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Fortington LV, Cassidy JD, Castellani RJ, Gardner AJ, McIntosh AS, Austen M, Kerr ZY, Quarrie KL. Epidemiological Principles in Claims of Causality: An Enquiry into Repetitive Head Impacts (RHI) and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). Sports Med 2024:10.1007/s40279-024-02102-4. [PMID: 39277838 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-024-02102-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/17/2024]
Abstract
Determining whether repetitive head impacts (RHI) cause the development of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)-neuropathological change (NC) and whether pathological changes cause clinical syndromes are topics of considerable interest to the global sports medicine community. In 2022, an article was published that used the Bradford Hill criteria to evaluate the claim that RHI cause CTE. The publication garnered international media attention and has since been promoted as definitive proof that causality has been established. Our counterpoint presents an appraisal of the published article in terms of the claims made and the scientific literature used in developing those claims. We conclude that the evidence provided does not justify the causal claims. We discuss how causes are conceptualised in modern epidemiology and highlight shortcomings in the current definitions and measurement of exposures (RHI) and outcomes (CTE). We address the Bradford Hill arguments that are used as evidence in the original review and conclude that assertions of causality having been established are premature. Members of the scientific community must be cautious of making causal claims until the proposed exposures and outcomes are well defined and consistently measured, and findings from appropriately designed studies have been published. Evaluating and reflecting on the quality of research is a crucial step in providing accurate evidence-based information to the public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren V Fortington
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia.
| | - J David Cassidy
- Division of Epidemiology, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rudolph J Castellani
- Division of Neuropathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Andrew J Gardner
- Sydney School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Andrew S McIntosh
- Monash University Accident Research Centre, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Michael Austen
- Australasian Faculty of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Royal Australasian College of Physicians, Sydney, Australia
- Royal New Zealand College of Urgent Care, Auckland, New Zealand
- High Court of New Zealand, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Zachary Yukio Kerr
- Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Kenneth L Quarrie
- New Zealand Rugby, 100 Molesworth Street, Wellington, New Zealand
- Sports Performance Research Institute New Zealand (SPRINZ), Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute (ABI), The University of Auckland, Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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2
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Stilwell G, Stitt D, Alexander K, Draper N, Kabaliuk N. The Impact of Drop Test Conditions on Brain Strain Location and Severity: A Novel Approach Using a Deep Learning Model. Ann Biomed Eng 2024; 52:2234-2246. [PMID: 38739210 PMCID: PMC11247052 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-024-03525-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
In contact sports such as rugby, players are at risk of sustaining traumatic brain injuries (TBI) due to high-intensity head impacts that generate high linear and rotational accelerations of the head. Previous studies have established a clear link between high-intensity head impacts and brain strains that result in concussions. This study presents a novel approach to investigating the effect of a range of laboratory controlled drop test parameters on regional peak and mean maximum principal strain (MPS) predictions within the brain using a trained convolutional neural network (CNN). The CNN is publicly available at https://github.com/Jilab-biomechanics/CNN-brain-strains . The results of this study corroborate previous findings that impacts to the side of the head result in significantly higher regional MPS than forehead impacts. Forehead impacts tend to result in the lowest region-averaged MPS values for impacts where the surface angle was at 0° and 45°, while side impacts tend to result in higher regional peak and mean MPS. The absence of a neck in drop tests resulted in lower regional peak and mean MPS values. The results indicated that the relationship between drop test parameters and resulting regional peak and mean MPS predictions is complex. The study's findings offer valuable insights into how deep learning models can be used to provide more detailed insights into how drop test conditions impact regional MPS. The novel approach used in this paper to predict brain strains can be applied in the development of better methods to reduce the brain strain resulting from head accelerations such as protective sports headgear.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Stilwell
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, 8041, New Zealand
| | - Danyon Stitt
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, 8041, New Zealand
| | - Keith Alexander
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, 8041, New Zealand
| | - Nick Draper
- Faculty of Health, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, 8041, New Zealand
| | - Natalia Kabaliuk
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, 8041, New Zealand.
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Pensato U, Cortelli P. Soccer (football) and brain health. J Neurol 2024; 271:3019-3029. [PMID: 38558150 PMCID: PMC11136867 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12320-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Soccer is one of the most popular sports worldwide, played by over 270 million people and followed by many more. Several brain health benefits are promoted by practising soccer and physical exercise at large, which helps contrast the cognitive decline associated with ageing by enhancing neurogenesis processes. However, sport-related concussions have been increasingly recognised as a pressing public health concern, not only due to their acute impact but also, more importantly, due to mounting evidence indicating an elevated risk for the development of neurological sequelae following recurrent head traumas, especially chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). While soccer players experience less frequent concussions compared with other contact or combat sports, such as American football or boxing, it stands alone in its purposeful use of the head to hit the ball (headings), setting its players apart as the only athletes exposed to intentional, sub-concussive head impacts. Additionally, an association between soccer and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis has been consistently observed, suggesting a potential "soccer-specific" risk factor. In this review, we discuss the neurological sequelae related to soccer playing, the emerging evidence of a detrimental effect related to recurrent headings, and the need for implementation of comprehensive strategies aimed at preventing and managing the burden of head impact in soccer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umberto Pensato
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, 20072, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy.
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, via Manzoni 56 Rozzano, 20089, Milan, Italy.
| | - Pietro Cortelli
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Kern J, Gulde P, Hermsdörfer J. A prospective investigation of the effects of soccer heading on cognitive and sensorimotor performances in semi-professional female players. Front Hum Neurosci 2024; 18:1345868. [PMID: 38404611 PMCID: PMC10884128 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2024.1345868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Repetitive head impacts (RHI) from routine soccer (football) heading have been suggested to contribute to the long-term development of neurodegenerative disorders. However, scientific evidence concerning the actual risk of these RHI on brain health remains inconclusive. Moreover, female athletes-despite a presumably increased vulnerability toward the effects of RHI-are largely underrepresented in previous approaches. Therefore, our aim was to prospectively investigate the effects of heading on cognitive and sensorimotor performances, health perception, and concussion symptoms in semi-professional female soccer players. Methods An extensive test battery was used to assess cognitive and sensorimotor performances as well as health status (SF-36) and concussion symptoms (SCAT3) of a total of 27 female soccer players (22.2 ± 4.2 years) and 15 control subjects (23.2 ± 3.0 years) before and after one-and-a-half years. Throughout this period, soccer players' heading exposure was determined using video analysis. Results Subgroup comparisons (control [n = 12], low exposure [n = 7], high exposure [n = 8]) showed no time-dependent differences in SF-36 or SCAT3 scores. Similarly, across most behavioral tests, soccer players' performances evolved equally or more favorably as compared to the control subjects. However, there were significant effects pointing toward slightly negative consequences of heading on aspects of fine motor control (p = 0.001), which were confirmed by correlation and multiple regression analyses. The latter, further, yielded indications for a relationship between heading exposure and negative alterations in postural control (p = 0.002). Discussion Our findings do not provide evidence for negative effects of soccer heading on female players' health perception, concussion symptoms, and cognitive performances over the course of one-and-a-half years. However, we found subtle negative alterations in fine motor and postural control that could be attributed to heading exposure. Other factors, like the number of previous head injuries, were not linked to the observed changes. Given the reduction of our initial sample size due to player fluctuation, the results need to be interpreted with caution and validated in larger-scale studies. These should not only focus on cognitive outcomes but also consider sensorimotor changes as a result of RHI from soccer heading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Kern
- Chair of Human Movement Science, Department Health and Sport Sciences, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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Hageman G, Hageman I, Nihom J. Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy in Soccer Players: Review of 14 Cases. Clin J Sport Med 2024; 34:69-80. [PMID: 37403989 DOI: 10.1097/jsm.0000000000001174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Exposure to repetitive sports-related concussions or (sub)concussive head trauma may lead to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Which impact (heading or concussion) poses the greatest risk of CTE development in soccer players? DESIGN Narrative review. SETTING Teaching hospital and University of Applied sciences. PATIENTS A literature search (PubMed) was conducted for neuropathologic studies in the period 2005-December 2022, investigating soccer players with dementia and a CTE diagnosis, limited to English language publications. 210 papers were selected for final inclusion, of which 7 papers described 14 soccer players. ASSESSMENT Magnetic resonance imaging studies in soccer players show that lifetime estimates of heading numbers are inversely correlated with cortical thickness, grey matter volume, and density of the anterior temporal cortex. Using diffusion tensor imaging-magnetic resonance imaging, higher frequency of headings-particularly with rotational accelerations-are associated with impaired white matter integrity. Serum neurofilament light protein is elevated after heading. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Chronic traumatic encephalopathy pathology, history of concussion, heading frequency. RESULTS In 10 of 14 soccer players, CTE was the primary diagnosis. In 4 cases, other dementia types formed the primary diagnosis and CTE pathology was a concomitant finding. Remarkably, 6 of the 14 cases had no history of concussion, suggesting that frequent heading may be a risk for CTE in patients without symptomatic concussion. Rule changes in heading duels, management of concussion during the game, and limiting the number of high force headers during training are discussed. CONCLUSIONS Data suggest that heading frequency and concussions are associated with higher risk of developing CTE in (retired) soccer players. However based on this review of only 14 players, questions persist as to whether or not heading is a risk factor for CTE or long-term cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard Hageman
- Department of Neurology, Medisch Spectrum Twente, Hospital Enschede, Enschede, the Netherlands; and
| | - Ivar Hageman
- Saxion University of Applied Sciences, Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - Jik Nihom
- Department of Neurology, Medisch Spectrum Twente, Hospital Enschede, Enschede, the Netherlands; and
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Cullinane PW, Wrigley S, Bradshaw TY, Shaw K, Shribman S, de Pablo Fernandez E, Warner TT, Jaunmuktane Z. Late Presentation of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy in a Former Association Football Player. Mov Disord Clin Pract 2023; 10:1414-1418. [PMID: 37772307 PMCID: PMC10525051 DOI: 10.1002/mdc3.13829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by widespread accumulation of hyperphosphorylated tau that typically occurs in people who have suffered repetitive head impacts. To date, very few cases have been reported in association football players. Objectives To describe the clinicopathological features of a case of CTE in an 84-year-old former football player who was clinically diagnosed as having dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). Methods A retrospective review of the patient's primary care and hospital medical records was performed along with a comprehensive neuropathological examination. Results This patient presented at age 84 with symmetrical parkinsonism and cognitive impairment that was exacerbated by prochlorperazine. His condition was rapidly progressive with recurrent falls within 1 year. Other features included headaches, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, disturbed sleep and aggression. He received a clinical diagnosis of DLB and died approximately 2 years after the onset of symptoms. A post-mortem examination revealed stage 4 CTE. Conclusions While the contemporaneous onset of parkinsonism and cognitive symptoms in the context of possible neuroleptic sensitivity is suggestive of DLB, the additional symptoms of aggressive behavior, depression and suicidality in a former football player are consistent with the neuropathological diagnosis of CTE. This case, which is notable for the late presentation, demonstrates that CTE may masquerade as other dementias and highlights the importance of seeking a history of repetitive head impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick W. Cullinane
- Department of Clinical and Movement NeurosciencesUCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
- Queen Square Brain Bank for Neurological DisordersUCL Queen Square Institute of NeurologyLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Sarah Wrigley
- Department of Clinical and Movement NeurosciencesUCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
- Queen Square Brain Bank for Neurological DisordersUCL Queen Square Institute of NeurologyLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Teisha Y. Bradshaw
- Department of Clinical and Movement NeurosciencesUCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Karen Shaw
- Department of Clinical and Movement NeurosciencesUCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
- Queen Square Brain Bank for Neurological DisordersUCL Queen Square Institute of NeurologyLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Samuel Shribman
- Department of Clinical and Movement NeurosciencesUCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Eduardo de Pablo Fernandez
- Department of Clinical and Movement NeurosciencesUCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
- Queen Square Brain Bank for Neurological DisordersUCL Queen Square Institute of NeurologyLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Thomas T. Warner
- Department of Clinical and Movement NeurosciencesUCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
- Queen Square Brain Bank for Neurological DisordersUCL Queen Square Institute of NeurologyLondonUnited Kingdom
- Queen Square Movement Disorders CentreUCL Queen Square Institute of NeurologyLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Zane Jaunmuktane
- Department of Clinical and Movement NeurosciencesUCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
- Queen Square Brain Bank for Neurological DisordersUCL Queen Square Institute of NeurologyLondonUnited Kingdom
- Division of Neuropathology, National Hospital for Neurology and NeurosurgeryUniversity College London NHS Foundation TrustLondonUnited Kingdom
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7
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van Amerongen S, Kamps S, Kaijser KKM, Pijnenburg YAL, Scheltens P, Teunissen CE, Barkhof F, Ossenkoppele R, Rozemuller AJM, Stern RA, Hoozemans JJM, Vijverberg EGB. Severe CTE and TDP-43 pathology in a former professional soccer player with dementia: a clinicopathological case report and review of the literature. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2023; 11:77. [PMID: 37161501 PMCID: PMC10169296 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-023-01572-3] [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: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last decades, numerous post-mortem case series have documented chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in former contact-sport athletes, though reports of CTE pathology in former soccer players are scarce. This study presents a clinicopathological case of a former professional soccer player with young-onset dementia. The patient experienced early onset progressive cognitive decline and developed dementia in his mid-50 s, after playing soccer for 12 years at a professional level. While the clinical picture mimicked Alzheimer's disease, amyloid PET imaging did not provide evidence of elevated beta-amyloid plaque density. After he died in his mid-60 s, brain autopsy showed severe phosphorylated tau (p-tau) abnormalities fulfilling the neuropathological criteria for high-stage CTE, as well as astrocytic and oligodendroglial tau pathology in terms of tufted astrocytes, thorn-shaped astrocytes, and coiled bodies. Additionally, there were TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) positive cytoplasmic inclusions in the frontal lobe and hippocampus, and Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) positivity in the axons of the white matter. A systematic review of the literature revealed only 13 other soccer players with postmortem diagnosis of CTE. Our report illustrates the complex clinicopathological correlation of CTE and the need for disease-specific biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzan van Amerongen
- Amsterdam Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
- Department of Neurology, Amsterdam UMC, location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
- Department of Neurology, Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Boston University CTE Center, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Suzie Kamps
- Amsterdam Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Neurology, Amsterdam UMC, location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Kyra K M Kaijser
- Amsterdam Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Yolande A L Pijnenburg
- Amsterdam Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Neurology, Amsterdam UMC, location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Philip Scheltens
- Amsterdam Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Neurology, Amsterdam UMC, location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- EQT Life Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Charlotte E Teunissen
- Amsterdam Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Neurochemistry Laboratory, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Amsterdam UMC, Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Frederik Barkhof
- Amsterdam Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Queen Square Institute of Neurology and Centre for Medical Image Computing, University College London, London, UK
| | - Rik Ossenkoppele
- Amsterdam Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Neurology, Amsterdam UMC, location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Clinical Memory Research Unit, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Annemieke J M Rozemuller
- Amsterdam Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Robert A Stern
- Department of Neurology, Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Boston University CTE Center, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Departments of Neurosurgery, and Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Everard G B Vijverberg
- Department of Neurology, Amsterdam UMC, location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Aranha MR, Coutinho AM, Carneiro CDG, Pastorello BF, Studart-Neto A, Guariglia CC, Tsunemi MH, Moreira ELS, Ianof JN, Anghinah R, Nitrini R, Cerri GG, Fortea J, Buchpiguel CA, Leite CC. Brain glucose metabolism and gray matter volume in retired professional soccer players: a cross-sectional [18F]FDG-PET/MRI study. ARQUIVOS DE NEURO-PSIQUIATRIA 2023; 81:433-443. [PMID: 37257463 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1768666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Professional soccer athletes are exposed to repetitive head impacts and are at risk of developing chronic traumatic encephalopathy. OBJECTIVE To evaluate regional brain glucose metabolism (rBGM) and gray matter (GM) volume in retired soccer players (RSPs). METHODS Male RSPs and age and sex-matched controls prospectively enrolled between 2017 and 2019 underwent neurological and neuropsychological evaluations, brain MRI and [18F]FDG-PET in a 3.0-Tesla PET/MRI scanner. Visual analysis was performed by a blinded neuroradiologist and a blinded nuclear physician. Regional brain glucose metabolism and GM volume were assessed using SPM8 software. Groups were compared using appropriate statistical tests available at SPM8 and R. RESULTS Nineteen RSPs (median [IQR]: 62 [50-64.5] years old) and 20 controls (60 [48-73] years old) were included. Retired soccer players performed worse on mini-mental state examination, digit span, clock drawing, phonemic and semantic verbal fluency tests, and had reduced rBGM in the left temporal pole (pFDR = 0.008) and the anterior left middle temporal gyrus (pFDR = 0.043). Semantic verbal fluency correlated with rBGM in the right hippocampus, left temporal pole, and posterior left middle temporal gyrus (p ≤ 0.042). Gray matter volume reduction was observed in similar anatomic regions but was less extensive and did not survive correction for multiple comparisons (pFDR ≥ 0.085). Individual [18F]FDG-PET visual analysis revealed seven RSPs with overt hypometabolism in the medial and lateral temporal lobes, frontal lobes, and temporoparietal regions. Retired soccer players had a higher prevalence of septum pellucidum abnormalities on MRI. CONCLUSION Retired soccer players had reduced rBGM and GM volume in the temporal lobes and septum pellucidum abnormalities, findings possibly related to repetitive head impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateus Rozalem Aranha
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Radiologia, São Paulo SP, Brazil
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina, Centro de Medicina Nuclear, São Paulo SP, Brazil
- Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Institut de Recerca, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Facultad de Medicina, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Artur Martins Coutinho
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina, Centro de Medicina Nuclear, São Paulo SP, Brazil
| | - Camila de Godoi Carneiro
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina, Centro de Medicina Nuclear, São Paulo SP, Brazil
| | | | - Adalberto Studart-Neto
- Universidade de São Paulo, Departamento de Neurologia, Faculdade de Medicina, São Paulo SP, Brazil
| | - Carla Cristina Guariglia
- Universidade de São Paulo, Departamento de Neurologia, Faculdade de Medicina, São Paulo SP, Brazil
| | - Miriam Harumi Tsunemi
- Universidade Estadual Paulista, Departamento de Bioestatística, Instituto de Biociências, Botucatu SP, Brazil
| | | | - Jéssica Natuline Ianof
- Universidade de São Paulo, Departamento de Neurologia, Faculdade de Medicina, São Paulo SP, Brazil
| | - Renato Anghinah
- Universidade de São Paulo, Departamento de Neurologia, Faculdade de Medicina, São Paulo SP, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Nitrini
- Universidade de São Paulo, Departamento de Neurologia, Faculdade de Medicina, São Paulo SP, Brazil
| | - Giovanni Guido Cerri
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Radiologia, São Paulo SP, Brazil
| | - Juan Fortea
- Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Institut de Recerca, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Facultad de Medicina, Barcelona, Spain
- Fundación Catalana de Síndrome de Down, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Claudia Costa Leite
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Radiologia, São Paulo SP, Brazil
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9
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Nicks R, Clement NF, Alvarez VE, Tripodis Y, Baucom ZH, Huber BR, Mez J, Alosco ML, Aytan N, Cherry JD, Cormier KA, Kubilius C, Mathias R, Svirsky SE, Pothast MJ, Hildebrandt AM, Chung J, Han X, Crary JF, McKee AC, Frosch MP, Stein TD. Repetitive head impacts and chronic traumatic encephalopathy are associated with TDP-43 inclusions and hippocampal sclerosis. Acta Neuropathol 2023; 145:395-408. [PMID: 36681782 PMCID: PMC11360224 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-023-02539-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Hippocampal sclerosis (HS) is associated with advanced age as well as transactive response DNA-binding protein with 43 kDa (TDP-43) deposits. Both hippocampal sclerosis and TDP-43 proteinopathy have also been described in chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a neurodegenerative disease linked to exposure to repetitive head impacts (RHI). However, the prevalence of HS in CTE, the pattern of TDP-43 pathology, and associations of HS and TDP-43 with RHI are unknown. A group of participants with a history of RHI and CTE at autopsy (n = 401) as well as a group with HS-aging without CTE (n = 33) was examined to determine the prevalence of HS and TDP-43 inclusions in CTE and to compare the clinical and pathological features of HS and TDP-43 inclusions in CTE to HS-aging. In CTE, HS was present in 23.4%, and TDP-43 inclusions were present in 43.3% of participants. HS in CTE occurred at a relatively young age (mean 77.0 years) and was associated with a greater number of years of RHI than CTE without HS adjusting for age (p = 0.029). In CTE, TDP-43 inclusions occurred frequently in the frontal cortex and occurred both with and without limbic TDP-43. Additionally, structural equation modeling demonstrated that RHI exposure years were associated with hippocampal TDP-43 inclusions (p < 0.001) through increased CTE stage (p < 0.001). Overall, RHI and the development of CTE pathology may contribute to TDP-43 deposition and hippocampal sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond Nicks
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease and CTE Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02130, USA
| | - Nathan F Clement
- C.S. Kubik Laboratory for Neuropathology, Pathology Service, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Services, Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Victor E Alvarez
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease and CTE Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02130, USA
- Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
- VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, USA
| | - Yorghos Tripodis
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease and CTE Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02130, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Zachery H Baucom
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease and CTE Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02130, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bertrand R Huber
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease and CTE Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02130, USA
- VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jesse Mez
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease and CTE Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02130, USA
- Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael L Alosco
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease and CTE Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02130, USA
- Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nurgul Aytan
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease and CTE Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02130, USA
- Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jonathan D Cherry
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease and CTE Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02130, USA
- Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kerry A Cormier
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease and CTE Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02130, USA
- VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
- VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, USA
| | - Carol Kubilius
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease and CTE Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02130, USA
| | - Rebecca Mathias
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease and CTE Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02130, USA
| | - Sarah E Svirsky
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease and CTE Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02130, USA
| | - Morgan J Pothast
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease and CTE Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02130, USA
| | | | - Jaeyoon Chung
- Department of Medicine (Biomedical Genetics), Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Xudong Han
- Boston University Bioinformatics Graduate Program, Boston, MA, USA
| | - John F Crary
- Department of Pathology, Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Department of Artificial Intelligence and Human Health, Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ann C McKee
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease and CTE Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02130, USA
- Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
- VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Matthew P Frosch
- C.S. Kubik Laboratory for Neuropathology, Pathology Service, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Thor D Stein
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease and CTE Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02130, USA.
- VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA.
- VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, USA.
