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Controlled Cortical Impact Model for Traumatic Brain Injury
Published on: August 5, 2014
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Synaptamide Modulates Astroglial Activity in Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Arina Ponomarenko1, Anna Tyrtyshnaia1, Darya Ivashkevich1
1A.V. Zhirmunsky National Scientific Center of Marine Biology, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Palchevskogo Str., 17, 690041 Vladivostok, Russia.
Marine Drugs
|August 25, 2022
Summary
N-docosahexaenoylethanolamine (synaptamide) shows therapeutic potential for mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). This compound, derived from docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), reduces brain damage markers and inflammation, suggesting a promising neuroprotective strategy.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Polyunsaturated fatty acid ethanolamides (N-acylethanolamines) are increasingly studied for neurotropic activity.
- N-docosahexaenoylethanolamine (synaptamide) is a docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) metabolite with known neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of synaptamide on the astroglial response to mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).
- To evaluate synaptamide's therapeutic potential in mitigating mTBI consequences.
Main Methods:
- Synaptamide was chemically synthesized from DHA isolated from squid liver.
- HPLC-MS was used to measure synaptamide concentration in brain and serum.
- Immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis were employed to assess glial activation, neurotrophin secretion, and TBI biomarkers.
Main Results:
- Subcutaneous administration of synaptamide increased its concentration in the cerebral cortex and serum.
- Synaptamide modulated GFAP and S100β astroglial activation, reduced nNOS staining, and boosted BDNF secretion.
- Antioxidant effects were confirmed by superoxide dismutase dynamics, and TBI biomarkers (GFAP, S100β, IL-6) decreased in serum.
Conclusions:
- Synaptamide effectively reduces the astroglial response to injury in both acute and chronic phases of mTBI.
- The compound demonstrates significant neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties, highlighting its therapeutic potential for brain injury.

