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Edelstein R, Gutterman S, Newman B, Van Horn JD. Assessment of Sports Concussion in Female Athletes: A Role for Neuroinformatics? Neuroinformatics 2024:10.1007/s12021-024-09680-8. [PMID: 39078562 DOI: 10.1007/s12021-024-09680-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
Over the past decade, the intricacies of sports-related concussions among female athletes have become readily apparent. Traditional clinical methods for diagnosing concussions suffer limitations when applied to female athletes, often failing to capture subtle changes in brain structure and function. Advanced neuroinformatics techniques and machine learning models have become invaluable assets in this endeavor. While these technologies have been extensively employed in understanding concussion in male athletes, there remains a significant gap in our comprehension of their effectiveness for female athletes. With its remarkable data analysis capacity, machine learning offers a promising avenue to bridge this deficit. By harnessing the power of machine learning, researchers can link observed phenotypic neuroimaging data to sex-specific biological mechanisms, unraveling the mysteries of concussions in female athletes. Furthermore, embedding methods within machine learning enable examining brain architecture and its alterations beyond the conventional anatomical reference frame. In turn, allows researchers to gain deeper insights into the dynamics of concussions, treatment responses, and recovery processes. This paper endeavors to address the crucial issue of sex differences in multimodal neuroimaging experimental design and machine learning approaches within female athlete populations, ultimately ensuring that they receive the tailored care they require when facing the challenges of concussions. Through better data integration, feature identification, knowledge representation, validation, etc., neuroinformaticists, are ideally suited to bring clarity, context, and explainabilty to the study of sports-related head injuries in males and in females, and helping to define recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Edelstein
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, 409 McCormick Road Gilmer Hall Room 304, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA.
| | - Sterling Gutterman
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, 409 McCormick Road Gilmer Hall Room 304, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA
| | - Benjamin Newman
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, 409 McCormick Road Gilmer Hall Room 304, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA
| | - John Darrell Van Horn
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, 409 McCormick Road Gilmer Hall Room 304, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA
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Freeman-Jones E, Miller WH, Work LM, Fullerton JL. Polypathologies and Animal Models of Traumatic Brain Injury. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1709. [PMID: 38137157 PMCID: PMC10741988 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13121709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an important health issue for the worldwide population, as it causes long-term pathological consequences for a diverse group of individuals. We are yet to fully elucidate the significance of TBI polypathologies, such as neuroinflammation and tau hyperphosphorylation, and their contribution to the development of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and other neurological conditions. To advance our understanding of TBI, it is necessary to replicate TBI in preclinical models. Commonly used animal models include the weight drop model; these methods model human TBI in various ways and in different animal species. However, animal models have not demonstrated their clinical utility for identifying therapeutic interventions. Many interventions that were successful in improving outcomes for animal models did not translate into clinical benefit for patients. It is important to review current animal models and discuss their strengths and limitations within a TBI context. Modelling human TBI in animals encounters numerous challenges, yet despite these barriers, the TBI research community is working to overcome these difficulties. Developments include advances in biomarkers, standardising, and refining existing models. This progress will improve our ability to model TBI in animals and, therefore, enhance our understanding of TBI and, potentially, how to treat it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Freeman-Jones
- School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK; (E.F.-J.); (W.H.M.)
| | - William H. Miller
- School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK; (E.F.-J.); (W.H.M.)
| | - Lorraine M. Work
- School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK;
| | - Josie L. Fullerton
- School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK;
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3
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Schlegel P, Novotny M, Valis M, Klimova B. Head injury in mixed martial arts: a review of epidemiology, affected brain structures and risks of cognitive decline. PHYSICIAN SPORTSMED 2021; 49:371-380. [PMID: 33538222 DOI: 10.1080/00913847.2021.1885966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Background: The popularity trend of mixed martial arts (MMA) is steeply increasing, especially in the very young population. Unfortunately, MMA carries an enormous risk of head trauma.Purpose: The aim of this article is to provide review of studies on the association between head injuries and cognitive functions in MMA fighters.Methods: A systematic literature review was performed. Web of Science, PubMed, Springer, and Scopus databases were used. A total of 30 studies were identified. The inclusion criteria were as follows: studies with MMA fighters and head injuries and/or TKO/KO and/or reduction of cognitive functions in these fighters.Results: The results indicate that the incidence of head traumas ranges between 58% and 78% of all injuries. The King-Devick test seems to be a suitable rapid tool used in the studies to assess the extent of cognitive impairment. Among the detected studies, the post-fighting scores were significantly worse for fighters with head trauma during the match. We also found anomalies in MMA fighters in different brain structures, but it seems that the thalamus and caudate are the most affected. The impaired performance in processing speed, verbal memory and psychomotor speed is regularly confirmed in studies with MMA fighters. In addition, head traumatization seems to be a risk factor for the development of neurodegenerative disorders and it may be one of the possible causes of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Several global medical societies have identified MMA as a violent and dangerous sport and have called for its ban - but unsuccessfully.Conclusion: Therefore, possible recommendations should include increased medical supervision of the fighter (during his career, but also after it) and the introduction of practical safety instructions for fighters to reduce the risk of developing CTE. With the increasing popularity of MMA, the risk of CTE should not be underestimated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petr Schlegel
- Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Education, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Novotny
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Valis
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Blanka Klimova
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic.,Department of Applied Linguistics, Faculty of Informatics and Management, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
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Pierre K, Dyson K, Dagra A, Williams E, Porche K, Lucke-Wold B. Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy: Update on Current Clinical Diagnosis and Management. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9040415. [PMID: 33921385 PMCID: PMC8069746 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9040415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy is a disease afflicting individuals exposed to repetitive neurotrauma. Unfortunately, diagnosis is made by postmortem pathologic analysis, and treatment options are primarily symptomatic. In this clinical update, we review clinical and pathologic diagnostic criteria and recommended symptomatic treatments. We also review animal models and recent discoveries from pre-clinical studies. Furthermore, we highlight the recent advances in diagnosis using diffusor tensor imaging, functional magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, and the fluid biomarkers t-tau, sTREM2, CCL11, NFL, and GFAP. We also provide an update on emerging pharmaceutical treatments, including immunotherapies and those that target tau acetylation, tau phosphorylation, and inflammation. Lastly, we highlight the current literature gaps and guide future directions to further improve clinical diagnosis and management of patients suffering from this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Pierre
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; (K.P.); (K.D.); (A.D.); (E.W.)
| | - Kyle Dyson
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; (K.P.); (K.D.); (A.D.); (E.W.)
| | - Abeer Dagra
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; (K.P.); (K.D.); (A.D.); (E.W.)
| | - Eric Williams
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; (K.P.); (K.D.); (A.D.); (E.W.)
| | - Ken Porche
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA;
| | - Brandon Lucke-Wold
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA;
- Correspondence:
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Heary RF, Majmundar N, Nagurka R. Is Youth Football Safe? An Analysis of Youth Football Head Impact Data. Neurosurgery 2021; 87:377-382. [PMID: 31993634 DOI: 10.1093/neuros/nyz563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The issue of whether sports-related head trauma at the youth level can result in long-term sequelae that may negatively impact the participant has been widely debated. OBJECTIVE To investigate head impacts in the Summit Youth Football League equipped with helmets using the Riddell InSite impact monitoring system. The monitoring system allowed for analysis of the number of impacts and severity of impacts by player. METHODS Data were obtained for all 20 members of the youth football team. Impacts were recorded as "low," "medium," and "high" intensity. RESULTS All 20 players participated in all practices and games throughout the season. No player suffered a concussion throughout the entire season. There were 817 recorded impacts throughout the season. This was an average of 41 impacts per player over the course of the season and fewer than 4 impacts per player per week. Only one impact registered as "high." CONCLUSION We demonstrate that there are few head impacts over the course of an entire season at the middle school level. Guardian Caps, safe tackling techniques, and the age of participants may have contributed to the very low number of impacts recorded and the complete lack of injuries. This study only provides data demonstrating that youth football, when Guardian Caps and safe tackling techniques are enforced, does not appear to result in significant head impacts causing immediate head injuries. This study cannot comment on the safety of playing football at the collegiate or professional level.
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Yadikar H, Torres I, Aiello G, Kurup M, Yang Z, Lin F, Kobeissy F, Yost R, Wang KK. Screening of tau protein kinase inhibitors in a tauopathy-relevant cell-based model of tau hyperphosphorylation and oligomerization. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0224952. [PMID: 32692785 PMCID: PMC7373298 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0224952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Tauopathies are a class of neurodegenerative disorders characterized by abnormal deposition of post-translationally modified tau protein in the human brain. Tauopathies are associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD), chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), and other diseases. Hyperphosphorylation increases tau tendency to aggregate and form neurofibrillary tangles (NFT), a pathological hallmark of AD. In this study, okadaic acid (OA, 100 nM), a protein phosphatase 1/2A inhibitor, was treated for 24h in mouse neuroblastoma (N2a) and differentiated rat primary neuronal cortical cell cultures (CTX) to induce tau-hyperphosphorylation and oligomerization as a cell-based tauopathy model. Following the treatments, the effectiveness of different kinase inhibitors was assessed using the tauopathy-relevant tau antibodies through tau-immunoblotting, including the sites: pSer202/pThr205 (AT8), pThr181 (AT270), pSer202 (CP13), pSer396/pSer404 (PHF-1), and pThr231 (RZ3). OA-treated samples induced tau phosphorylation and oligomerization at all tested epitopes, forming a monomeric band (46-67 kDa) and oligomeric bands (170 kDa and 240 kDa). We found that TBB (a casein kinase II inhibitor), AR and LiCl (GSK-3 inhibitors), cyclosporin A (calcineurin inhibitor), and Saracatinib (Fyn kinase inhibitor) caused robust inhibition of OA-induced monomeric and oligomeric p-tau in both N2a and CTX culture. Additionally, a cyclin-dependent kinase 5 inhibitor (Roscovitine) and a calcium chelator (EGTA) showed contrasting results between the two neuronal cultures. This study provides a comprehensive view of potential drug candidates (TBB, CsA, AR, and Saracatinib), and their efficacy against tau hyperphosphorylation and oligomerization processes. These findings warrant further experimentation, possibly including animal models of tauopathies, which may provide a putative Neurotherapy for AD, CTE, and other forms of tauopathy-induced neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamad Yadikar
- Program for Neurotrauma, Neuroproteomics & Biomarkers Research, Departments of Emergency Medicine, Psychiatry, Neuroscience and Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Laboratory Building, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Isabel Torres
- Program for Neurotrauma, Neuroproteomics & Biomarkers Research, Departments of Emergency Medicine, Psychiatry, Neuroscience and Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Gabrielle Aiello
- Program for Neurotrauma, Neuroproteomics & Biomarkers Research, Departments of Emergency Medicine, Psychiatry, Neuroscience and Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Milin Kurup
- Program for Neurotrauma, Neuroproteomics & Biomarkers Research, Departments of Emergency Medicine, Psychiatry, Neuroscience and Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Zhihui Yang
- Program for Neurotrauma, Neuroproteomics & Biomarkers Research, Departments of Emergency Medicine, Psychiatry, Neuroscience and Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Fan Lin
- Program for Neurotrauma, Neuroproteomics & Biomarkers Research, Departments of Emergency Medicine, Psychiatry, Neuroscience and Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Firas Kobeissy
- Program for Neurotrauma, Neuroproteomics & Biomarkers Research, Departments of Emergency Medicine, Psychiatry, Neuroscience and Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Richard Yost
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Laboratory Building, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
| | - Kevin K. Wang
- Program for Neurotrauma, Neuroproteomics & Biomarkers Research, Departments of Emergency Medicine, Psychiatry, Neuroscience and Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Brain Rehabilitation Research Center, Malcom Randall VA Medical Center, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
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Kmush BL, Mackowski M, Ehrlich J, Walia B, Owora A, Sanders S. Association of Professional Football Cumulative Head Impact Index Scores With All-Cause Mortality Among National Football League Players. JAMA Netw Open 2020; 3:e204442. [PMID: 32391891 PMCID: PMC7215260 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.4442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Long-term adverse health outcomes, particularly those associated with repetitive head impacts, are of growing concern among US-style football players in the US and Canada. Objective To assess whether exposure to repetitive head impacts during a professional football career is associated with an increase in the risk of all-cause mortality. Design, Setting, and Participants This retrospective cohort study included 13 912 players in the 1969 to 2017 National Football League (NFL) seasons. All cause-mortality up until July 1, 2018, was included. Data collection was performed from July 13, 2017, to July 1, 2018, as reported in the Pro Football Reference. Exposures The main exposure was a professional football cumulative head impact index (pfCHII). The pfCHII was measured by combining cumulative padded practice time and games played summed during seasons of play reported in the Pro Football Reference and a player position risk adjustment from helmet accelerometer studies. Main Outcomes and Measures Demographic characteristics except for the pfCHII were calculated for 14 366 players with complete follow-up. The pfCHII was calculated for 13 912 players (eliminating the 454 specials teams players). Cox proportional hazards regression was used to compare hazard ratios (HRs) of death by repetitive head impacts. Analyses were unadjusted and adjusted for birth year, body mass index, and height. Results Among 14 366 NFL players who had follow-up for analysis, the mean (SD) age was 47.3 (14.8) years, the mean (SD) body mass index was 29.6 (3.9), and 763 of 14 366 players (5.3%) had died. Among 13 912 players in the pfCHII analysis, the median pfCHII was 32.63 (interquartile range, 13.71-66.12). A 1-log increase in pfCHII was significantly associated with an increased hazard of death for the 1969 to 2017 seasons (HR, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.21-3.37; P = .01) after adjustment. The quadratic pfCHII was also statistically significant (HR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.85-0.98; P = .01), indicating that the hazard of death increased at a decreasing rate, whereas the pfCHII increased. Conclusions and Relevance The findings suggest that an increase in repetitive head impacts is associated with an increased hazard of death among NFL players. Reduction in repetitive head impacts from playing football or other activities through additional rule and equipment changes may be associated with reduced mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany L. Kmush
- Department of Public Health, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York
| | | | - Justin Ehrlich
- Department of Sport Analytics, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York
| | - Bhavneet Walia
- Department of Public Health, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York
| | - Arthur Owora
- Department of Public Health, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York
- Currently with Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington
| | - Shane Sanders
- Department of Sport Analytics, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York
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Kelman JC, Hodge C, Stanwell P, Mustafic N, Fraser CL. Retinal nerve fibre changes in sports-related repetitive traumatic brain injury. Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2020; 48:204-211. [PMID: 31691473 DOI: 10.1111/ceo.13673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE There is limited literature on the use of optical coherence tomography in the assessment of retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness in sports-related repetitive mild traumatic brain injury. BACKGROUND To evaluate RNFL thickness in professional rugby league players. RNFL thinning may serve as a proxy for wider white matter degeneration. DESIGN Cross-sectional observational study. PARTICIPANTS Thirteen retired Australian professional rugby league players were recruited. METHODS Participants underwent binocular optical coherence tomography to measure RNFL thickness. Each participant underwent a complete ophthalmic assessment to exclude concurrent disease. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES RNFL thickness of each eye were compared with a normative database. RESULTS Participants had played professional Rugby League for 18 years on average and reported sustaining 15 sports-related concussions throughout their career. The RNFL in participants was four micrometres thinner than that of matched normative data. Cohort average RNFL thickness was reduced in 12 out of 14 optical coherence testing parameters. These findings were statistically significant in the left inferonasal [P = .013] and left nasal [P = .006] sectors. There was no statistically significant relationship between RNFL thickness and other visual measures. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This study is the first to demonstrate RNFL thinning in a cohort of retired Australian professional Rugby League players. RNFL changes have been shown to correlate with cerebral white matter loss and neurodegeneration. Optical coherence tomography may serve as a safe and economical means of screening for repetitive traumatic brain injury related neurodegeneration in contact sport athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian C Kelman
- Save Sight Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Christopher Hodge
- Save Sight Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Peter Stanwell
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nina Mustafic
- Save Sight Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Clare L Fraser
- Save Sight Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Smith KM, Blessing MM, Parisi JE, Britton JW, Mandrekar J, Cascino GD. Tau deposition in young adults with drug-resistant focal epilepsy. Epilepsia 2019; 60:2398-2403. [PMID: 31663115 PMCID: PMC6973032 DOI: 10.1111/epi.16375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Revised: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Objective To evaluate the presence of tau deposition and pathologic features of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in young adult patients treated with focal cortical resections for drug‐resistant epilepsy. Methods Sixty consecutive patients who had undergone surgical treatment for drug‐resistant focal epilepsy between 18 and 45 years of age were identified (2010‐2017). Medical records were reviewed to determine clinical factors, including history of head trauma, age at seizure onset, age at surgical resection, seizure type(s) and frequency, imaging findings, and surgical outcome. All formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded blocks from the surgical specimens from each subject were sectioned and stained with hematoxylin and eosin and antibodies to tau (Thermo Fisher Scientific Clone AT8), and examined blindly for tau pathology, including lesions characteristic of CTE. Results The median age at resection was 29.5 years (range = 19‐45). A history of head trauma was reported in 19 patients. Although none of the patients had pathological findings characteristic of CTE, 23 patients (38%) demonstrated tau‐immunoreactive lesions, including neurites, neurofibrillary pretangles, neurofibrillary tangles, subpial tau, and/or glial tau. In 4 of the 23 patients (7% of the cohort; 17% of those with tau pathology), substantial tau burden was identified. Three of these 4 patients had no significant history of head trauma; 1 patient had multiple sports‐related concussions. No specific clinical factors correlated with the presence of tau pathology. Significance Tau‐immunoreactive lesions were found in 38% of 60 patients who underwent a focal cortical resection for drug‐resistant focal epilepsy. Diagnostic features of CTE were not detected in any patient; however, the pathological evaluation for CTE was limited to a surgical specimen. The prominent and excessive tau deposition in 23 patients (38%) is abnormal in this age group and warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey M Smith
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | | | - Joseph E Parisi
- Departments of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, and Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | | | - Jay Mandrekar
- Division of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
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Current fluid biomarkers, animal models, and imaging tools for diagnosing chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Mol Cell Toxicol 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s13273-019-0039-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Dallmeier JD, Meysami S, Merrill DA, Raji CA. Emerging advances of in vivo detection of chronic traumatic encephalopathy and traumatic brain injury. Br J Radiol 2019; 92:20180925. [PMID: 31287716 PMCID: PMC6732918 DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20180925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Revised: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a neurodegenerative disorder that is of epidemic proportions in contact sports athletes and is linked to subconcussive and concussive repetitive head impacts (RHI). Although postmortem analysis is currently the only confirmatory method to diagnose CTE, there has been progress in early detection techniques of fluid biomarkers as well as in advanced neuroimaging techniques. Specifically, promising new methods of diffusion MRI and radionucleotide PET scans could aid in the early detection of CTE.The authors examine early detection methods focusing on various neuroimaging techniques. Advances in structural and diffusion MRI have demonstrated the ability to measure volumetric and white matter abnormalities associated with CTE. Recent studies using radionucleotides such as flortaucipir and 18F-FDDNP have shown binding patterns that are consistent with the four stages of neurofibrillary tangle (NFT) distribution postmortem. Additional research undertakings focusing on fMRI, MR spectroscopy, susceptibility-weighted imaging, and singlephoton emission CT are also discussed as are advanced MRI methods such as diffusiontensor imaging and arterial spin labeled. Neuroimaging is fast becoming a key instrument in early detection and could prove essential for CTE quantification. This review explores a global approach to in vivo early detection.Limited data of in vivo CTE biomarkers with postmortem confirmation are available. While some data exist, they are limited by selection bias. It is unlikely that a single test will be sufficient to properly diagnosis and distinguish CTE from other neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer disease or Frontotemporal Dementia. However, with a combination of fluid biomarkers, neuroimaging, and genetic testing, early detection may become possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian D. Dallmeier
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Somayeh Meysami
- Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - David A. Merrill
- Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences and Pacific Brain Health Center, UCLA and Pacific Neuroscience Institute, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Cyrus A. Raji
- Radiology, Washington University Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
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13
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Huang CH, Lin CW, Lee YC, Huang CY, Huang RY, Tai YC, Wang KW, Yang SN, Sun YT, Wang HK. Is traumatic brain injury a risk factor for neurodegeneration? A meta-analysis of population-based studies. BMC Neurol 2018; 18:184. [PMID: 30396335 PMCID: PMC6217762 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-018-1187-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To determine the association of prior traumatic brain injury (TBI) with subsequent diagnosis of neurodegeneration disease. Methods All studies from 1980 to 2016 reporting TBI as a risk factor for diagnoses of interest were identified by searching PubMed, Embase, study references, and review articles. The data and study design were assessed by 2 investigators independently. A meta-analysis was performed by RevMan 5.3. Results There were 18 studies comprising 3,263,207 patients. Meta-analysis revealed a significant association of prior TBI with subsequent dementia. The pooled odds ratio (OR) for TBI on development of dementia, FTD and TDP-43 associated disease were 1.93 (95% CI 1.47–2.55, p < 0.001), 4.44 (95% CI 3.86–5.10, p < 0.001), and 2.97 (95% CI 1.35–6.53, p < 0.001). However, analyses of individual diagnoses found no evidence that the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease in individuals with previous TBI compared to those without TBI. Conclusions History of TBI is not associated with the development of subsequent neurodegeneration disease. Care must be taken in extrapolating from these results because no suitable criteria define post TBI neurodegenerative processes. Therefore, further research in this area is needed to confirm these questions and uncover the link between TBI and neurodegeneration disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Hsien Huang