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
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10
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Stipa G, Ancidoni A, Vanacore N, Bellomo G. Raw Water and ALS: A Unifying Hypothesis for the Environmental Agents Involved in ALS. Ann Neurosci 2023; 30:124-132. [PMID: 37706096 PMCID: PMC10496797 DOI: 10.1177/09727531221120358] [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: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Different studies identified the presence of several altered genes in familial and sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) forms. The experimental data, together with the epidemiological data, would seem to suggest the existence of molecular mechanisms (e.g., axonal transport) related to these genes, together with a susceptibility of the same genes to certain environmental factors that would therefore suggest an impact of the environment on the etiopathogenesis of ALS. In our review, we considered the most relevant environmental clusters around the world, collecting different hypotheses and underlining common environmental factors among the different clusters. Moreover, further epidemiological data identified a higher risk of ALS in professional athletes and, in particular, in soccer and football players. Despite this increased risk of ALS highlighted by the epidemiological evidence in aforementioned sports, the mechanisms remain unclear. At last, the use of raw water has been associated with ALS risk. The aim of the present review is to characterize a possible relationship between these clusters, to be explored in the context of the interaction between genetic and environmental factors on the etiopathogenesis of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Stipa
- Clinical Neurophysiology Division, Neuroscience Department, S. Maria University Hospital, Terni, Italy
| | - Antonio Ancidoni
- National Center for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, National Institute of Health (ISS), Roma, Italy
| | - Nicola Vanacore
- National Center for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, National Institute of Health (ISS), Roma, Italy
| | - Guido Bellomo
- National Center for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, National Institute of Health (ISS), Roma, Italy
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11
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McKee AC, Stein TD, Huber BR, Crary JF, Bieniek K, Dickson D, Alvarez VE, Cherry JD, Farrell K, Butler M, Uretsky M, Abdolmohammadi B, Alosco ML, Tripodis Y, Mez J, Daneshvar DH. Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE): criteria for neuropathological diagnosis and relationship to repetitive head impacts. Acta Neuropathol 2023; 145:371-394. [PMID: 36759368 PMCID: PMC10020327 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-023-02540-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Over the last 17 years, there has been a remarkable increase in scientific research concerning chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Since the publication of NINDS-NIBIB criteria for the neuropathological diagnosis of CTE in 2016, and diagnostic refinements in 2021, hundreds of contact sport athletes and others have been diagnosed at postmortem examination with CTE. CTE has been reported in amateur and professional athletes, including a bull rider, boxers, wrestlers, and American, Canadian, and Australian rules football, rugby union, rugby league, soccer, and ice hockey players. The pathology of CTE is unique, characterized by a pathognomonic lesion consisting of a perivascular accumulation of neuronal phosphorylated tau (p-tau) variably alongside astrocytic aggregates at the depths of the cortical sulci, and a distinctive molecular structural configuration of p-tau fibrils that is unlike the changes observed with aging, Alzheimer's disease, or any other tauopathy. Computational 3-D and finite element models predict the perivascular and sulcal location of p-tau pathology as these brain regions undergo the greatest mechanical deformation during head impact injury. Presently, CTE can be definitively diagnosed only by postmortem neuropathological examination; the corresponding clinical condition is known as traumatic encephalopathy syndrome (TES). Over 97% of CTE cases published have been reported in individuals with known exposure to repetitive head impacts (RHI), including concussions and nonconcussive impacts, most often experienced through participation in contact sports. While some suggest there is uncertainty whether a causal relationship exists between RHI and CTE, the preponderance of the evidence suggests a high likelihood of a causal relationship, a conclusion that is strengthened by the absence of any evidence for plausible alternative hypotheses. There is a robust dose-response relationship between CTE and years of American football play, a relationship that remains consistent even when rigorously accounting for selection bias. Furthermore, a recent study suggests that selection bias underestimates the observed risk. Here, we present the advances in the neuropathological diagnosis of CTE culminating with the development of the NINDS-NIBIB criteria, the multiple international studies that have used these criteria to report CTE in hundreds of contact sports players and others, and the evidence for a robust dose-response relationship between RHI and CTE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann C McKee
- VA Boston Healthcare System, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Boston, MA, USA.
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and CTE Centers, Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, 150 S Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, 02130, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
- VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, USA.
| | - Thor D Stein
- VA Boston Healthcare System, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Boston, MA, USA
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and CTE Centers, Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, 150 S Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, 02130, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, USA
| | - Bertrand R Huber
- VA Boston Healthcare System, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Boston, MA, USA
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and CTE Centers, Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, 150 S Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, 02130, USA
- Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - John F Crary
- Departments of Pathology, Neuroscience, and Artificial Intelligence and Human Health, Neuropathology Brain Bank and Research Core, Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kevin Bieniek
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer's and Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Dennis Dickson
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Victor E Alvarez
- VA Boston Healthcare System, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Boston, MA, USA
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and CTE Centers, Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, 150 S Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, 02130, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, USA
| | - Jonathan D Cherry
- VA Boston Healthcare System, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Boston, MA, USA
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and CTE Centers, Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, 150 S Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, 02130, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kurt Farrell
- Departments of Pathology, Neuroscience, and Artificial Intelligence and Human Health, Neuropathology Brain Bank and Research Core, Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Morgane Butler
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and CTE Centers, Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, 150 S Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, 02130, USA
| | - Madeline Uretsky
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and CTE Centers, Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, 150 S Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, 02130, USA
| | - Bobak Abdolmohammadi
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and CTE Centers, Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, 150 S Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, 02130, USA
| | - Michael L Alosco
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and CTE Centers, Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, 150 S Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, 02130, USA
- Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yorghos Tripodis
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and CTE Centers, Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, 150 S Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, 02130, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jesse Mez
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and CTE Centers, Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, 150 S Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, 02130, USA
- Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Daniel H Daneshvar
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and CTE Centers, Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, 150 S Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, 02130, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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12
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Ramsay D, Miller A, Baykeens B, Hassan H, Gentleman S. Football (Soccer) as a Probable Cause of Long-Term Neurological Impairment and Neurodegeneration: A Narrative Review of the Debate. Cureus 2023; 15:e34279. [PMID: 36855480 PMCID: PMC9968489 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.34279] [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: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Football (soccer) is the most widely played sport across the globe. Due to some recent high-profile cases and epidemiological studies suggesting football can lead to neurodegeneration, scientific and public interest has been piqued. This has resulted in research into whether an association between football participation and neurodegeneration or neurological impairment is present. It has been theorised that a combination of repeated sub-concussive and concussive injuries, due to ball-heading and head collisions, may lead to neurodegeneration. However, evidence remains conflicting. Due to the popularity of the sport, and the serious conditions it has been linked to, it is important to determine whether repeated head impacts during football participation can play a causative role in neurodegenerative disease. To answer this question, a review of the current literature was carried out. Epidemiological evidence showed a higher incidence of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis amongst amateur and professional footballers and that footballers in positions that involve less contact and heading, e.g., goalkeepers lead significantly longer lives. Additionally, imaging studies reach a similar conclusion, reporting changes in brain structure, blood flow, and inflammatory markers in footballers when compared to controls. However, studies looking at an association between heading frequency and cognition show a lack of consensus on whether a higher heading exposure results in reduced cognition. Similarly, in neuropathological studies, signs of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) have been found in some former players, with contrasting studies suggesting low levels of CTE-type pathology are found in the general population, regardless of exposure to head trauma. The majority of studies suggest a link between football and neurodegenerative disease. However, the high prevalence of retrospective cohort and cross-sectional studies, often plagued by recall bias, undermine the conclusions drawn. Therefore, until larger prospective cohort studies are conducted, concrete conclusions cannot be made. However, caution can be exercised to limit head impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Ramsay
- School of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, GBR
| | - Alice Miller
- School of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, GBR
| | - Bibire Baykeens
- School of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, GBR
- School of Medicine, Peninsula School of Medicine, Plymouth, GBR
| | - Hamaas Hassan
- School of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, GBR
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13
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Smirl JD, Peacock D, Burma JS, Wright AD, Bouliane KJ, Dierijck J, van Donkelaar P. Repetitive bout of controlled soccer heading does not alter heart rate variability metrics: A preliminary investigation. Front Neurol 2022; 13:980938. [PMID: 36504654 PMCID: PMC9732532 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.980938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives There is elevated unease regarding how repetitive head impacts, such as those associated with soccer heading, contribute to alterations in brain function. This study examined the extent heart rate variability (HRV) and cardiac baroreceptor sensitivity (BRS) metrics are altered immediately following an acute bout of soccer heading. Methods Seven male elite soccer players (24.1 ± 1.5 years) completed 40 successful soccer headers in 20-min. The headers were performed under controlled circumstances using a soccer ball launcher located 25 meters away and using an initial ball velocity of 77.5 ± 3.7 km/h (heading condition). An accelerometer (xPatch) on the right mastoid process quantified linear/rotational head accelerations. Participants also completed sham (body contact) and control (non-contact) sessions. A three-lead ECG and finger photoplethysmography characterized short-term spontaneous HRV/cardiac BRS, before and after each condition. The SCAT3 indexed symptom scores pre-post exposures to all three conditions. Results During the heading condition, cumulative linear and rotational accelerations experienced were 1,574 ± 97.9 g and 313,761 ± 23,966 rad/s2, respectively. Heart rate trended toward an increase from pre- to post-heading (p = 0.063), however HRV metrics in the time-domain (ps > 0.260) and frequency-domain (ps > 0.327) as well as cardiac BRS (ps > 0.144) were not significantly changed following all three conditions. Following the heading condition, SCAT3 symptom severity increased (p = 0.030) with a trend for symptom score augmentation (p = 0.078) compared to control and sham. Conclusion Whereas, symptoms as measured by the SCAT3 were induced following an acute bout of controlled soccer heading, these preliminary findings indicate they were not accompanied by alterations to autonomic function. Ultimately, this demonstrates further research is needed to understand the physiological underpinnings of alterations in brain function occurring immediately after a bout of soccer heading and how these may, over time, contribute to long-term neurological impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan David Smirl
- Concussion Research Lab, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada,Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada,Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada,Human Performance Laboratory, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada,Faculty of Medicine, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada,Integrated Concussion Research Program, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada,Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada,*Correspondence: Jonathan David Smirl
| | - Dakota Peacock
- Southern Medical Program, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada,Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Joel Stephen Burma
- Concussion Research Lab, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada,Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada,Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada,Human Performance Laboratory, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada,Faculty of Medicine, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada,Integrated Concussion Research Program, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada,Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Alexander D. Wright
- Concussion Research Lab, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada,Southern Medical Program, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada,University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada,Experimental Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kevin J. Bouliane
- Concussion Research Lab, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Jill Dierijck
- Concussion Research Lab, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada,School of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Paul van Donkelaar
- Concussion Research Lab, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
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14
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Kepka S, Lersy F, Godet J, Blanc F, Bilger M, Botzung A, Kleitz C, Merignac J, Ohrant E, Garnier F, Pietra F, Noblet V, Deck C, Willinger R, Kremer S. Cerebral and cognitive modifications in retired professional soccer players: TC-FOOT protocol, a transverse analytical study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e060459. [PMID: 36351716 PMCID: PMC9664284 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-060459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Soccer is the most popular sport in the world. This contact sport carries the risk of exposure to repeated head impacts in the form of subconcussions, defined as minimal brain injuries following head impact, with no symptom of concussion. While it has been suggested that exposure to repetitive subconcussive events can result in long-term neurophysiological modifications, and the later development of chronic traumatic encephalopathy, the consequences of these repeated impacts remain controversial and largely unexplored in the context of soccer players. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This is a prospective, single-centre, exposure/non-exposure, transverse study assessing the MRI and neuropsychological abnormalities in professional retired soccer players exposed to subconcussive impacts, compared with high-level athletes not exposed to head impacts. The primary outcome corresponds to the results of MRI by advanced MRI techniques (diffusion tensor, cerebral perfusion, functional MRI, cerebral volumetry and cortical thickness, spectroscopy, susceptibility imaging). Secondary outcomes are the results of the neuropsychological tests: number of errors and time to complete tests. We hypothesise that repeated subconcussive impacts could lead to morphological lesions and impact on soccer players' cognitive skills in the long term. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethics approval has been obtained and the study was approved by the Comité de Protection des Personnes (CPP) No 2021-A01169-32. Study findings will be disseminated by publication in a high-impact international journal. Results will be presented at national and international imaging meetings. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04903015.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Kepka
