A recent study using stem cell ‘mini brains’ has found that a traumatic brain injury can reactivate a latent herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) infection, potentially contributing to neurodegenerative disease. The research, published in Science Signaling, suggests that even mild head trauma may play a role in the development of dementia.
Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries have been linked to an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. The study found that when brain tissue was injured, the latent HSV-1 virus began to produce more excitatory neurotransmitters, which can lead to inflammation and damage. The researchers also discovered that younger brains are more susceptible to this damage.
The study’s findings have significant implications for our understanding of how head trauma contributes to dementia. By investigating possible ways to mitigate or stop the damage caused by head injury, such as anti-inflammatory and antiviral treatment after injury, researchers hope to prevent HSV-1 reactivation in the brain and reduce the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
The study’s authors suggest that further research is needed to understand the relationship between latent viruses and neurodegenerative disease. However, their findings do offer a promising lead in the search for new treatments to prevent or manage head trauma-related dementia.
Source: https://www.sciencealert.com/serious-head-trauma-may-awaken-dormant-viruses-inside-your-body