Axonal marker neurofilament light predicts long-term outcomes and progressive neurodegeneration after traumatic brain injury

Cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers and cognitive trajectories in patients with Alzheimer's disease and a history of traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) have overlapping mechanisms but it remains unknown if pathophysiological characteristics and cognitive trajectories in AD patients are influenced by TBI history. Here, we studied AD patients (stage MCI or dementia) with TBI history (ADTBI+, n=110), or without (ADTBI-, n=110) and compared baseline CSF concentrations of amyloid beta 1-42 (Aβ42), phosphorylated tau181 (pTau181), total tau, neurofilament light chain (NfL), synaptosomal associated protein-25kDa (SNAP25), neurogranin (Ng), neuronal pentraxin-2 (NPTX2) and glutamate receptor-4 (GluR4), as well as differences in cognitive trajectories using linear mixed models. Explorative, analyses were repeated within stratified TBI groups by TBI characteristics (timing, severity, number). We found no differences in baseline CSF biomarker concentrations nor in cognitive trajectories between ADTBI+ and ADTBI- patients. TBI >5 years ago was associated with higher NPTX2 and a tendency for higher SNAP25 concentrations compared to TBI ≤ 5 years ago, suggesting that TBI may be associated with long-term synaptic dysfunction only when occurring before onset or in a pre-clinical disease stage of AD.

Brain Expression Levels of Commonly Measured Blood Biomarkers of Neurological Damage Differ with Respect to Sex, Race, and Age

It is increasingly evident that blood biomarkers have potential to improve the diagnosis and management of both acute and chronic neurological conditions. The most well-studied candidates, and arguably those with the broadest utility, are proteins that are highly enriched in neural tissues and released into circulation upon cellular damage. It is currently unknown how the brain expression levels of these proteins is influenced by demographic factors such as sex, race, and age. Given that source tissue abundance is likely a key determinant of the levels observed in the blood during neurological pathology, understanding such influences is important in terms of identifying potential clinical scenarios that could produce diagnostic bias. In this study, we leveraged existing mRNA sequencing data originating from 2,642 normal brain specimens harvested from 382 human donors to examine potential demographic variability in the expression levels of genes which code for 28 candidate blood biomarkers of neurological damage. Existing mass spectrometry data originating from 26 additional normal brain specimens harvested from 26 separate human donors was subsequently used to tentatively assess whether observed transcriptional variance was likely to produce corresponding variance in terms of protein abundance. Genes associated with several well-studied or emerging candidate biomarkers including neurofilament light chain (NfL), ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase isozyme L1 (UCH-L1), neuron-specific enolase (NSE), and synaptosomal-associated protein 25 (SNAP-25) exhibited significant differences in expression with respect to sex, race, and age. In many instances, these differences in brain expression align well with and provide a mechanistic explanation for previously reported differences in blood levels.

Advances in development of biomarkers for brain damage and ischemia

Acquired brain injury is an urgent situation that requires rapid diagnosis and treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) are required for accurate diagnosis. However, these methods are costly and require substantial infrastructure and specialized staff. Circulatory biomarkers of acute brain injury may help in the management of patients with acute cerebrovascular events and prevent poor outcome and mortality. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the development of potential biomarkers of brain damage to increase diagnostic possibilities. For this purpose, we searched the PubMed database of studies on the diagnostic potential of brain injury biomarkers. We also accessed information from Clinicaltrials.gov to identify any clinical trials of biomarker measurements for the diagnosis of brain damage. In total, we present 41 proteins, enzymes and hormones that have been considered as biomarkers for brain injury, of which 20 have been studied in clinical trials. Several microRNAs have also emerged as potential clinical biomarkers for early diagnosis. Combining multiple biomarkers in a panel, along with other parameters, is yielding promising outcomes.

Serum NfL and GFAP as biomarkers of progressive neurodegeneration in TBI

BACKGROUND

We examined spatial patterns of brain atrophy after mild, moderate, and severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), the relationship between progression of brain atrophy with initial traumatic axonal injury (TAI), cognitive outcome, and with serum biomarkers of brain injury.

