Systems approach to the study of brain damage in the very preterm newborn.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

A systems approach to the study of brain damage in very preterm newborns has been lacking.

METHODS:

In this perspective piece, we offer encephalopathy of prematurity as an example of the complexity and interrelatedness of brain-damaging molecular processes that can be initiated inflammatory phenomena.

RESULTS:

Using three transcription factors, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), Notch-1, and nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2 (NRF2), we show the inter-connectedness of signaling pathways activated by some antecedents of encephalopathy of prematurity.

CONCLUSIONS:

We hope that as biomarkers of exposures and processes leading to brain damage in the most immature newborns become more readily available, those who apply a systems approach to the study of neuroscience can be persuaded to study the pathogenesis of brain disorders in the very preterm newborn.

• Authors: Alan Leviton, Pierre Gressens, Olaf Wolkenhauer, Olaf Dammann
• Journal: Frontiers in systems neuroscience (Front Syst Neurosci) Vol. 9 Pg. 58 ( 2015) ISSN: 1662-5137 [Print] Switzerland
• PMID: 25926780 (Publication Type: Journal Article)