- Emergency Department, University Hospital Centre Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- ICube, UMR 7357, University of Strasbourg-CNRS, Strasbourg, France
| | - François Lersy
- Imaging Department, University Hospital Centre Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Julien Godet
- ICube, UMR 7357, University of Strasbourg-CNRS, Strasbourg, France
- Public Health Unit, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Frederic Blanc
- ICube, UMR 7357, University of Strasbourg-CNRS, Strasbourg, France
- Geriatrics and Neurology Departments, Research and Resources Memory Center (CM2R), University Hospital of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Mathias Bilger
- Neuropsychology Department, University Hospital Centre Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Anne Botzung
- Geriatrics and Neurology Departments, Research and Resources Memory Center (CM2R), University Hospital of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Catherine Kleitz
- Neuropsychology Department, University Hospital Centre Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Jeanne Merignac
- Geriatrics and Neurology Departments, Research and Resources Memory Center (CM2R), University Hospital of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | | | - Franck Garnier
- School of Osteopathy, College COS Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Medical Sport Center of Strasbourg, CMSM, Strasburg, France
| | | | - Vincent Noblet
- ICube, UMR 7357, University of Strasbourg-CNRS, Strasbourg, France
| | - Caroline Deck
- ICube, UMR 7357, University of Strasbourg-CNRS, Strasbourg, France
| | - Remy Willinger
- ICube, UMR 7357, University of Strasbourg-CNRS, Strasbourg, France
| | - Stéphane Kremer
- ICube, UMR 7357, University of Strasbourg-CNRS, Strasbourg, France
- Imaging Department, University Hospital Centre Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
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15
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Asken BM, Tanner JA, VandeVrede L, Casaletto KB, Staffaroni AM, Mundada N, Fonseca C, Iaccarino L, La Joie R, Tsuei T, Mladinov M, Grant H, Shankar R, Wang KKW, Xu H, Cobigo Y, Rosen H, Gardner RC, Perry DC, Miller BL, Spina S, Seeley WW, Kramer JH, Grinberg LT, Rabinovici GD. Multi-Modal Biomarkers of Repetitive Head Impacts and Traumatic Encephalopathy Syndrome: A Clinicopathological Case Series. J Neurotrauma 2022; 39:1195-1213. [PMID: 35481808 PMCID: PMC9422800 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2022.0060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumatic encephalopathy syndrome (TES) criteria were developed to aid diagnosis of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) pathology during life. Interpreting clinical and biomarker findings in patients with TES during life necessitates autopsy-based determination of the neuropathological profile. We report a clinicopathological series of nine patients with previous repetitive head impacts (RHI) classified retrospectively using the recent TES research framework (100% male and white/Caucasian, age at death 49-84) who completed antemortem neuropsychological evaluations, T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging, diffusion tensor imaging (n = 6), (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (n = 5), and plasma measurement of neurofilament light (NfL), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and total tau (n = 8). Autopsies were performed on all patients. Cognitively, low test scores and longitudinal decline were relatively consistent for memory and executive function. Medial temporal lobe atrophy was observed in all nine patients. Poor white matter integrity was consistently found in the fornix. Glucose hypometabolism was most common in the medial temporal lobe and thalamus. Most patients had elevated plasma GFAP, NfL, and total tau at their initial visit and a subset showed longitudinally increasing concentrations. Neuropathologically, five of the nine patients had CTE pathology (n = 4 "High CTE"/McKee Stage III-IV, n = 1 "Low CTE"/McKee Stage I). Primary neuropathological diagnoses (i.e., the disease considered most responsible for observed symptoms) were frontotemporal lobar degeneration (n = 2 FTLD-TDP, n = 1 FTLD-tau), Alzheimer disease (n = 3), CTE (n = 2), and primary age-related tauopathy (n = 1). In addition, hippocampal sclerosis was a common neuropathological comorbidity (n = 5) and associated with limbic-predominant TDP-43 proteinopathy (n = 4) or FTLD-TDP (n = 1). Memory and executive function decline, limbic system brain changes (atrophy, decreased white matter integrity, hypometabolism), and plasma biomarker alterations are common in RHI and TES but may reflect multiple neuropathologies. In particular, the neuropathological differential for patients with RHI or TES presenting with medial temporal atrophy and memory loss should include limbic TDP-43. Researchers and clinicians should be cautious in attributing cognitive, neuroimaging, or other biomarker changes solely to CTE tau pathology based on previous RHI or a TES diagnosis alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Breton M. Asken
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jeremy A. Tanner
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Lawren VandeVrede
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Kaitlin B. Casaletto
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Adam M. Staffaroni
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Nidhi Mundada
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Corrina Fonseca
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Leonardo Iaccarino
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Renaud La Joie
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Torie Tsuei
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Miho Mladinov
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Harli Grant
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Ranjani Shankar
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Kevin K. W. Wang
- Program for Neurotrauma, Neuroproteomics & Biomarkers Research, Department of Emergency Medicine, Neuroscience, Psychiatry and Chemistry, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Brain Rehabilitation Research Center, Malcom Randall VA Medical Center, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Haiyan Xu
- Program for Neurotrauma, Neuroproteomics & Biomarkers Research, Department of Emergency Medicine, Neuroscience, Psychiatry and Chemistry, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Brain Rehabilitation Research Center, Malcom Randall VA Medical Center, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Yann Cobigo
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Howie Rosen
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Raquel C. Gardner
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - David C. Perry
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Bruce L. Miller
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Salvatore Spina
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - William W. Seeley
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Joel H. Kramer
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Lea T. Grinberg
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Gil D. Rabinovici
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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16
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Bellomo G, Piscopo P, Corbo M, Pupillo E, Stipa G, Beghi E, Vanacore N, Lacorte E. A systematic review on the risk of neurodegenerative diseases and neurocognitive disorders in professional and varsity athletes. Neurol Sci 2022; 43:6667-6691. [PMID: 35976476 PMCID: PMC9663371 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-022-06319-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Objective
The aim of this systematic review (SR) was to gather all available epidemiological evidence on former participation in any type of sport, at a professional and varsity level, as a potential risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) and neurocognitive disorders (NCDs).
Design
Systematic searches were performed on PubMed, the Cochrane databases, and the ISI Web of Knowledge databases. Included studies were assessed using the NOS checklist.
Eligibility criteria for selecting studies
All epidemiological studies reporting data on the possible association between a clinical diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)/motor neuron disease (MND), dementia or mild cognitive impairment (MCI), Parkinson’s disease (PD), chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) at any stage and with any clinical pattern and the former participation in any types of sport at a varsity and professional level were included.
Results
Data from the 17 included studies showed a higher frequency of NDs and NCDs in former soccer and American football players. Updating the previous SR confirmed a higher frequency of ALS/MND in former soccer players. Data reported a significantly higher risk of dementia/AD in former soccer players, and of MCI in former American football players. Results also showed a significantly higher risk of PD in former soccer and American football players, and a significantly higher risk of CTE in former boxers and American football players.
Summary/conclusions
This SR confirmed a higher risk of NDs and NCDs in former professional/varsity athletes. However, the pathological mechanisms underlying this association remain unclear, and further high-quality studies should be performed to clarify whether the association could be sport specific.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Bellomo
- National Center for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy.
| | - P Piscopo
- Department of Neurosciences, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - M Corbo
- Department of Neurorehabilitation Sciences, Casa Cura Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - E Pupillo
- Istituto Di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - G Stipa
- Clinical Neurophysiology Division, Neuroscience Department, S. Maria University Hospital, Terni, Italy
| | - E Beghi
- Istituto Di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - N Vanacore
- National Center for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - E Lacorte
- National Center for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
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17
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Nowinski CJ, Bureau SC, Buckland ME, Curtis MA, Daneshvar DH, Faull RLM, Grinberg LT, Hill-Yardin EL, Murray HC, Pearce AJ, Suter CM, White AJ, Finkel AM, Cantu RC. Applying the Bradford Hill Criteria for Causation to Repetitive Head Impacts and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy. Front Neurol 2022; 13:938163. [PMID: 35937061 PMCID: PMC9355594 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.938163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a neurodegenerative disease associated with a history of repetitive head impacts (RHI). CTE was described in boxers as early as the 1920s and by the 1950s it was widely accepted that hits to the head caused some boxers to become "punch drunk." However, the recent discovery of CTE in American and Australian-rules football, soccer, rugby, ice hockey, and other sports has resulted in renewed debate on whether the relationship between RHI and CTE is causal. Identifying the strength of the evidential relationship between CTE and RHI has implications for public health and medico-legal issues. From a public health perspective, environmentally caused diseases can be mitigated or prevented. Medico-legally, millions of children are exposed to RHI through sports participation; this demographic is too young to legally consent to any potential long-term risks associated with this exposure. To better understand the strength of evidence underlying the possible causal relationship between RHI and CTE, we examined the medical literature through the Bradford Hill criteria for causation. The Bradford Hill criteria, first proposed in 1965 by Sir Austin Bradford Hill, provide a framework to determine if one can justifiably move from an observed association to a verdict of causation. The Bradford Hill criteria include nine viewpoints by which to evaluate human epidemiologic evidence to determine if causation can be deduced: strength, consistency, specificity, temporality, biological gradient, plausibility, coherence, experiment, and analogy. We explored the question of causation by evaluating studies on CTE as it relates to RHI exposure. Through this lens, we found convincing evidence of a causal relationship between RHI and CTE, as well as an absence of evidence-based alternative explanations. By organizing the CTE literature through this framework, we hope to advance the global conversation on CTE mitigation efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J. Nowinski
- Concussion Legacy Foundation, Boston, MA, United States,*Correspondence: Christopher J. Nowinski
| | | | - Michael E. Buckland
- Department of Neuropathology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW, Australia,School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Maurice A. Curtis
- Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging and Centre for Brain Research, Faculty of Medical and Health Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Daniel H. Daneshvar
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Richard L. M. Faull
- Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging and Centre for Brain Research, Faculty of Medical and Health Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Lea T. Grinberg
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States,Global Brain Health Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States,Department of Pathology, University of Sao Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil,Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Elisa L. Hill-Yardin
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, STEM College, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia,Department of Anatomy & Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Helen C. Murray
- Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging and Centre for Brain Research, Faculty of Medical and Health Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Alan J. Pearce
- College of Science, Health, and Engineering, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Catherine M. Suter
- Department of Neuropathology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW, Australia,School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Adam J. White
- Department of Sport, Health Science, and Social Work, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, United Kingdom,Concussion Legacy Foundation UK, Cheltenham, United Kingdom
| | - Adam M. Finkel
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Robert C. Cantu
- Concussion Legacy Foundation, Boston, MA, United States,Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States,Department of Neurosurgery, Emerson Hospital, Concord, MA, United States
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18
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Neal J, Hutchings PB, Phelps C, Williams D. Football and Dementia: Understanding the Link. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:849876. [PMID: 35693952 PMCID: PMC9184440 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.849876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Football, also known as soccer or association football, is popular but has a potential link with dementia developing in retired players. The FA and soccer regulators in the USA have imposed guidelines limiting players exposure to heading, despite controversy whether this dementia is caused by heading the ball, a form of mild repetitive head injury (RHI), over many years. Substantial data exist showing that many ex-North American Football players develop a specific neurodegenerative disease: chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), the neuropathological disorder of boxers. In the United Kingdom evidence for the neuropathological basis of footballers' dementia has been slow to emerge. A 2017 study revealed that in six ex-soccer players four had CTE with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and two had AD. A 2019 study showed that ex-footballers were 3.5 times more likely to die from dementia or other neuro-degenerative diseases than matched controls. We argue that in childhood and adolescence the brain is vulnerable to heading, predicated on its disproportionate size and developmental immaturity. RHI in young individuals is associated with early neuroinflammation, a potential trigger for promoting neurodegeneration in later life. Evidence is available to support the guidelines limiting heading for players of all ages, while professional and non-players should be included in prospective studies to investigate the link between soccer and dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Neal
- Institute of Life Sciences, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Paul B Hutchings
- Centre for Psychology and Counselling, Institute of Education and Humanities, University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Ceri Phelps
- Centre for Psychology and Counselling, Institute of Education and Humanities, University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Swansea, United Kingdom
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19
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Asken BM, Rabinovici GD. Professional Soccer and Dementia Risk-The Ugly Side of the Beautiful Game. JAMA Neurol 2021; 78:1049-1051. [PMID: 34338741 DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2021.2246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Breton M Asken
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco.,Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco
| | - Gil D Rabinovici
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco.,Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco.,Department of Radiology & Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco.,Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco.,Associate Editor, JAMA Neurology
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20
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Bieniek KF, Cairns NJ, Crary JF, Dickson DW, Folkerth RD, Keene CD, Litvan I, Perl DP, Stein TD, Vonsattel JP, Stewart W, Dams-O’Connor K, Gordon WA, Tripodis Y, Alvarez VE, Mez J, Alosco ML, McKee AC. The Second NINDS/NIBIB Consensus Meeting to Define Neuropathological Criteria for the Diagnosis of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2021; 80:210-219. [PMID: 33611507 PMCID: PMC7899277 DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nlab001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a neurodegenerative disorder associated with exposure to head trauma. In 2015, a panel of neuropathologists funded by the NINDS/NIBIB defined preliminary consensus neuropathological criteria for CTE, including the pathognomonic lesion of CTE as "an accumulation of abnormal hyperphosphorylated tau (p-tau) in neurons and astroglia distributed around small blood vessels at the depths of cortical sulci and in an irregular pattern," based on review of 25 tauopathy cases. In 2016, the consensus panel met again to review and refine the preliminary criteria, with consideration around the minimum threshold for diagnosis and the reproducibility of a proposed pathological staging scheme. Eight neuropathologists evaluated 27 cases of tauopathies (17 CTE cases), blinded to clinical and demographic information. Generalized estimating equation analyses showed a statistically significant association between the raters and CTE diagnosis for both the blinded (OR = 72.11, 95% CI = 19.5-267.0) and unblinded rounds (OR = 256.91, 95% CI = 63.6-1558.6). Based on the challenges in assigning CTE stage, the panel proposed a working protocol including a minimum threshold for CTE diagnosis and an algorithm for the assessment of CTE severity as "Low CTE" or "High CTE" for use in future clinical, pathological, and molecular studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin F Bieniek
