Metallothionein- I/II in Brain Injury Repair Mechanism and Its Application in Forensic Medicine

Metallothionein(MT) is a kind of metal binding protein. As an important member in metallothionein family, MT-Ⅰ/Ⅱ regulates metabolism and detoxication of brain metal ion and scavenges free radicals. It is capable of anti-inflammatory response and anti-oxidative stress so as to protect the brain tissue. During the repair process of brain injury, the latest study showed that MT-Ⅰ/Ⅱ could stimulate brain anti-inflammatory factors, growth factors, neurotrophic factors and the expression of the receptor,and promote the extension of axon of neuron, which makes contribution to the regeneration of neuron and has important effect on the recovery of brain injury. Based on the findings, this article reviews the structure, expression, distribution, adjustion, function, mechanism in the repair of brain injury of MT-Ⅰ/Ⅱand its application prospect in forensic medicine. It could provide a new approach for the design and manufacture of brain injury drugs as well as for age estimation of the brain injury.