Dynamic changes of sex hormones and T-cell phenotype after traumatic brain injury / 中华创伤杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the roles of sex hormones and T-cell phenotype in traumatic brain injury (TBI). Methods Within 12 hours, 1, 3 and 7 days after TBI, a dynamic observation and a correlative analysis were performed on CD4 + and CD8 + lymphocytes in the serum and on the changes of estradiol, progesterone and testosterone in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum in all cases. Results The CD4 + and CD8 + lymphocytes were inhibited and decreased with injury severity. The estradiol and progesterone levels in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) increased within 12 hours after trauma in all groups. Estradiol increased markedly continuously within 1, 3 and 7 days and progesterone sustained high within seven days in GCS≤8 group, with a significant difference compared with others groups. The testosterone levels in serum and CSF decreased in the death group. There was a positive correlation between the changes of CD4 + lymphocytes and the levels of serum estradiol, progesterone and testosterone in the death group. Conclusions The increases of estradiol (in the early stage) and progesterone (in the late stage) after TBI may exert powerful protective effects on brain tissues. Decreases of sex hormones and T lymphocyte are important factors leading to death of patients.