Differential Neuroendocrine Responses and Dysregulation of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Following Repeated Mild Concussive Impacts and Blast Exposures in a Rat Model.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains a significant public health concern, particularly among military personnel and contact sport athletes who are frequently exposed to repeated blast overpressure waves and mild concussive impacts, respectively. While moderate and severe TBIs have been extensively studied, the long-term neuroendocrine consequences of mild, repetitive brain trauma are poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the temporal dynamics of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation following repeated mild concussive head impacts and blast exposures using two clinically relevant rodent models.

Longitudinal Dysregulation of Adiponectin and Leptin Following Blast-Induced Polytrauma in a Rat Model.

Blast-induced polytrauma (BIPT) is a common injury among military personnel exposed to explosive blasts. It is increasingly recognized as a complex, multisystem disorder that extends beyond neurological damage to include systemic metabolic and inflammatory dysfunction. Adipokines, particularly leptin and adiponectin, are hormones secreted by adipose tissue and are emerging as key mediators in the pathophysiology of traumatic brain injuries.

Temporal Dynamics of Retinal Inflammation Following Blast Exposure in a Ferret Model.

Blast-induced traumatic ocular injury (bTOI) is a major cause of vision loss in military personnel involved in recent combat operations. However, its underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood, hindering the development of effective treatments. This study investigated the temporal expression patterns of key inflammatory markers in the retina after blast exposure using a ferret model.

Dysregulation of Retinal Melatonin Biosynthetic Pathway and Differential Expression of Retina-Specific Genes Following Blast-Induced Ocular Injury in Ferrets.

Background/objectives: Blast-induced traumatic ocular injuries (bTOI) pose a significant risk to military and civilian populations, often leading to visual impairment or blindness. Retina, the innermost layer of ocular tissue consisting of photoreceptor and glial cells, is highly susceptible to blast injuries. Despite its prevalence, the molecular mechanisms underlying retinal damage following bTOI remain poorly understood, hindering the development of targeted therapies.