METHODS

A total of 143 patients with TBI and 43 controls were studied cross-sectionally and longitudinally up to 5 years with multiple assessments, which included brain magnetic resonance imaging, cognitive testing, and serum biomarkers.

RESULTS

TBI patients showed progressive volume loss regardless of injury severity over several years, and TAI was independently associated with accelerated brain atrophy. Cognitive performance improved over time. Higher baseline serum neurofilament light (NfL) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) were associated with greater rate of brain atrophy over 5 years.

DISCUSSSION

Spatial patterns of atrophy differ by injury severity and TAI is associated with the progression of brain atrophy. Serum NfL and GFAP show promise as non-invasive prognostic biomarkers of progressive neurodegeneration in TBI.

HIGHLIGHTS

In this longitudinal study of patient with mild, moderate, and severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) who were assessed with paired magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), blood biomarkers, and cognitive assessments, we found that brain atrophy after TBI is progressive and continues for many years even after a mild head trauma without signs of brain injury on conventional MRI. We found that spatial pattern of brain atrophy differs between mild, moderate, and severe TBI, where in patients with mild TBI , atrophy is mainly seen in the gray matter, while in those with moderate to severe brain injury atrophy is predominantly seen in the subcortical gray matter and whiter matter. Cognitive performance improves over time after a TBI. Serum measures of neurofilament light or glial fibrillary acidic protein are associated with progression of brain atrophy after TBI.

Parallel Cerebrospinal Fluid and Serum Temporal Profile Assessment of Axonal Injury Biomarkers Neurofilament-Light Chain and Phosphorylated Neurofilament-Heavy Chain: Associations With Patient Outcome in Moderate-Severe Traumatic Brain Injury

Neurofilament-light chain (NF-L) and phosphorylated neurofilament-heavy chain (pNF-H) are axonal proteins that have been reported as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, detailed temporal profiles for these proteins in blood, and interrelationships in the acute and chronic time periods post-TBI have not been established. Our objectives were: 1) to characterize acute-to-chronic serum NF-L and pNF-H profiles after moderate-severe TBI, as well as acute cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels; 2) to evaluate CSF and serum NF-L and pNF-H associations with each other; and 3) to assess biomarker associations with global patient outcome using both the Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (GOS-E) and Disability Rating Scale (DRS). In this multi-cohort study, we measured serum and CSF NF-L and pNF-H levels in samples collected from two clinical cohorts (University of Pittsburgh [UPITT] and Baylor College of Medicine [BCM]) of individuals with moderate-severe TBI. The UPITT cohort includes 279 subjects from an observational cohort study; we obtained serum (n = 277 unique subjects) and CSF (n = 95 unique subjects) daily for 1 week, and serum every 2 weeks for 6 months. The BCM cohort included 103 subjects from a previous randomized clinical trial of erythropoietin and blood transfusion threshold after severe TBI, which showed no effect on neurological outcome between treatment arms; serum (n = 99 unique subjects) and CSF (n = 54 unique subjects) NF-L and pNF-H levels were measured at least daily during Days (D) 0-10 post-injury. GOS-E and DRS were assessed at 6 months (both cohorts) and 12 months (UPITT cohort only). Results show serum NF-L and pNF-H gradually rise during the first 10 days and peak at D20-30 post-injury. In the UPITT cohort, acute (D0-6) NF-L and pNF-H levels correlate within CSF and serum (Spearman r = 0.44-0.48; p < 0.05). In the UPITT cohort, acute NF-L CSF and serum levels, as well as chronic (Months [M]2-6) serum NF-L levels, were higher among individuals with unfavorable GOS-E and worse DRS at 12 months (p < 0.05, all comparisons). In the BCM cohort, higher acute serum NF-L levels were also associated with unfavorable GOS-E. Higher pNF-H serum concentrations (D0-6 and M2-6), but not CSF pNF-H, were associated with unfavorable GOS-E and worse DRS (p < 0.05, all comparisons) in the UPITT cohort. Relationships between biomarker levels and favorable outcome persisted after controlling for age, sex, and Glasgow Coma Scale. This study shows for the first time that serum levels of NF-L and pNF-H peak at D20-30 post-TBI. Serum NF-L levels, and to a lesser extent pNF-H levels, are robustly associated with global patient outcomes and disability after moderate-severe TBI. Further studies on clinical utility as prognosis and treatment-response indicators are needed.