- Department of Pathology, Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Nigel J Cairns
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri
| | - John F Crary
- Departments of Pathology & Neuroscience, Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer’s Disease, Freidman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai School, New York, New York
| | | | - Rebecca D Folkerth
- New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner and Department of Forensic Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - C Dirk Keene
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
| | - Irene Litvan
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California
| | - Daniel P Perl
- Department of Pathology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Thor D Stein
- VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Pathology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Bedford, Massachusetts
- Alzheimer's Disease Center, CTE Program, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Bedford, Massachusetts
| | - Jean-Paul Vonsattel
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - William Stewart
- Department of Neuropathology, University of Glasgow Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology and Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Kristen Dams-O’Connor
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
- Department of Neurology (KD-O), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Wayne A Gordon
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Yorghos Tripodis
- Alzheimer's Disease Center, CTE Program, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Bedford, Massachusetts
| | - Victor E Alvarez
- VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Bedford, Massachusetts
- Alzheimer's Disease Center, CTE Program, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Bedford, Massachusetts
| | - Jesse Mez
- Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Bedford, Massachusetts
- Alzheimer's Disease Center, CTE Program, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Bedford, Massachusetts
| | - Michael L Alosco
- Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Bedford, Massachusetts
- Alzheimer's Disease Center, CTE Program, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Bedford, Massachusetts
| | - Ann C McKee
- VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Pathology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Bedford, Massachusetts
- Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Bedford, Massachusetts
- Alzheimer's Disease Center, CTE Program, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Bedford, Massachusetts
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21
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Mariani M, Alosco ML, Mez J, Stern RA. Clinical Presentation of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy. Semin Neurol 2020; 40:370-383. [PMID: 32740900 DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1713624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a neurodegenerative disease associated with repetitive head impacts (RHI), such as those received in contact/collision sports, blast injury in military veterans, and domestic violence. Currently, CTE can only be diagnosed following death. Although the clinical features of former boxers have been described for almost a century, and there is increasing evidence of long-term cognitive and neuropsychiatric impairments in living former American football players, the specific clinical presentation associated with underlying CTE neuropathology remains unclear. These features include diverse and nonspecific changes in cognition, mood, behavior, and motor functioning. Currently, there are no validated and widely accepted clinical diagnostic criteria. Proposed criteria are primarily based on retrospective telephonic interviews with the next of kin of individuals who were diagnosed with CTE postmortem. Prospective studies involving individuals presumably at high risk for CTE are underway; these will hopefully clarify the clinical features and course of CTE, allow the diagnostic criteria to be refined, and lead to the development and validation of in vivo biomarkers. This article reviews what is currently known about the clinical presentation of CTE and describes the evolution of this knowledge from early case reports of "punch drunk" boxers through larger case series of neuropathologically confirmed CTE. This article concludes with a discussion of gaps in research and future directions to address these areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Mariani
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Center and Boston University CTE Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Michael L Alosco
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Center and Boston University CTE Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jesse Mez
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Center and Boston University CTE Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Robert A Stern
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Center and Boston University CTE Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
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22
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McKee AC. The Neuropathology of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy: The Status of the Literature. Semin Neurol 2020; 40:359-369. [PMID: 32712946 DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1713632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a tauopathy associated with repetitive mild head trauma, including concussion and asymptomatic subconcussive impacts. CTE was first recognized in boxers almost a century ago and has been identified more recently in contact sports athletes, military veterans exposed to blast, and victims of domestic violence. Like most neurodegenerative diseases, CTE is diagnosed conclusively by a neuropathological examination of brain tissue. CTE is characterized by the buildup of hyperphosphorylated tau (p-tau) in neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), neurites, and, sometimes, astrocytes, surrounding small blood vessels in a patchy distribution at the sulcal depths of the cerebral cortex. In 2015, using the McKee proposed criteria for the neuropathological diagnosis of CTE, a consensus panel of expert neuropathologists confirmed CTE as a unique neurodegenerative disease with a pathognomonic lesion and published the preliminary NINDS (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke) criteria for CTE. Since that time, the NINDS criteria for CTE have been implemented and validated in multiple international publications. Using the NINDS criteria, the largest clinicopathological series of CTE to date was reported that included 177 former American football players, including 110 (99%) of 111 former National Football League players, 48 (91%) of 53 former college football players, and 3 (21%) of 14 former high school players. Studies have also shown a significant association between cumulative exposure to repetitive head trauma, as judged by the length of American football playing career, and risk for and severity of CTE. There is also a significant relationship of the length of football playing career with p-tau pathology, inflammation, white matter rarefaction, and age at death in CTE. While p-tau pathology, inflammation, white matter rarefaction, and arteriolosclerosis contribute to dementia in CTE, whether they also influence the behavioral and mood symptoms in CTE has yet to be determined. There have been several instances of aging-related tau astrogliopathy (ARTAG), a common astrocytic pathology in the elderly, misdiagnosed as CTE in the recent literature, provoking claims that CTE pathology is present in people not known to have experienced repetitive head trauma. Although ARTAG is often found in CTE, the pathognomonic lesion of CTE is a neuronal lesion consisting of NFTs and neurites, with or without p-tau immunoreactive astrocytes. Some authors consider β-amyloid (Aβ) to be a primary feature of CTE, yet the data indicate that CTE is a primary tauopathy, with Aβ deposition a function of age and inheritance of the ApoEe4 allele. Some authors also question the progressive nature of CTE pathology, although there is clear evidence in most individuals that p-tau pathology increases in density and affects more brain regions with survival. This review is intended to outline the status of the evidence-based literature regarding CTE neuropathology and to address the misrepresentations and confusions that have arisen in recent reviews and a letter of correspondence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann C McKee
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts.,Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Center, Boston, Massachusetts.,Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Center, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts.,VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts
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23
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Smirl JD, Peacock D, Wright AD, Bouliane KJ, Dierijck J, Burma JS, Kennefick M, Wallace C, van Donkelaar P. An Acute Bout of Soccer Heading Subtly Alters Neurovascular Coupling Metrics. Front Neurol 2020; 11:738. [PMID: 32849205 PMCID: PMC7396491 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: The current investigation examined how a bout of soccer heading may impact brain function. Design: Semi-randomized crossover cohort. Setting: Controlled soccer heading. Participants: Seven male soccer players (24.1 ± 1.5 years). Intervention: 40 successful soccer headers were performed in 20 min (25 m, launch velocity ~80 km/h). X2 xPatch recorded linear and rotational head accelerations during each impact. A contact control “sham” condition – ball made body contact, but not by the head; and a no activity time “control” condition were also completed. Main Outcome Measures: Posterior and middle cerebral artery (PCA and MCA, respectively), cerebral blood velocity (CBV) was recorded during a visual task (neurovascular coupling: NVC) alongside SCAT3 symptoms scores pre/post a controlled bout of soccer heading. Results: Cumulative linear and rotational accelerations were 1,574 ± 97.9 g and 313,761 ± 23,966 rads/s2, respectively, during heading and changes in SCAT3 symptom number (pre: 2.6 ± 3.0; post: 6.7 ± 6.2, p = 0.13) and severity (pre: 3.7 ± 3.6, post: 9.4 ± 7.6, p = 0.11) were unchanged. In the PCA, no NVC differences were observed, including: relative CBV increase (28.0 ± 7.6%, p = 0.71) and total activation (188.7 ± 68.1 cm, p = 0.93). However, MCA-derived NVC metrics were blunted following heading, demonstrating decreased relative CBV increase (7.8 ± 3.1%, p = 0.03) and decreased total activation (26.7 ± 45.3 cm, p = 0.04). Conclusion: Although an acute bout of soccer heading did not result in an increase of concussion-like symptoms, there were alterations in NVC responses within the MCA during a visual task. This suggests an acute bout of repetitive soccer heading can alter CBV regulation within the region of the brain associated with the header impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan D Smirl
- Concussion Research Laboratory, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada.,Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Human Performance Laboratory, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Integrated Concussion Research Program, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Dakota Peacock
- Southern Medical Program, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Alexander D Wright
- Concussion Research Laboratory, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada.,Southern Medical Program, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada.,MD/PhD Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Experimental Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kevin J Bouliane
- Concussion Research Laboratory, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Jill Dierijck
- Concussion Research Laboratory, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada.,Faculty of Health, School of Physiotherapy, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Joel S Burma
- Concussion Research Laboratory, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada.,Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Human Performance Laboratory, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Michael Kennefick
- Concussion Research Laboratory, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Colin Wallace
- Concussion Research Laboratory, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Paul van Donkelaar
- Concussion Research Laboratory, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
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24
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Mooney J, Self M, ReFaey K, Elsayed G, Chagoya G, Bernstock JD, Johnston JM. Concussion in soccer: a comprehensive review of the literature. Concussion 2020; 5:CNC76. [PMID: 33005435 PMCID: PMC7506470 DOI: 10.2217/cnc-2020-0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Sports-related concussion has been examined extensively in collision sports such as football and hockey. However, historically, lower-risk contact sports such as soccer have only more recently garnered increased attention. Here, we review articles examining the epidemiology, injury mechanisms, sex differences, as well as the neurochemical, neurostructural and neurocognitive changes associated with soccer-related concussion. From 436 titles and abstracts, 121 full texts were reviewed with a total of 64 articles identified for inclusion. Concussion rates are higher during competitions and in female athletes with purposeful heading rarely resulting in concussion. Given a lack of high-level studies examining sports-related concussion in soccer, clinicians and scientists must focus research efforts on large-scale data gathering and development of improved technologies to better detect and understand concussion.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Mooney
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1813 6th Ave S #516, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Mitchell Self
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1813 6th Ave S #516, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Karim ReFaey
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Rd S, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Galal Elsayed
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1813 6th Ave S #516, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Gustavo Chagoya
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1813 6th Ave S #516, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Joshua D Bernstock
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis St, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - James M Johnston
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1813 6th Ave S #516, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
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25
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Mackay DF, Russell ER, Stewart K, MacLean JA, Pell JP, Stewart W. Neurodegenerative Disease Mortality among Former Professional Soccer Players. N Engl J Med 2019; 381:1801-1808. [PMID: 31633894 PMCID: PMC8747032 DOI: 10.1056/nejmoa1908483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 224] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurodegenerative disorders have been reported in elite athletes who participated in contact sports. The incidence of neurodegenerative disease among former professional soccer players has not been well characterized. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study to compare mortality from neurodegenerative disease among 7676 former professional soccer players (identified from databases of Scottish players) with that among 23,028 controls from the general population who were matched to the players on the basis of sex, age, and degree of social deprivation. Causes of death were determined from death certificates. Data on medications dispensed for the treatment of dementia in the two cohorts were also compared. Prescription information was obtained from the national Prescribing Information System. RESULTS Over a median of 18 years, 1180 former soccer players (15.4%) and 3807 controls (16.5%) died. All-cause mortality was lower among former players than among controls up to the age of 70 years and was higher thereafter. Mortality from ischemic heart disease was lower among former players than among controls (hazard ratio, 0.80; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.66 to 0.97; P = 0.02), as was mortality from lung cancer (hazard ratio, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.40 to 0.70; P<0.001). Mortality with neurodegenerative disease listed as the primary cause was 1.7% among former soccer players and 0.5% among controls (subhazard ratio [the hazard ratio adjusted for competing risks of death from ischemic heart disease and death from any cancer], 3.45; 95% CI, 2.11 to 5.62; P<0.001). Among former players, mortality with neurodegenerative disease listed as the primary or a contributory cause on the death certificate varied according to disease subtype and was highest among those with Alzheimer's disease (hazard ratio [former players vs. controls], 5.07; 95% CI, 2.92 to 8.82; P<0.001) and lowest among those with Parkinson's disease (hazard ratio, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.17 to 3.96; P = 0.01). Dementia-related medications were prescribed more frequently to former players than to controls (odds ratio, 4.90; 95% CI, 3.81 to 6.31; P<0.001). Mortality with neurodegenerative disease listed as the primary or a contributory cause did not differ significantly between goalkeepers and outfield players (hazard ratio, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.43 to 1.24; P = 0.24), but dementia-related medications were prescribed less frequently to goalkeepers (odds ratio, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.19 to 0.89; P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS In this retrospective epidemiologic analysis, mortality from neurodegenerative disease was higher and mortality from other common diseases lower among former Scottish professional soccer players than among matched controls. Dementia-related medications were prescribed more frequently to former players than to controls. These observations need to be confirmed in prospective matched-cohort studies. (Funded by the Football Association and Professional Footballers' Association.).
