Trauma Molecular Processes

The TRAUMAP study aims to investigate the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying secondary brain injury following traumatic brain injury (TBI) through the analysis of surgically resected contused human brain tissue. Tissue specimens will be collected from adult patients undergoing neurosurgical removal of cerebral contusions as part of routine clinical care. No additional procedures will be performed for research purposes, and only tissue that would otherwise be discarded will be used.

Brain tissue samples will undergo histological, biochemical, and molecular analyses to investigate pathways involved in neuroinflammation, cell death, neurodegeneration, and endogenous regenerative responses. Molecular findings will be correlated with clinical characteristics to improve the understanding of TBI pathophysiology, validate preclinical observations, and identify potential therapeutic targets for future neuroprotective and regenerative strategies.

Inclusion criteria

• Adults aged ≥18 years.
• Diagnosis of traumatic brain injury (TBI).
• Admission to the intensive care unit.
• Clinical indication for neurosurgical evacuation of a cerebral contusion.
• Written informed consent to participate to the study.

Exclusion criteria

• Coagulation disorders or other contraindications to the planned neurosurgical procedure.