Mitochondria Dysfunction and Inflammation in Traumatic Brain Injury: Androgens to the Battlefront

The document reviews the potential of androgens, such as testosterone and dihydrotestosterone, in treating traumatic brain injury (TBI), which affects 1.5 million people annually. TBI is characterized by inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction, leading to cognitive and motor impairments. Androgens regulate mitochondrial health and reduce inflammation by influencing gene expression related to mitochondrial pathways. They also reduce reactive gliosis and neuroinflammation, with potential sex differences in response to TBI. The review suggests that exogenous androgen supplementation may improve mitochondrial integrity and function, offering a promising therapeutic approach to mitigate TBI damage and improve recovery outcomes.