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel F Mackay
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8RZ, UK
| | - Emma R Russell
- Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Katy Stewart
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
- Hampden Sports Clinic, Hampden Stadium, Glasgow G42 9ED, UK
| | - John A MacLean
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
- Hampden Sports Clinic, Hampden Stadium, Glasgow G42 9ED, UK
| | - Jill P Pell
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8RZ, UK
| | - William Stewart
- Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
- Department of Neuropathology, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow G51 4TF, UK
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Lee EB, Kinch K, Johnson VE, Trojanowski JQ, Smith DH, Stewart W. Chronic traumatic encephalopathy is a common co-morbidity, but less frequent primary dementia in former soccer and rugby players. Acta Neuropathol 2019; 138:389-399. [PMID: 31152201 PMCID: PMC6689293 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-019-02030-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is reported at high prevalence in selected autopsy case series of former contact sports athletes. Nevertheless, the contribution of CTE pathology to clinical presentation and its interaction with co-morbid neurodegenerative pathologies remain unclear. To address these issues, we performed comprehensive neuropathology assessments on the brains of former athletes with dementia and considered these findings together with detailed clinical histories to derive an integrated clinicopathological diagnosis for each case. Consecutive, autopsy-acquired brains from former soccer and rugby players with dementia were assessed for neurodegenerative pathologies using established and preliminary consensus protocols. Thereafter, next of kin interviews were conducted to obtain detailed accounts of the patient’s clinical presentation and course of disease to inform a final, integrated clinicopathological diagnosis. Neuropathologic change consistent with CTE (CTE-NC) was confirmed in five of seven former soccer and three of four former rugby players’ brains, invariably in combination with mixed, often multiple neurodegenerative pathologies. However, in just three cases was the integrated dementia diagnosis consistent with CTE, the remainder having alternate diagnoses, with the most frequent integrated diagnosis Alzheimer’s disease (AD) (four cases; one as mixed AD and vascular dementia). This consecutive autopsy series identifies neuropathologic change consistent with preliminary diagnostic criteria for CTE (CTE-NC) in a high proportion of former soccer and rugby players dying with dementia. However, in the majority, CTE-NC appears as a co-morbidity rather than the primary, dementia causing pathology. As such, we suggest that while CTE-NC might be common in former athletes with dementia, in many cases its clinical significance remains uncertain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward B Lee
- Translational Neuropathology Research Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Kevin Kinch
- Department of Neuropathology, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, 1345 Govan Rd, Glasgow, G51 4TF, UK
| | - Victoria E Johnson
- Department of Neurosurgery, Penn Center for Brain Injury and Repair, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - John Q Trojanowski
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Institute on Aging, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Douglas H Smith
- Department of Neurosurgery, Penn Center for Brain Injury and Repair, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - William Stewart
- Department of Neuropathology, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, 1345 Govan Rd, Glasgow, G51 4TF, UK.
- Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK.
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27
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Tau and TDP-43 proteinopathies: kindred pathologic cascades and genetic pleiotropy. J Transl Med 2019; 99:993-1007. [PMID: 30742063 PMCID: PMC6609463 DOI: 10.1038/s41374-019-0196-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Revised: 01/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
We review the literature on Tau and TDP-43 proteinopathies in aged human brains and the relevant underlying pathogenetic cascades. Complex interacting pathways are implicated in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD), wherein multiple proteins tend to misfold in a manner that is "reactive," but, subsequently, each proteinopathy may contribute strongly to the clinical symptoms. Tau proteinopathy exists in brains of individuals across a broad spectrum of primary underlying conditions-e.g., developmental, traumatic, and inflammatory/infectious diseases. TDP-43 proteinopathy is also expressed in a wide range of clinical disorders. Although TDP-43 proteinopathy was first described in the central nervous system of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and in subtypes of frontotemporal dementia (FTD/FTLD), TDP-43 proteinopathy is also present in chronic traumatic encephalopathy, cognitively impaired persons in advanced age with hippocampal sclerosis, Huntington's disease, and other diseases. We list known Tau and TDP-43 proteinopathies. There is also evidence of cellular co-localization between Tau and TDP-43 misfolded proteins, suggesting common pathways or protein interactions facilitating misfolding in one protein by the other. Multiple pleiotropic gene variants can alter risk for Tau or TDP-43 pathologies, and certain gene variants (e.g., APOE ε4, Huntingtin triplet repeats) are associated with increases of both Tau and TDP-43 proteinopathies. Studies of genetic risk factors have provided insights into multiple nodes of the pathologic cascades involved in Tau and TDP-43 proteinopathies. Variants from a specific gene can be either a low-penetrant risk factor for a group of diseases, or alternatively, a different variant of the same gene may be a disease-driving allele that is associated with a relatively aggressive and early-onset version of a clinically and pathologically specific disease type. Overall, a complex but enlightening paradigm has emerged, wherein both Tau and TDP-43 proteinopathies are linked to numerous overlapping upstream influences, and both are associated with multiple downstream pathologically- and clinically-defined deleterious effects.
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Sherzai D, Sherzai A. Preventing Alzheimer's: Our Most Urgent Health Care Priority. Am J Lifestyle Med 2019; 13:451-461. [PMID: 31523210 DOI: 10.1177/1559827619843465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Dementia is the fastest growing epidemic in the developed nations, and if not curtailed, it will single handedly collapse our health care system. The prevalence of dementia is 1 in 10 individuals older than 65 years and increases to 50% of all individuals older than 85 years. The prevalence of Alzheimer's dementia (AD), the most common form of dementia, has been increasing rapidly and is projected to reach 16 million individuals by the year 2050. Several prevailing myths about the science of dementia are discussed, such as that AD is inevitable and that it is exclusively a genetic disease. The fact is that AD is dependent on a multitude of genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors that interact with one another. In fact, 4 core drivers represent 90% of what determines disease progression in AD. These are (1) glucose or energy dysregulation, (2) lipid dysregulation, (3) inflammation, and (4) oxidation. Lifestyle change can significantly alter the course of AD. The authors have created an acronym-NEURO-to help lifestyle practitioners and the public remember the most important lifestyle elements in the treatment and prevention of AD based on the evidence. "N" is for Nutrition, "E" for Exercise, "U" for Unwind (stress management), "R" for Restorative Sleep, and "O" for Optimizing mental and social activity. The evidence base for each of the components is reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dean Sherzai
- Department of Neurology, Alzheimer's Prevention Program, Loma Linda University Health, California
| | - Ayesha Sherzai
- Department of Neurology, Alzheimer's Prevention Program, Loma Linda University Health, California
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29
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Rodrigues AC, Lima MDM, de Souza LC, Furtado C, Marques CE, Gonçalves L, Lima MV, Lasmar RP, Caramelli P. No Evidence of Association Between Soccer Heading and Cognitive Performance in Professional Soccer Players: Cross-Sectional Results. Front Neurol 2019; 10:209. [PMID: 30915024 PMCID: PMC6422927 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.00209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2018] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the scientific community has focused on the effects of concussions in contact sports, the role of subconcussive impacts, as it can occur during soccer heading, has recently gained attention, considering that it may represent an additional mechanism of cumulative brain injury. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of soccer heading on cognitive functioning in active professional soccer players. Male soccer players (n = 44), from two soccer teams that play in the Brazilian A Series Championship, and non-athletes (n = 47), comparable in age and education, were submitted to cognitive assessment, consisting of computerized and conventional neuropsychological testing (Neupsilin battery). In the computerized cognitive assessment, soccer players performed better than controls on reaction time measures in general motor coordination, executive functioning and memory tests, and on accuracy measures in executive functioning tests. There were no significant differences between groups on the Neupsilin battery. A comparison between two sub-groups of soccer players, based on the self-reported number of headings, did not show significant differences on tests performance. No significant correlations were found between an estimate of exposure to heading during professional soccer career and cognitive performance. Our data demonstrate no evidence of cognitive impairment in soccer players, compared to non-athletes, and no association between heading exposure and performance on neuropsychological tests. Longitudinal investigations, including neuroimaging assessment, will help to clarify whether soccer heading may be associated with brain injury and cognitive dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Carolina Rodrigues
- Pró-Reitoria de Graduação, Reitoria da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.,Grupo de Pesquisa em Neurologia Cognitiva e do Comportamento, Departamento de Clínica Médica, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Mariana Drummond Martins Lima
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Neurologia Cognitiva e do Comportamento, Departamento de Clínica Médica, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Cruz de Souza
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Neurologia Cognitiva e do Comportamento, Departamento de Clínica Médica, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Celso Furtado
- Departamento Médico do América Futebol Clube, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | - Lucas Gonçalves
- Departamento de Análise de Desempenho do Clube Atlético Mineiro, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | - Rodrigo Pace Lasmar
- Departamento Médico do Clube Atlético Mineiro, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.,Faculdade de Ciências Médicas de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Paulo Caramelli
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Neurologia Cognitiva e do Comportamento, Departamento de Clínica Médica, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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30
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Putukian M, Echemendia RJ, Chiampas G, Dvorak J, Mandelbaum B, Lemak LJ, Kirkendall D. Head Injury in Soccer: From Science to the Field; summary of the head injury summit held in April 2017 in New York City, New York. Br J Sports Med 2019; 53:1332. [DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2018-100232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
There has been an increased focus and awareness of head injury and sport-related concussion (SRC) across all sports from the medical and scientific communities, sports organisations, legislators, the media and the general population. Soccer, in particular, has been a focus of attention due to the popularity of the game, the frequency of SRC and the hypothesised effects of repetitive heading of the ball. Major League Soccer, US Soccer and the National Women’s Soccer League jointly hosted a conference entitled, ‘Head Injury in Soccer: From Science to the Field’, on 21–22 April 2017 in New York City, New York. The mission of this conference was to identify, discuss and disseminate evidence-based science related to the findings and conclusions of the fifth International Conference on Concussion in Sport held by the Concussion in Sport Group and apply them to the sport of soccer. In addition, we reviewed information regarding the epidemiology and mechanism of head injuries in soccer at all levels of play, data regarding the biomechanics and effects of repetitive head impacts and other soccer-specific considerations. We discussed how to release the information raised during the summit to key stakeholders including athletes, parents, coaches and healthcare providers. We identified future areas for research and collaboration to enhance the health and safety of soccer (football) players.