Unraveling the role of plasma proteins in dementia: insights from two cohort studies in the UK, with causal evidence from Mendelian randomization

Population-based proteomics offer a groundbreaking avenue to predict dementia onset. This study employed a proteome-wide, data-driven approach to investigate protein-dementia associations in 229 incident all-cause dementia (ACD) among 3,249 participants from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) over a median 9.8-year follow-up, then validated in 1,506 incident ACD among 52,745 individuals from the UK Biobank (UKB) over median 13.7 years. NEFL and RPS6KB1 were robustly associated with incident ACD; MMP12 was associated with vascular dementia in ELSA. Additional markers EDA2R and KIM1 (HAVCR1) were identified from sensitivity analyses. Combining NEFL and RPS6KB1 with other factors yielded high predictive accuracy (area under the curve (AUC)=0.871) for incident ACD. Replication in the UKB confirmed associations between identified proteins with various dementia subtypes. Results from reverse Mendelian Randomization also supported the role of several proteins as early dementia biomarkers. These findings underscore proteomics' potential in identifying novel risk screening targets for dementia.

Single episode of moderate to severe traumatic brain injury leads to chronic neurological deficits and Alzheimer's-like pathological dementia

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the foremost causes of disability and mortality globally. While the scientific and medical emphasis is to save lives and avoid disability during acute period of injury, a severe health problem can manifest years after injury. For instance, TBI increases the risk of cognitive impairment in the elderly. Remote TBI history was reported to be a cause of the accelerated clinical trajectory of Alzheimer's disease-related dementia (ADRD) resulting in earlier onset of cognitive impairment and increased AD-associated pathological markers like greater amyloid deposition and cortical thinning. It is not well understood whether a single TBI event may increase the risk of dementia. Moreover, the cellular signaling pathways remain elusive for the chronic effects of TBI on cognition. We have hypothesized that a single TBI induces sustained neuroinflammation and disrupts cellular communication in a way that results later in ADRD pathology. To test this, we induced TBI in young adult CD1 mice and assessed the behavioral outcomes after 11 months followed by pathological, histological, transcriptomic, and MRI assessment. On MRI scans, these mice showed significant loss of tissue, reduced CBF, and higher white matter injury compared to sham mice. We found these brains showed progressive atrophy, markers of ADRD, sustained astrogliosis, loss of neuronal plasticity, and growth factors even after 1-year post-TBI. Because of progressive neurodegeneration, these mice had motor deficits, showed cognitive impairments, and wandered randomly in open field. We, therefore, conclude that progressive pathology after adulthood TBI leads to neurodegenerative conditions such as ADRD and impairs neuronal functions.

Quantification of neurofilament light and glial fibrillary acidic protein in finger-prick blood

An accurate diagnosis of neurodegenerative disease and traumatic brain injury is important for prognostication and treatment. Neurofilament light and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) are leading biomarkers for neurodegeneration and glial activation that are detectable in blood. Yet, current recommendations require rapid centrifugation and ultra-low temperature storage post-venepuncture. Here, we investigated if these markers can be accurately measured in finger-prick blood using dried plasma spot cards. Fifty patients (46 with dementia; 4 with traumatic brain injury) and 19 healthy volunteers underwent finger-prick and venous sampling using dried plasma spot cards and aligned plasma sampling. Neurofilament light and GFAP were quantified using a Single molecule array assay and correlations between plasma and dried plasma spot cards assessed. Biomarker concentrations in plasma and finger-prick dried plasma spot samples were significantly positively correlated (neurofilament light ρ = 0.57; GFAP ρ = 0.58, P < 0.001). Finger-prick neurofilament light and GFAP were significantly elevated after acute traumatic brain injury with non-significant group-level increases in dementia (91% having Alzheimer's disease dementia). In conclusion, we present preliminary evidence that quantifying GFAP and neurofilament light using finger-prick blood collection is viable, with samples stored at room temperature using dried plasma spot cards. This has potential to expand and promote equitable testing access, including in settings where trained personnel are unavailable to perform venepuncture.

