LAY TITLE: Does MEK (mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase) enhance or reduce brain injury in the periods shortly before and after birth?

Brain injury around the time of birth is a common cause of cerebral palsy and other neurological disabilities. Recent studies by this group of workers suggest the involvement of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK, an important enzyme component of the intracellular survival, cell death and inflammation-inducing pathways), in this type of brain damage. This study will explore the precise form of this enzyme in neonatal cerebral ischaemia (reduced blood supply to the brain around the time of birth), and assess if inhibition of MEK can reduce the risk of injury caused by neonatal infection.

The long-term goal of this study is to reduce the incidence of perinatal brain injury. The proposed study presents an interesting therapeutic strategy, which could lead to a reduction in the incidence rate of this highly incapacitating disability.

27 Sussex Place
Regent's Park
London NW1 4SP

Tel: 020 7772 6400
Fax: 020 7724 7725
wellbeingofwomen@rcog.org.uk

Registered Charity No: 239281

---

Follow us / Join us:

• 
• 
• 

---