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31
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Satarasinghe P, Hamilton DK, Buchanan RJ, Koltz MT. Unifying Pathophysiological Explanations for Sports-Related Concussion and Concussion Protocol Management: Literature Review. J Exp Neurosci 2019; 13:1179069518824125. [PMID: 30675103 PMCID: PMC6330734 DOI: 10.1177/1179069518824125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective There is a plethora of theories about the pathophysiology behind a sport-related concussion. In this review of the literature, the authors evaluated studies on the pathophysiology of sport-related concussion and professional athlete return-to-play guidelines. The goal of this article is to summarize the most common hypotheses for sport-related concussion, evaluate if there are common underlying mechanisms, and determine if correlations are seen between published mechanisms and the most current return-to-play recommendations. Methods Two authors selected papers from the past 5 years for literature review involving discussion of sport-related concussion and pathophysiology, pathology, or physiology of concussion using mutually agreed-upon search criteria. After the articles were filtered based on search criteria, pathophysiological explanations for concussion were organized into tables. Following analysis of pathophysiology, concussion protocols and return-to-play guidelines were obtained via a Google search for the major professional sports leagues and synthesized into a summary table. Results Out of 1112 initially identified publications, 53 met our criteria for qualitative analysis. The 53 studies revealed 5 primary neuropathological explanations for sport-related concussion, regardless of the many theories talked about in the different papers. These 5 explanations, in order of predominance in the articles analyzed, were (1) tauopathy, (2) white matter changes, (3) neural connectivity alterations, (4) reduction in cerebral perfusion, and (5) gray matter atrophy. Pathology may be sport specific: white matter changes are seen in 47% of football reports, tauopathy is seen in 50% of hockey reports, and soccer reports 50% tauopathy as well as 50% neural connectivity alterations. Analysis of the return-to-play guidelines across professional sports indicated commonalities in concussion management despite individual policies. Conclusions Current evidence on pathophysiology for sport-related concussion does not yet support one unifying mechanism, but published hypotheses may potentially be simplified into 5 primary groups. The unification of the complex, likely multifactorial mechanisms for sport-related concussion to a few common explanations, combined with unique findings within individual sports presented in this report, may help filter and link concussion pathophysiology in sport. By doing so, the authors hope that this review will help guide future concussion research, treatment, and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Praveen Satarasinghe
- Department of Neurosurgery, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - D Kojo Hamilton
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Robert J Buchanan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seton Brain and Spine Institute, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Michael T Koltz
- Department of Neurosurgery, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seton Brain and Spine Institute, Austin, TX, USA
- Michael T Koltz, Department of Neurosurgery, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA.
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32
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Cheng Y, Pereira M, Raukar N, Reagan JL, Queseneberry M, Goldberg L, Borgovan T, LaFrance WC, Dooner M, Deregibus M, Camussi G, Ramratnam B, Quesenberry P. Potential biomarkers to detect traumatic brain injury by the profiling of salivary extracellular vesicles. J Cell Physiol 2019; 234:14377-14388. [PMID: 30644102 PMCID: PMC6478516 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.28139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common cause of death and acquired disability in adults and children. Identifying biomarkers for mild TBI (mTBI) that can predict functional impairments on neuropsychiatric and neurocognitive testing after head trauma is yet to be firmly established. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are known to traffic from the brain to the oral cavity and can be detected in saliva. We hypothesize the genetic profile of salivary EVs in patients who have suffered head trauma will differ from normal healthy controls, thus constituting a unique expression signature for mTBI. We enrolled a total of 54 subjects including for saliva sampling, 23 controls with no history of head traumas, 16 patients enrolled from an outpatient concussion clinic, and 15 patients from the emergency department who had sustained a head trauma within 24 hr. We performed real‐time PCR of the salivary EVs of the 54 subjects profiling 96 genes from the TaqMan Human Alzheimer's disease array. Real‐time PCR analysis revealed 57 (15 genes, p < 0.05) upregulated genes in emergency department patients and 56 (14 genes,
p < 0.05) upregulated genes in concussion clinic patients when compared with controls. Three genes were upregulated in both the emergency department patients and concussion clinic patients: CDC2, CSNK1A1, and CTSD (
p < 0.05). Our results demonstrate that salivary EVs gene expression can serve as a viable source of biomarkers for mTBI. This study shows multiple Alzheimer's disease genes present after an mTBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Cheng
- Department of Medicine Division of Hematology/Oncology, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Mandy Pereira
- Department of Medicine Division of Hematology/Oncology, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Neha Raukar
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - John L Reagan
- Department of Medicine Division of Hematology/Oncology, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Mathew Queseneberry
- Department of Medicine Division of Hematology/Oncology, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Laura Goldberg
- Department of Medicine Division of Hematology/Oncology, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Theodor Borgovan
- Department of Medicine Division of Hematology/Oncology, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - W Curt LaFrance
- Department of Psychiatry/Neurology, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Mark Dooner
- Department of Medicine Division of Hematology/Oncology, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Maria Deregibus
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Giovanni Camussi
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Bharat Ramratnam
- Department of Medicine Division of Infectious Diseases, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Peter Quesenberry
- Department of Medicine Division of Hematology/Oncology, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island
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33
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Castellani RJ, Perry G. Tau Biology, Tauopathy, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Diagnostic Challenges. J Alzheimers Dis 2019; 67:447-467. [PMID: 30584140 PMCID: PMC6398540 DOI: 10.3233/jad-180721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
There is considerable interest in the pathobiology of tau protein, given its potential role in neurodegenerative diseases and aging. Tau is an important microtubule associated protein, required for the assembly of tubulin into microtubules and maintaining structural integrity of axons. Tau has other diverse cellular functions involving signal transduction, cellular proliferation, developmental neurobiology, neuroplasticity, and synaptic activity. Alternative splicing results in tau isoforms with differing microtubule binding affinity, differing representation in pathological inclusions in certain disease states, and differing roles in developmental biology and homeostasis. Tau haplotypes confer differing susceptibility to neurodegeneration. Tau phosphorylation is a normal metabolic process, critical in controlling tau's binding to microtubules, and is ongoing within the brain at all times. Tau may be hyperphosphorylated, and may aggregate as detectable fibrillar deposits in tissues, in both aging and neurodegenerative disease. The hypothesis that p-tau is neurotoxic has prompted constructs related to isomers, low-n assembly intermediates or oligomers, and the "tau prion". Human postmortem studies have elucidated broad patterns of tauopathy, with tendencies for those patterns to differ as a function of disease phenotype. However, there is extensive overlap, not only between genuine neurodegenerative diseases, but also between aging and disease. Recent studies highlight uniqueness to pathological patterns, including a pattern attributed to repetitive head trauma, although clinical correlations have been elusive. The diagnostic process for tauopathies and neurodegenerative diseases in general is challenging in many respects, and may be particularly problematic for postmortem evaluation of former athletes and military service members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rudy J. Castellani
- Departments of Pathology and Neuroscience, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - George Perry
- College of Sciences, University of Texas, San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
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Wallace C, Smirl JD, Zetterberg H, Blennow K, Bryk K, Burma J, Dierijck J, Wright AD, van Donkelaar P. Heading in soccer increases serum neurofilament light protein and SCAT3 symptom metrics. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med 2018; 4:e000433. [PMID: 30233810 PMCID: PMC6135427 DOI: 10.1136/bmjsem-2018-000433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To determine the effect of heading a soccer ball on serum neurofilament light (NF-L) protein, plasma tau protein and symptom metrics including total number of symptoms reported and symptom severity scores on the Standardized Concussion Assessment Tool— 3rd edition (SCAT3). Methods Eleven male collegiate soccer players were recruited to take part in three experimental conditions including heading, sham and control conditions. Participants were required to perform 40 headers in 20 min in the heading condition, and control 40 soccer balls directed at them with their hands, chest or thigh in the sham condition. No ball contact was made during the control condition. Blood sampling and SCAT3 symptom assessments were completed prior to and 1 hour following conditions. A subset of participants returned 3 weeks following the heading condition for blood sampling. Results NF-L was elevated at 1 hour (p=0.004) and 1 month (p=0.04) following the heading condition, and at 1 hour (p=0.02) following the control condition. Tau levels remained unchanged following all conditions. The total number of symptoms (TS) and symptom severity (SS) scores from the SCAT3 were both elevated following the heading condition (p=0.01 and p=0.03, respectively). Both TS and SS decreased following sham (p=0.04 and p=0.04) and control conditions (p=0.04 and p=0.04). Conclusion An acute bout of soccer heading is associated with increased NF-L concentrations at 1 hour and 1 month following the session and can lead to symptoms commonly reported following sport-related concussion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin Wallace
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jonathan D Smirl
- School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden.,Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden.,Department of Molecular Neuroscience, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK.,UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, UK
| | - Kaj Blennow
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden.,Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Kelsey Bryk
- College of Health Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Joel Burma
- School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jill Dierijck
- Faculty of Health, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Alexander David Wright
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Paul van Donkelaar
- School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
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35
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Iverson GL, Keene CD, Perry G, Castellani RJ. The Need to Separate Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Neuropathology from Clinical Features. J Alzheimers Dis 2018; 61:17-28. [PMID: 29103039 PMCID: PMC5734127 DOI: 10.3233/jad-170654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
There is tremendous recent interest in chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in former collision sport athletes, civilians, and military veterans. This critical review places important recent research results into a historical context. In 2015, preliminary consensus criteria were developed for defining the neuropathology of CTE, which substantially narrowed the pathology previously reported to be characteristic. There are no agreed upon clinical criteria for diagnosis, although sets of criteria have been proposed for research purposes. A prevailing theory is that CTE is an inexorably progressive neurodegenerative disease within the molecular classification of the tauopathies. However, historical and recent evidence suggests that CTE, as it is presented in the literature, might not be pathologically or clinically progressive in a substantial percentage of people. At present, it is not known whether the emergence, course, or severity of clinical symptoms can be predicted by specific combinations of neuropathologies, thresholds for accumulation of pathology, or regional distributions of pathologies. More research is needed to determine the extent to which the neuropathology ascribed to long-term effects of neurotrauma is static, progressive, or both. Disambiguating the pathology from the broad array of clinical features that have been reported in recent studies might facilitate and accelerate research- and improve understanding of CTE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant L Iverson
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, MassGeneral Hospital for Children™ Sports Concussion Program, and Home Base, A Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Program, Boston, MA, USA
| | - C Dirk Keene
- Department of Pathology, Division of Neuropathology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - George Perry
- College of Sciences, University of Texas, San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Rudolph J Castellani
- Center for Neuropathology, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, USA
