Role of DLAT in cuproptosis and autophagy in hippocampal tissue of PTSD rats with high-voltage electrical burns

  • Burns. 2025 Jun;51(5):107519. doi: 10.1016/j.burns.2025.107519.
Chenyang Ge  1 ,  Xuegang Zhao  1 ,  Jing Zhang  1 ,  Peixuan Li  1 ,  Jiawen Hao  1 ,  Mengyuan Lu  1 ,  Congying Li  1 ,  Lili Ge  1 ,  Lihong Tu  1 ,  Qingfu Zhang  2
Affiliations
  • 1. Burn and Wound Repair Center, Hebei Medical University Third Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province 050035, China.
  • 2. Burn and Wound Repair Center, Hebei Medical University Third Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province 050035, China. Electronic address: [email protected].
PMID: 40319822 DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2025.107519
Abstract

Background: The mechanisms behind high-voltage electrical burn (HVEB)-induced post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) remain unclear. Accordingly, we aimed to identify the molecular changes in hippocampal tissue following HVEB-induced PTSD.

Methods: The GSE60303 dataset was used to identify differentially expressed cuproptosis-related genes (DE-CRGs) and to perform weighted gene co-expression network analysis. A core gene and associated genes were identified, followed by enrichment analysis. Additionally, a rat model of HVEB PTSD was established, and behavioral tests were conducted. Histological assessments and the evaluation of related protein and gene expression levels were performed on hippocampal tissue.

Results: Twelve DE-CRGs were identified in the hippocampal tissue of PTSD rats, with DLAT identified as the core gene. Analysis of DLAT-associated genes revealed enrichment in the cAMP signaling pathway and Autophagy. Behavioral tests confirmed that HVEB induced PTSD-like behavior in rats. DLAT expression was decreased in the hippocampal tissue of HVEB PTSD rats, accompanied by changes in the expression of Cuproptosis, cAMP pathway, and autophagy-related genes.

Conclusion: DLAT is reduced in the hippocampal tissue of HVEB PTSD rats. The downregulation of DLAT may contribute to the development of PTSD-like behaviors in HVEB rats by promoting Cuproptosis, activating the cAMP pathway, and enhancing Autophagy.

Keywords
Autophagy; Cuproptosis; Electrical burn; Post-traumatic stress disorder; Rat.
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