Chronic immunosuppression across 12 months and high ability of acute and subacute CNS-injury biomarker concentrations to identify individuals with complicated mTBI on acute CT and MRI

BACKGROUND

Identifying individuals with intracranial injuries following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), i.e. complicated mTBI cases, is important for follow-up and prognostication. The main aims of our study were (1) to assess the temporal evolution of blood biomarkers of CNS injury and inflammation in individuals with complicated mTBI determined on computer tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); (2) to assess the corresponding discriminability of both single- and multi-biomarker panels, from acute to chronic phases after injury.

METHODS

Patients with mTBI (n = 207), defined as Glasgow Coma Scale score between 13 and 15, loss of consciousness < 30 min and post-traumatic amnesia < 24 h, were included. Complicated mTBI - i.e., presence of any traumatic intracranial injury on neuroimaging - was present in 8% (n = 16) on CT (CT+) and 12% (n = 25) on MRI (MRI+). Blood biomarkers were sampled at four timepoints following injury: admission (within 72 h), 2 weeks (± 3 days), 3 months (± 2 weeks) and 12 months (± 1 month). CNS biomarkers included were glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), neurofilament light (NFL) and tau, along with 12 inflammation markers.

RESULTS

The most discriminative single biomarkers of traumatic intracranial injury were GFAP at admission (CT+: AUC = 0.78; MRI+: AUC = 0.82), and NFL at 2 weeks (CT+: AUC = 0.81; MRI+: AUC = 0.89) and 3 months (MRI+: AUC = 0.86). MIP-1β and IP-10 concentrations were significantly lower across follow-up period in individuals who were CT+ and MRI+. Eotaxin and IL-9 were significantly lower in individuals who were MRI+ only. FGF-basic concentrations increased over time in MRI- individuals and were significantly higher than MRI+ individuals at 3 and 12 months. Multi-biomarker panels improved discriminability over single biomarkers at all timepoints (AUCs > 0.85 for admission and 2-week models classifying CT+ and AUC ≈ 0.90 for admission, 2-week and 3-month models classifying MRI+).

CONCLUSIONS

The CNS biomarkers GFAP and NFL were useful single diagnostic biomarkers of complicated mTBI, especially in acute and subacute phases after mTBI. Several inflammation markers were suppressed in patients with complicated versus uncomplicated mTBI and remained so even after 12 months. Multi-biomarker panels improved diagnostic accuracy at all timepoints, though at acute and 2-week timepoints, the single biomarkers GFAP and NFL, respectively, displayed similar accuracy compared to multi-biomarker panels.

Prospective cohort study of long-term neurological outcomes in retired elite athletes: the Advanced BiomaRker, Advanced Imaging and Neurocognitive (BRAIN) Health Study protocol

INTRODUCTION

Although limited, recent research suggests that contact sport participation might have an adverse long-term effect on brain health. Further work is required to determine whether this includes an increased risk of neurodegenerative disease and/or subsequent changes in cognition and behaviour. The Advanced BiomaRker, Advanced Imaging and Neurocognitive Health Study will prospectively examine the neurological, psychiatric, psychological and general health of retired elite-level rugby union and association football/soccer players.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

400 retired athletes will be recruited (200 rugby union and 200 association football players, male and female). Athletes will undergo a detailed clinical assessment, advanced neuroimaging, blood testing for a range of brain health outcomes and neuropsychological assessment longitudinally. Follow-up assessments will be completed at 2 and 4 years after baseline visit. 60 healthy volunteers will be recruited and undergo an aligned assessment protocol including advanced neuroimaging, blood testing and neuropsychological assessment. We will describe the previous exposure to head injuries across the cohort and investigate relationships between biomarkers of brain injury and clinical outcomes including cognitive performance, clinical diagnoses and psychiatric symptom burden.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Relevant ethical approvals have been granted by the Camberwell St Giles Research Ethics Committee (Ref: 17/LO/2066). The study findings will be disseminated through manuscripts in clinical/academic journals, presentations at professional conferences and through participant and stakeholder communications.

