Protective proteins help following brain hemorrhages

Researchers at the University of Zurich (UZH), University Hospital Zurich (USZ) and the Veterinary Teaching Hospital Zurich have discovered a protein found in the human body named haptoglobin. Following a brain hemorrhage, the protein can help to prevent the most serious neurological damage or even the death of the patient. “Even if we manage to stop the bleeding and to stabilize the patients, in the first two weeks after bleeding there can be delayed brain damage”, explains Luca Regli, Director of the Department of Neurosurgery at USZ, in a press release. “This often leads to severe impairments or can even be fatal”.

Despite great research efforts, until now it has not been possible to prevent these serious consequences of bleeding in the subarachnoid space. An interdisciplinary team of researchers has now discovered a promising strategy.

Haptoglobin, a protective protein found in the blood, binds the hemoglobin that has been released in the cerebrospinal fluid before it can cause damage. Haptoglobin occurs naturally in the human bloodstream where it binds free hemoglobin, thereby preventing its toxic effects in blood vessels and the kidneys. However, the concentration of haptoglobin in the brain is very low and does not offer sufficient protection following a brain hemorrhage. In the study, the researchers were able to show that by administering purified haptoglobin directly into the cerebrospinal fluid, they were able to block free hemoglobin from penetrating brain tissue.

“This could significantly improve the neurological prognosis and the long-term quality of life for those affected”, comments Michael Hugelshofer, neurosurgeon and First Author of the study, in the press release. These results therefore offer significant medical potential.