- Department of Family Medicine, E-Da Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,School of Medicine for International Students, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Wei Lin
- Department of Family Medicine, E-Da Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,School of Medicine for International Students, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Che Lee
- School of Medicine for International Students, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Nephrology, E-Da Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Yuan Huang
- Neurosurgical Service, Department of Surgery, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ru-Yi Huang
- Department of Family Medicine, E-Da Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,School of Medicine for International Students, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Cheng Tai
- Department of Neurology, E-Da Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Wei Wang
- School of Medicine for International Students, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Neurosurgery, E-Da Hospital, I-Shou University, No.1, Yida Road, Jiaosu Village, Yanchao District, Kaohsiung City, 82445, Taiwan
| | - San-Nan Yang
- School of Medicine for International Students, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Ting Sun
- Department of Neurology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Hao-Kuang Wang
- School of Medicine for International Students, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. .,Department of Neurosurgery, E-Da Hospital, I-Shou University, No.1, Yida Road, Jiaosu Village, Yanchao District, Kaohsiung City, 82445, Taiwan.
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14
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Lee BG, Leavitt MJ, Bernick CB, Leger GC, Rabinovici G, Banks SJ. A Systematic Review of Positron Emission Tomography of Tau, Amyloid Beta, and Neuroinflammation in Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy: The Evidence To Date. J Neurotrauma 2018; 35:2015-2024. [PMID: 29609516 PMCID: PMC6421996 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2017.5558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is associated with pathological changes, yet detecting these changes during life has proven elusive. Positron emission tomography (PET) offers the potential for identifying such pathology. Few studies have been completed to date and their approaches and results have been diverse. It was the objective of this review to systematically examine relevant research using ligands for PET that bind to identified pathology in CTE. We focused on identification of patterns of binding and addressing gaps in knowledge of PET imaging for CTE. A comprehensive literature search was conducted. Data used were published on or before May 22, 2017. As the extant literature is limited, any peer-reviewed article assessing military, contact sports athletes, or professional fighters was considered for inclusion. The main outcomes were regional binding to brain regions identified through control comparisons or through clinical metrics (e.g., standardized uptake volume ratios). A total of 1207 papers were identified for review, of which six met inclusion criteria. Meta-analyses were planned but were deemed inappropriate given the small number of studies identified. Methodological concerns in these initial papers included small sample sizes, lack of a control comparison, use of nonstandard statistical procedures to quantify data, and interpretation of potentially off-target binding areas. Across studies, the hippocampi, amygdalae, and midbrain had reasonably consistent increased uptake. Evidence for increased uptake in cortical regions was less consistent. The evidence suggests that the field of PET imaging in those at risk for CTE remains nascent. As the field evolves to include more stringent studies, ligands for PET may prove an important tool in identifying CTE in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bern G. Lee
- Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health and Lerner College of Medicine, Las Vegas, Nevada
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada
| | - MacKenzie J. Leavitt
- Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health and Lerner College of Medicine, Las Vegas, Nevada
| | - Charles B. Bernick
- Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health and Lerner College of Medicine, Las Vegas, Nevada
| | - Gabriel C. Leger
- Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health and Lerner College of Medicine, Las Vegas, Nevada
| | - Gil Rabinovici
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Sarah J. Banks
- Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health and Lerner College of Medicine, Las Vegas, Nevada
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15
