New drug found to inhibit bleeding in spinal injuries

Scientists have found a way to inhibit progressive hemorrhagic necrosis, a secondary condition that occurs in victims with spinal trauma and aids in the development of paralysis. By using a drug, antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN), that targets a specific gene, the bleeding that usually follows damage to the area can be inhibited. ODN is a single strand of DNA that inhibits the Sur1 protein, which is released after injury. Normally, the Sur1 protein acts as a defensive mechanism by preventing cell death through calcium ion entry, but in the case of a spinal injury, the entry of calcium is coupled with the entry of sodium, causing the cell to swell and lyse.

The study was conducted on rats, however high levels of the Sur1 protein and sodium have been found in humans that have obtained spinal injuries. The drug currently has trouble targeting the correct tissue and has been shown to have negative long term affects. The advantage of the treatment is that it is quick, usually only lasting about twenty-four hours, leaving the drug minimal time to cause any negative side effects and adequately controlling the bleeding. Furthermore, the drug could be administered on the scene of the accident, increasing the chances of avoiding paralysis.

This study is a major development for this area of medicine and could have wide applications if a safe, reliable form of the drug can be created.

http://healthmadeeasy.com/health-news/3103-gene-targeted-treatment-might-play-a-role-in-preventing-paralysis