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Stewart WF, Kim N, Ifrah C, Sliwinski M, Zimmerman ME, Kim M, Lipton RB, Lipton ML. Heading Frequency Is More Strongly Related to Cognitive Performance Than Unintentional Head Impacts in Amateur Soccer Players. Front Neurol 2018; 9:240. [PMID: 29740384 PMCID: PMC5928847 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2018.00240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Compared to heading, unintentional head impacts (e.g., elbow to head, head to head, head to goalpost) in soccer are more strongly related to risk of moderate to very severe Central Nervous System (CNS) symptoms. But, most head impacts associated with CNS symptoms that occur in soccer are mild and are more strongly related to heading. We tested for a differential relation of heading and unintentional head impacts with neuropsychological (NP) test performance. Method Active adult amateur soccer players were recruited in New York City and the surrounding areas for this repeated measures longitudinal study of individuals who were enrolled if they had 5+ years of soccer play and were active playing soccer 6+ months/year. All participants completed a baseline validated questionnaire (“HeadCount-2w”), reporting 2-week recall of soccer activity, heading and unintentional head impacts. In addition, participants also completed NP tests of verbal learning, verbal memory, psychomotor speed, attention, and working memory. Most participants also completed one or more identical follow-up protocols (i.e., HeadCount-2w and NP tests) at 3- to 6-month intervals over a 2-year period. Repeated measures General Estimating Equations (GEE) linear models were used to determine if variation in NP tests at each visit was related to variation in either heading or unintentional head impacts in the 2-week period before testing. Results 308 players (78% male) completed 741 HeadCount-2w. Mean (median) heading/2-weeks was 50 (17) for men and 26 (7) for women. Heading was significantly associated with poorer performance on psychomotor speed (p < 0.001) and attention (p = 0.02) tasks and was borderline significant with poorer performance on the working memory (p = 0.06) task. Unintentional head impacts were not significantly associated with any NP test. Results did not differ after excluding 22 HeadCount-2w with reported concussive or borderline concussive symptoms. Conclusion Poorer NP test performance was consistently related to frequent heading during soccer practice and competition in the 2 weeks before testing. In contrast, unintentional head impacts incurred during soccer were not related to cognitive performance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Namhee Kim
- The Gruss Magnetic Resonance Research Center, Bronx, NY, United States.,Department of Radiology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Chloe Ifrah
- The Gruss Magnetic Resonance Research Center, Bronx, NY, United States.,Department of Radiology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Martin Sliwinski
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Molly E Zimmerman
- Department of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, United States.,Fordham University, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Mimi Kim
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Richard B Lipton
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Michael L Lipton
- The Gruss Magnetic Resonance Research Center, Bronx, NY, United States.,Department of Radiology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, United States.,The Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, United States
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37
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Nitrini R. Soccer (Football Association) and chronic traumatic encephalopathy: A short review and recommendation. Dement Neuropsychol 2017; 11:218-220. [PMID: 29213517 PMCID: PMC5674664 DOI: 10.1590/1980-57642016dn11-030002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) was initially described in boxers, but in recent years it has been reported in other settings, particularly in contact sports and military personnel. Soccer (football association) had previously been (and still is) considered relatively safe when compared to other sports, such as American football. However, a few cases of professional soccer players with CTE have been reported in the last few years. It is still unknown how frequent this condition is in soccer players, and the role played by heading the ball remains elusive. Other traumas to the head, face and neck caused by contact with another player's head, arm or other body parts are among the most frequent in soccer. In spite of the lack of more in-depth knowledge, there is reasonable evidence for recommending severe punishment (red card and suspension for several matches) for players causing avoidable trauma to another player's head.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Nitrini
- MD, PhD. Chefe do Departamento de Neurologia e da Divisão de Clínica Neurológica do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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38
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Caccese JB, Buckley TA, Tierney RT, Rose WC, Glutting JJ, Kaminski TW. Sex and age differences in head acceleration during purposeful soccer heading. Res Sports Med 2017; 26:64-74. [PMID: 29067816 DOI: 10.1080/15438627.2017.1393756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Differences in head-neck segment mass, purposeful heading technique, and cervical strength and stiffness may contribute to differences in head accelerations across sex and age. The purpose of this study was to compare head acceleration across sex and age (youth [12-14 years old], high school and collegiate) during purposeful soccer heading. One-hundred soccer players (42 male, 58 female, 17.1 ± 3.5 years, 168.5 ± 20.3 cm, 61.5 ± 13.7 kg) completed 12 controlled soccer headers at an initial ball velocity of 11.2 m/s. Linear and rotational accelerations were measured using a triaxial accelerometer and gyroscope and were transformed to the head centre-of-mass. A MANOVA revealed a significant multivariate main effect for sex (Pillai's Trace = .165, F(2,91) = 11.868, p < .001), but not for age (Pillai's Trace = .033, F(4,182) = 0.646, p = .630). Peak linear and rotational accelerations were higher in females (40.9 ± 13.3 g; 3279 ± 1065 rad/s2) than males (27.6 ± 8.5 g, 2219 ± 823 rad/s2). These data suggest that under controlled soccer heading conditions, females may be exposed to higher head accelerations than males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaclyn B Caccese
- a Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology , University of Delaware , Newark , DE , USA.,b Biomechanics and Movement Science Interdisciplinary Program , University of Delaware , Newark , DE , USA
| | - Thomas A Buckley
- a Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology , University of Delaware , Newark , DE , USA.,b Biomechanics and Movement Science Interdisciplinary Program , University of Delaware , Newark , DE , USA
| | - Ryan T Tierney
- c Department of Kinesiology , Temple University , Philadelphia , PA , USA
| | - William C Rose
- a Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology , University of Delaware , Newark , DE , USA.,b Biomechanics and Movement Science Interdisciplinary Program , University of Delaware , Newark , DE , USA
| | | | - Thomas W Kaminski
- a Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology , University of Delaware , Newark , DE , USA.,b Biomechanics and Movement Science Interdisciplinary Program , University of Delaware , Newark , DE , USA
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39
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Caccese JB, Buckley TA, Tierney RT, Arbogast KB, Rose WC, Glutting JJ, Kaminski TW. Head and neck size and neck strength predict linear and rotational acceleration during purposeful soccer heading. Sports Biomech 2017; 17:462-476. [PMID: 29037111 DOI: 10.1080/14763141.2017.1360385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
There is increasing societal concern about the long-term effects of repeated impacts from soccer heading, but there is little information about ways to reduce head impact severity. The purpose of this study was to identify factors that contribute to head acceleration during soccer heading. One-hundred soccer players completed 12 controlled soccer headers. Peak linear (PLA) and rotational (PRA) accelerations were measured using a triaxial accelerometer and gyroscope. Head acceleration contributing factors were grouped into 3 categories: size (head mass, neck girth), strength (sternocleidomastoid, upper trapezius) and technique [kinematics (trunk, head-to-trunk range-of-motion), sternocleidomastoid and upper trapezius activity]. Multiple regression analyses indicated size variables explained 22.1% of the variance in PLA and 23.3% of the variance in PRA; strength variables explained 13.3% of the variance in PLA and 17.2% of the variance in PRA; technique variables did not significantly predict PLA or PRA. These findings suggest that head and neck size and neck strength predict PLA and PRA. Anthropometric and neck strength measurements should be considered when determining an athlete's readiness to begin soccer heading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaclyn B Caccese
- a Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology , University of Delaware , Newark , DE , USA
| | - Thomas A Buckley
- a Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology , University of Delaware , Newark , DE , USA
| | - Ryan T Tierney
- b Department of Kinesiology , Temple University , Philadelphia , PA , USA
| | - Kristy B Arbogast
- c Center for Injury Research and Prevention , Children's Hospital of Philadelphia , Philadelphia , PA , USA
| | - William C Rose
- a Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology , University of Delaware , Newark , DE , USA
| | | | - Thomas W Kaminski
- a Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology , University of Delaware , Newark , DE , USA
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40
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Lee K, Kim SI, Lee Y, Won JK, Park SH. An Autopsy Proven Child Onset Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy. Exp Neurobiol 2017; 26:172-177. [PMID: 28680303 PMCID: PMC5491586 DOI: 10.5607/en.2017.26.3.172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Revised: 06/07/2017] [Accepted: 06/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Here we present an autopsy case of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in a 36-year-old man. He had a history of febrile seizures at the age of four and was severely demented at age 10 when he was admitted to a mental hospital. He had suffered repetitive self-harm, such as frequent banging of the head on the wall in his hospital record, but he had no clear history between the ages of four and ten. Autopsy revealed global cerebral atrophy, including the basal ganglia, thalamus, hippocampus, amygdala, mammilary bodies and lateral geniculate bodies. This case showed typical pathological features of CTE. Phosphorylated tau (p-tau)-positive neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) and neuropil threads (NT) we are widely distributed in the brain, especially in the depth of the cerebral sulci. NFT and NT were also found in the basal ganglia, thalamus, amygdala and brainstem. Scanty β-amyloid deposits were found in the motor and sensory cortices, but α-synuclein was completely negative in the brain. This example showed that CTE can occur in young ages and that even children can experience CTE dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyuho Lee
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University Hospital, College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Korea
| | - Seong-Ik Kim
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University Hospital, College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Korea
| | - Yujin Lee
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University Hospital, College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Korea
| | - Jae Kyung Won
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University Hospital, College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Korea.,Brain Bank, Seoul National University Hospital, College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Korea
| | - Sung-Hye Park
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University Hospital, College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Korea.,Brain Bank, Seoul National University Hospital, College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Korea.,Neuroscience Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, 03080, Korea
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Ling H, Morris HR, Neal JW, Lees AJ, Hardy J, Holton JL, Revesz T, Williams DDR. Mixed pathologies including chronic traumatic encephalopathy account for dementia in retired association football (soccer) players. Acta Neuropathol 2017; 133:337-352. [PMID: 28205009 PMCID: PMC5325836 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-017-1680-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Revised: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 01/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In retired professional association football (soccer) players with a past history of repetitive head impacts, chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a potential neurodegenerative cause of dementia and motor impairments. From 1980 to 2010, 14 retired footballers with dementia were followed up regularly until death. Their clinical data, playing career, and concussion history were prospectively collected. Next-of-kin provided consent for six to have post-mortem brain examination. Of the 14 male participants, 13 were professional and 1 was a committed amateur. All were skilled headers of the ball and had played football for an average of 26 years. Concussion rate was limited in six cases to one episode each during their careers. All cases developed progressive cognitive impairment with an average age at onset of 63.6 years and disease duration of 10 years. Neuropathological examination revealed septal abnormalities in all six post-mortem cases, supportive of a history of chronic repetitive head impacts. Four cases had pathologically confirmed CTE; concomitant pathologies included Alzheimer’s disease (N = 6), TDP-43 (N = 6), cerebral amyloid angiopathy (N = 5), hippocampal sclerosis (N = 2), corticobasal degeneration (N = 1), dementia with Lewy bodies (N = 1), and vascular pathology (N = 1); and all would have contributed synergistically to the clinical manifestations. The pathological diagnosis of CTE was established in four individuals according to the latest consensus diagnostic criteria. This finding is probably related to their past prolonged exposure to repetitive head impacts from head-to-player collisions and heading the ball thousands of time throughout their careers. Alzheimer’s disease and TDP-43 pathologies are common concomitant findings in CTE, both of which are increasingly considered as part of the CTE pathological entity in older individuals. Association football is the most popular sport in the world and the potential link between repetitive head impacts from playing football and CTE as indicated from our findings is of considerable public health interest. Clearly, a definitive link cannot be established in this clinico-pathological series, but our findings support the need for further systematic investigation, including large-scale case–control studies to identify at risk groups of footballers which will justify for the implementation of protective strategies.
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Caccese JB. Head accelerations across collegiate, high school and youth female and male soccer players. Br J Sports Med 2017; 52:98-99. [DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2016-097118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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