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Abstract
My objectives are to review: 1) a brief history of sport-related concussion (SRC) and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), 2) the evolution of CTE in American professional football, 3) the data regarding SRC/CTE as they relate to depression and suicide, 4) the data on the neurocognitive effects of subconcussion/repetitive head trauma (with emphases on heading the ball in soccer and early exposure to football), 5) the evidence related to SRC and neurodegenerative diseases, 6) the published studies of CTE, 7) the NINDS neuropathological criteria for CTE, 8) public beliefs about SRC/CTE, and 9) the scientific questions regarding CTE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary Solomon
- a Department of Neurological Surgery, Vanderbilt Sports Concussion Center , Vanderbilt University School of Medicine , Nashville , Tennessee , USA
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16
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Jones AL, Britton JW, Blessing MM, Parisi JE, Cascino GD. Chronic traumatic encephalopathy in an epilepsy surgery cohort: Clinical and pathologic findings. Neurology 2018; 90:e474-e478. [PMID: 29321231 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000004927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the occurrence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in young adult patients undergoing epilepsy surgery. METHODS Ten patients who underwent epilepsy surgery were randomly selected for this retrospective study. The patients were 18-45 years of age, had preoperative neuropsychological evaluation, and had 1 year postoperative follow-up. Microscopic sections from resections were evaluated for the presence of CTE with standard stains and antibodies to tau (clone AT8). RESULTS The median age at resection was 32.5 years (range 23-43) and the median duration of seizures was 23.5 years (range 3-28). Eight had a history of head injury. Preoperative neuropsychological testing showed mild to moderate cognitive impairment in 8 patients (80%). Pathologic examination in one patient showed focal sparse tau-immunoreactive lesions along descending rami and cortical gyral depths of the resected frontal lobe. Nine patients had no evidence of CTE. All focal cortical resections showed variable subpial and subcortical gliosis commonly identified in patients with chronic seizure disorders. CONCLUSIONS The present small retrospective observational study suggests that CTE may occur, but appears uncommon, in young adult patients undergoing surgical treatment for drug-resistant focal epilepsy. The significance of these findings requires further investigation to define the relative importance of tau accumulation in younger adult patients with drug-resistant focal epilepsy and cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy L Jones
- From the Department of Neurology (A.L.J., J.W.B., J.E.P., G.D.C.), Division of Epilepsy (A.L.J., J.W.B., G.D.C.), and Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology (M.M.B., J.E.P.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Jeffrey W Britton
- From the Department of Neurology (A.L.J., J.W.B., J.E.P., G.D.C.), Division of Epilepsy (A.L.J., J.W.B., G.D.C.), and Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology (M.M.B., J.E.P.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Melissa M Blessing
- From the Department of Neurology (A.L.J., J.W.B., J.E.P., G.D.C.), Division of Epilepsy (A.L.J., J.W.B., G.D.C.), and Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology (M.M.B., J.E.P.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Joseph E Parisi
- From the Department of Neurology (A.L.J., J.W.B., J.E.P., G.D.C.), Division of Epilepsy (A.L.J., J.W.B., G.D.C.), and Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology (M.M.B., J.E.P.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Gregory D Cascino
- From the Department of Neurology (A.L.J., J.W.B., J.E.P., G.D.C.), Division of Epilepsy (A.L.J., J.W.B., G.D.C.), and Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology (M.M.B., J.E.P.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.
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17
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Cernak I. Understanding blast-induced neurotrauma: how far have we come? Concussion 2017; 2:CNC42. [PMID: 30202583 PMCID: PMC6093818 DOI: 10.2217/cnc-2017-0006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Blast injuries, including blast-induced neurotrauma (BINT), are caused by blast waves generated during an explosion. Accordingly, their history coincides with that of explosives. Hence, it is intriguing that, after more than 1000 years of using explosives, our understanding of the pathological consequences of blast and body/brain interactions is extremely limited. Postconflict recovery mechanisms seemingly include the suppression of painful experiences, such as explosive injuries. Unfortunately, ignoring the knowledge generated by previous generations of scientists retards research progress, leading to superfluous and repetitive studies. This article summarizes clinical and experimental findings published about blast injuries and BINT following the wars of the 20th and 21th centuries. Moreover, it offers a personal view on potential factors interfering with the progress of BINT research working toward providing better diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation for military personnel affected by blast exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibolja Cernak
- Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Corbett Hall 3–48, Edmonton Alberta, T6G 2G4, Canada
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