Detection of Y-box binding protein 1 (YB-1) in serum and cerebrospinal fluid with its changed brain expression as a possible supplemental diagnostic tool for traumatic brain injury.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) plays a major role in mortality rates and is often associated with investigations in forensic and neuropathological fields. New bioassays and data analysis techniques for use in TBI diagnostics applicable to both ante- and post-mortem individuals must constantly be investigated in light of scientific and clinical advancements. The multifunctional and evolutionarily conserved oncoprotein Y-box binding protein 1 (YB-1) has attracted significant attention in the oncology and neuroscience community, because of its versatile roles in gene transcription, DNA damage repair, RNA splicing, cell cycle progression, autophagy and immunity. The aim of this study sought to clarify whether increased levels of YB-1 in biofluids like serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are present in cases of TBI during a population-based autopsy screening. The comparative analysis of YB-1 protein expression in the collected brain tissue through immunohistochemical staining was additionally done. The research involved a total of 40 cases, divided evenly into two groups including individuals with severe head injuries (n = 20) suspected to be the cause of death and control cases of sudden death (n = 20) due to cardiopulmonary failure. Biofluids, including serum and CSF were collected approximately 24 h post-mortem and analyzed through ELISA testing. Additionally, brain specimens were obtained during forensic autopsies and subjected to immunohistochemical staining. In present study, we observed the elevated concentration level of YB-1 in serum and CSF. In anti-YB-1 staining of the frontal cortex, a significant, generalized homogenization of the reaction was observed both within the neuronal bodies and their axons among the head injury group. In the anti-YB-1 staining of the hippocampus, homogenization in some number of its projection cells was observed within head injury group. The coexistent altitude of YB-1 in biofluids with its generalized homogenization image in immunohistochemical staigings seems to confirm the recapitulation of developmental changes after TBI and its associated potential transcriptomic, methylomics and proteomic signatures resembling neurogenesis. The potential use of YB-1 assays offers an interesting and novel tool for investigation and research regarding TBI diagnosis and pathogenesis.