Markers in Blood Can Help Identify Risk for Complications After Mild TBI

Molecules released into the blood following mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) may be indicators of neuronal damage associated with conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression, researchers from NINR have found. The study included military veterans and servicemembers who were enrolled in the Chronic Effects of Neurotrauma Consortium multicenter observational study of the long-term effects of mild TBI and is published in Neurology.

“This study brings us closer to identifying biomarkers to predict risk for PTSD, depression and similar conditions in military personnel and others who have experienced a traumatic brain injury,” said Dr. Jessica Gill, NINR deputy scientific director, acting deputy director and chief of the Tissue Injury Branch, who conducted the study with colleagues.

The researchers analyzed blood samples from former military personnel who had experienced 1 to 2 TBIs, more than 2 TBIs or no TBIs. They screened for molecules released directly into the blood by cells of damaged tissue or inside vesicles called exosomes—bubble-like structures that contain a representative sample of cellular molecules. There was a significant correlation between multiple mild TBIs across the lifespan and higher levels of neurofilament light (NfL), a structural protein found inside neurons, and molecules involved in inflammation, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin 6.

Further analysis revealed associations between increases in plasma and exosome levels of NfL, length of time since the last TBI, multiple TBIs and increased severity of neurological and behavioral symptoms. These findings provide insights into potential mechanisms of TBI-associated neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative processes correlated with persistent molecular effects of neuronal damage.