Abstract:Objective To investigate the changes of neuroglobin (Ngb) and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF- 1α) in patients with traumatic brain injury and explore their significance. Methods Totally 71 cases with acute nonopen brain injury were selected. According to Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score 24 h after admission, patients were divided into light group (n = 36), medium group (n = 19) and severe group (n = 16). There were 39 cases whose hematoma volume was less than 10 ml, 16 cases whose hematoma volume was from 10 to 40 ml, and 16 cases whose hematoma volume was over 40 ml. The serum levels of Ngb and HIF-1α were detected by ELISA at the 12th h (T1), 24th h (T2), 48th h (T3) and 72nd h (T4) after admission. All patients were followed-up and the outcomes were recorded. The serum levels of Ngb and HIF-1α at different time points were compared in different conditions, hematoma volume levels and prognosis. Results As time went on, the serum levels of Ngb and HIF-1α were first increased and then decreased in different conditions, hematoma volume levels and prognosis. The serum levels of Ngb and HIF-1α at T1-T4 in patients with medium and severe traumatic brain injury were higher than those of the light patients, which of the severe patients were increased more significantly (all P < 0.05). The serum levels of Ngb and HIF-1α at T1-T4 for patients with hematoma volume over 40 ml and hematoma volume levels from 10 to 40 ml were higher than those in patients with hematoma volume less than 40 ml, which for patients with hematoma volume over 40 ml were increased more significantly (all P < 0.05). The serum levels of Ngb and HIF-1α at T1-T4 of the dead patients were higher than those of the surviving patients (all P < 0.05). Conclusion The serum levels of Ngb and HIF-1α of patients with traumatic brain injury are first increased and then decreased, and the changes might be related with the patient's condition and prognosis.