Plasma neurofilament light as a promising biomarker in neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease

Neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease (NIID) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder lacking reliable biomarkers. This study investigates plasma protein levels as potential biomarkers of disease severity and progression in NIID. In this study, we enrolled 30 NIID patients and 36 age- and sex-matched controls, following them for 1-2 years. Plasma neurofilament light (NfL), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCH-L1), and tau were measured using ultrasensitive single molecule array (Simoa) assays. Disease severity was evaluated with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Activities of Daily Living (ADL), and CNS symptom counts, in addition to neuroimaging data. Our study revealed that NIID patients has significantly higher plasma NfL (median, 35.2 vs. 8.61 pg/mL, p < 0.001) and GFAP (102 vs. 79.0 pg/mL, p = 0.010) levels compared to controls, with NfL emerging as a robust diagnostic marker (AUC = 0.956). NfL levels were notably higher in acute-onset NIID (77.5 vs. 28.8 pg/mL, p = 0.001). NfL correlated strongly with disease severity, including MMSE (ρ = - 0.687, p < 0.001), MoCA (ρ = - 0.670, p < 0.001), ADL (ρ = 0.587, p = 0.001), CNS symptoms (ρ = 0.369, p = 0.045), and white matter hyperintensity volume (ρ = 0.620, p = 0.004). Higher baseline NfL (≥ 35.2 pg/mL) associated with increased ADL scores, CNS symptoms, and white matter hyperintensity at follow-up. UCH-L1 and total tau levels showed no significant differences. Our results suggested the potential of NfL as a promising biomarker of disease severity and progression in NIID.

Alzheimer's disease marker phospho-tau181 is not elevated in the first year after moderate-to-severe TBI

BACKGROUND

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with the tauopathies Alzheimer's disease and chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Advanced immunoassays show significant elevations in plasma total tau (t-tau) early post-TBI, but concentrations subsequently normalise rapidly. Tau phosphorylated at serine-181 (p-tau181) is a well-validated Alzheimer's disease marker that could potentially seed progressive neurodegeneration. We tested whether post-traumatic p-tau181 concentrations are elevated and relate to progressive brain atrophy.

METHODS

Plasma p-tau181 and other post-traumatic biomarkers, including total-tau (t-tau), neurofilament light (NfL), ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCH-L1) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), were assessed after moderate-to-severe TBI in the BIO-AX-TBI cohort (first sample mean 2.7 days, second sample within 10 days, then 6 weeks, 6 months and 12 months, n=42). Brain atrophy rates were assessed in aligned serial MRI (n=40). Concentrations were compared patients with and without Alzheimer's disease, with healthy controls.

RESULTS

Plasma p-tau181 concentrations were significantly raised in patients with Alzheimer's disease but not after TBI, where concentrations were non-elevated, and remained stable over one year. P-tau181 after TBI was not predictive of brain atrophy rates in either grey or white matter. In contrast, substantial trauma-associated elevations in t-tau, NfL, GFAP and UCH-L1 were seen, with concentrations of NfL and t-tau predictive of brain atrophy rates.

CONCLUSIONS

Plasma p-tau181 is not significantly elevated during the first year after moderate-to-severe TBI and levels do not relate to neuroimaging measures of neurodegeneration.

