were predictive of the likelihood of neurological remission within 3 months. A cut-off value was established to differentiate between patients with and without neurological recovery. The study concludes that monitoring serum SELENBP1 concentrations could aid clinicians in the initial assessment of patients after TSCI, especially in estimating the remission potential of severely injured patients.

Practical Implications

Diagnostic Tool

SELENBP1 can be used as an early diagnostic biomarker to assess the severity of TSCI.

Prognostic Indicator

SELENBP1 can predict the likelihood of neurological remission after TSCI.

Therapeutic Monitoring

Monitoring SELENBP1 levels may aid in personalized therapy strategies.

Study Limitations

1
Relatively small sample size.
2
The data are from an observational study, and are thus not suitable for deducing mechanistic insights.
3
Pathophysiological and clinical heterogeneity within the AIS groups complicates the interpretation of the results

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury