Abstract

Introduction: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) encompasses a wide range of brain lesions caused by a blow to or severe impact on the head. Traumatic brain injuries are divided into four categories based on their symptoms and consequences: mild, moderate, severe, and very severe. Studies in animal models have shown that TBI leads to neurodegeneration, progressive brain atrophy, and changes in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) composition. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of CSF isolated from TBI victims on neurodegeneration and the differentiation of neural progenitor cells (NPCs).

Methods: To achieve this goal, the expression of genes involved in NPC differentiation and the induction of tauopathy in these cells were examined. First, an animal model of craniocerebral trauma was created in rats, and CSF was collected. The collected CSF was then added to the NPC culture medium to study its effect on cell behavior. The cells were divided into three groups: NPC, NPC + EGF/bFGF, and NPC + EGF/bFGF + CSF. After seven days, the expression of Nestin, Pax6, Map2, and Tubb3 genes was measured by real-time PCR, and TAU expression was evaluated by immunocytochemistry.

Results: A significant decrease in Nestin and Pax6 expression (P = 0.0001 for both) was observed in the experimental group. Map2 and Tubb3 expression increased (P = 0.0001 and P = 0.0002, respectively), indicating NPC differentiation. In addition, immunocytochemistry revealed elevated TAU protein levels (P = 0.05), consistent with tauopathy induction.

Conclusion: We conclude that CSF obtained from TBI rats promotes neuronal differentiation but simultaneously exerts neurotoxic effects through tauopathy induction.