Improving quantitative susceptibility mapping for the identification of traumatic brain injury neurodegeneration at the individual level

BACKGROUND

Emerging evidence suggests that traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major risk factor for developing neurodegenerative disease later in life. Quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) has been used by an increasing number of studies in investigations of pathophysiological changes in TBI. However, generating artefact-free quantitative susceptibility maps in brains with large focal lesions, as in the case of moderate-to-severe TBI (ms-TBI), is particularly challenging. To address this issue, we utilized a novel two-pass masking technique and reconstruction procedure (two-pass QSM) to generate quantitative susceptibility maps (QSMxT; Stewart et al., 2022, Magn Reson Med.) in combination with the recently developed virtual brain grafting (VBG) procedure for brain repair (Radwan et al., 2021, NeuroImage) to improve automated delineation of brain areas. We used QSMxT and VBG to generate personalised QSM profiles of individual patients with reference to a sample of healthy controls.

METHODS

Chronic ms-TBI patients (N = 8) and healthy controls (N = 12) underwent (multi-echo) GRE, and anatomical MRI (MPRAGE) on a 3T Siemens PRISMA scanner. We reconstructed the magnetic susceptibility maps using two-pass QSM from QSMxT. We then extracted values of magnetic susceptibility in grey matter (GM) regions (following brain repair via VBG) across the whole brain and determined if they deviate from a reference healthy control group [Z-score < -3.43 or > 3.43, relative to the control mean], with the aim of obtaining personalised QSM profiles.

RESULTS

Using two-pass QSM, we achieved susceptibility maps with a substantial increase in quality and reduction in artefacts irrespective of the presence of large focal lesions, compared to single-pass QSM. In addition, VBG minimised the loss of GM regions and exclusion of patients due to failures in the region delineation step. Our findings revealed deviations in magnetic susceptibility measures from the HC group that differed across individual TBI patients. These changes included both increases and decreases in magnetic susceptibility values in multiple GM regions across the brain.

CONCLUSIONS

We illustrate how to obtain magnetic susceptibility values at the individual level and to build personalised QSM profiles in ms-TBI patients. Our approach opens the door for QSM investigations in more severely injured patients. Such profiles are also critical to overcome the inherent heterogeneity of clinical populations, such as ms-TBI, and to characterize the underlying mechanisms of neurodegeneration at the individual level more precisely. Moreover, this new personalised QSM profiling could in the future assist clinicians in assessing recovery and formulating a neuroscience-guided integrative rehabilitation program tailored to individual TBI patients.

Late Blood Levels of Neurofilament Light Correlate With Outcome in Patients With Traumatic Brain Injury

Neurofilament light (NF-L) is an axonal protein that has shown promise as a traumatic brain injury (TBI) biomarker. Serum NF-L shows a rather slow rise after injury, peaking after 1-2 weeks, although some studies suggest that it may remain elevated for months after TBI. The aim of this study was to examine if plasma NF-L levels several months after the injury correlate with functional outcome in patients who have sustained TBIs of variable initial severity. In this prospective study of 178 patients with TBI and 40 orthopedic injury controls, we measured plasma NF-L levels in blood samples taken at the follow-up appointment on average 9 months after injury. Patients with TBI were divided into two groups (mild [mTBI] vs. moderate-to-severe [mo/sTBI]) according to the severity of injury assessed with the Glasgow Coma Scale upon admission. Recovery and functional outcome were assessed using the Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOSE). Higher levels of NF-L at the follow-up correlated with worse outcome in patients with moderate-to-severe TBI (Spearman's rho = -0.18; p < 0.001). In addition, in computed tomography-positive mTBI group, the levels of NF-L were significantly lower in patients with GOSE 7-8 (median 18.14; interquartile range [IQR] 9.82, 32.15) when compared with patients with GOSE <7 (median 73.87; IQR 32.17, 110.54; p = 0.002). In patients with mTBI, late NF-L levels do not seem to provide clinical benefit for late-stage assessment, but in patients with initially mo/sTBI, persistently elevated NF-L levels are associated with worse outcome after TBI and may reflect ongoing brain injury.

Concentrations of S100B and neurofilament light chain in blood as biomarkers for checkpoint inhibitor-induced CNS inflammation

BACKGROUND

Cancer treatment with immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) can cause immune-related adverse events in the central nervous system (CNS irAE). There are no blood biomarkers to detect CNS irAE. We investigated if concentrations of S100-calcium-binding protein B (S100B) and neurofilament light chain (NfL) in blood can be used as biomarkers for CNS irAE and assessed the incidence of CNS irAE in a cohort of ICI-treated patients.

METHODS

In this single-centre, retrospective cohort study, we examined medical records and laboratory data of 197 consecutive patients treated with combined CTLA-4 and PD-1 inhibition (ipilimumab; ipi + nivolumab; nivo) for metastatic melanoma or renal cell carcinoma. CNS irAE was diagnosed using established criteria. Concentrations of S100B and NfL in blood were measured in patients with CNS irAE and in 84 patients without CNS irAE.

FINDINGS

Nine of 197 patients (4.6%) fulfilled criteria for CNS irAE. S100B and NfL in blood increased during CNS inflammation and normalized during immunosuppression. CNS irAE was detected with a sensitivity of 100% (S100B) and 79% (NfL) and a specificity of 89% (S100B) and 74% (NfL). Patients with CNS irAE had simultaneous increased concentration of C-reactive protein (CRP) (9/9) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and/or aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in blood (8/9).

INTERPRETATION

Analysis of S100B, NfL and CRP in blood facilitates the diagnosis of CNS irAE. CNS irAE may be more common than previously reported. There may be shared immune mechanisms between CNS and hepatitis irAE.

FUNDING

Supported by funding from the Swedish Cancer Foundation, the ALF-agreement, and Jubileumsklinikens Cancerfond.

Serum biomarkers and disease progression in CT-negative mild traumatic brain injury

Blood proteins are emerging as potential biomarkers for mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Molecular pathology of mTBI underscores the critical roles of neuronal injury, neuroinflammation, and vascular health in disease progression. However, the temporal profile of blood biomarkers associated with the aforementioned molecular pathology after CT-negative mTBI, their diagnostic and prognostic potential, and their utility in monitoring white matter integrity and progressive brain atrophy remain unclear. Thus, we investigated serum biomarkers and neuroimaging in a longitudinal cohort, including 103 CT-negative mTBI patients and 66 matched healthy controls (HCs). Angiogenic biomarker vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) exhibited the highest area under the curve of 0.88 in identifying patients from HCs. Inflammatory biomarker interleukin-1β and neuronal cell body injury biomarker ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase L1 were elevated in acute-stage patients and associated with deterioration of cognitive function from acute-stage to 6-12 mo post-injury period. Notably, axonal injury biomarker neurofilament light (NfL) was elevated in acute-stage patients, with higher levels associated with impaired white matter integrity in acute-stage and progressive gray and white matter atrophy from 3- to 6-12 mo post-injury period. Collectively, our findings emphasized the potential clinical value of serum biomarkers, particularly NfL and VEGF, in diagnosing mTBI and monitoring disease progression.

Blood Markers in Relation to a History of Traumatic Brain Injury Across Stages of Cognitive Impairment in a Diverse Cohort

BACKGROUND

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been linked to multiple pathophysiological processes that could increase risk for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). However, the impact of prior TBI on blood biomarkers for ADRD remains unknown.

OBJECTIVE

Using cross-sectional data, we assessed whether a history of TBI influences serum biomarkers in a diverse cohort (approximately 50% Hispanic) with normal cognition, mild cognitive impairment, or dementia.

METHODS

Levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), neurofilament light (NFL), total tau (T-tau), and ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase-L1 (UCHL1) were measured for participants across the cognitive spectrum. Participants were categorized based on presence and absence of a history of TBI with loss of consciousness, and study samples were derived through case-control matching. Multivariable general linear models compared concentrations of biomarkers in relation to a history of TBI and smoothing splines modelled biomarkers non-linearly in the cognitively impaired groups as a function of time since symptom onset.

RESULTS

Each biomarker was higher across stages of cognitive impairment, characterized by clinical diagnosis and Mini-Mental State Examination performance, but these associations were not influenced by a history of TBI. However, modelling biomarkers in relation to duration of cognitive symptoms for ADRD showed differences by history of TBI, with only GFAP and UCHL1 being elevated.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum GFAP, NFL, T-tau, and UCHL1 were higher across stages of cognitive impairment in this diverse clinical cohort, regardless of TBI history, though longitudinal investigation of the timing, order, and trajectory of the biomarkers in relation to prior TBI is warranted.

Outlier Analysis for Acute Blood Biomarkers of Moderate and Severe Traumatic Brain Injury

Blood biomarkers have been studied to improve the clinical assessment and prognostication of patients with moderate-severe traumatic brain injury (mo/sTBI). To assess their clinical usability, one needs to know of potential factors that might cause outlier values and affect clinical decision making. In a prospective study, we recruited patients with mo/sTBI (n = 85) and measured the blood levels of eight protein brain pathophysiology biomarkers, including glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), S100 calcium-binding protein B (S100B), neurofilament light (Nf-L), heart-type fatty acid-binding protein (H-FABP), interleukin-10 (IL-10), total tau (T-tau), amyloid β40 (Aβ40) and amyloid β42 (Aβ42), within 24 h of admission. Similar analyses were conducted for controls (n = 40) with an acute orthopedic injury without any head trauma. The patients with TBI were divided into subgroups of normal versus abnormal (n = 9/76) head computed tomography (CT) and favorable (Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended [GOSE] 5-8) versus unfavorable (GOSE <5) (n = 38/42, 5 missing) outcome. Outliers were sought individually from all subgroups from and the whole TBI patient population. Biomarker levels outside Q1 - 1.5 interquartile range (IQR) or Q3 + 1.5 IQR were considered as outliers. The medical records of each outlier patient were reviewed in a team meeting to determine possible reasons for outlier values. A total of 29 patients (34%) combined from all subgroups and 12 patients (30%) among the controls showed outlier values for one or more of the eight biomarkers. Nine patients with TBI and five control patients had outlier values in more than one biomarker (up to 4). All outlier values were > Q3 + 1.5 IQR. A logical explanation was found for almost all cases, except the amyloid proteins. Explanations for outlier values included extremely severe injury, especially for GFAP and S100B. In the case of H-FABP and IL-10, the explanation was extracranial injuries (thoracic injuries for H-FABP and multi-trauma for IL-10), in some cases these also were associated with abnormally high S100B. Timing of sampling and demographic factors such as age and pre-existing neurological conditions (especially for T-tau), explained some of the abnormally high values especially for Nf-L. Similar explanations also emerged in controls, where the outlier values were caused especially by pre-existing neurological diseases. To utilize blood-based biomarkers in clinical assessment of mo/sTBI, very severe or fatal TBIs, various extracranial injuries, timing of sampling, and demographic factors such as age and pre-existing systemic or neurological conditions must be taken into consideration. Very high levels seem to be often associated with poor prognosis and mortality (GFAP and S100B).

The game changer: UCH-L1 and GFAP-based blood test as the first marketed in vitro diagnostic test for mild traumatic brain injury

INTRODUCTION

Major organ-based in vitro diagnostic (IVD) tests like ALT/AST for the liver and cardiac troponins for the heart are established, but an approved IVD blood test for the brain has been missing, highlighting a gap in medical diagnostics.

AREAS COVERED

In response to this need, Abbott Diagnostics secured FDA clearance in 2021 for the i-STAT Alinity™, a point-of-care plasma blood test for mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). BioMerieux VIDAS, also approved in Europe, utilizes two brain-derived protein biomarkers: neuronal ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase-L1 (UCH-L1) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). These biomarkers, which are typically present in minimal amounts in healthy individuals, are instrumental in diagnosing mild TBI with potential brain lesions. The study explores how UCH-L1 and GFAP levels increase significantly in the bloodstream following traumatic brain injury, aiding in early and accurate diagnosis.

EXPERT OPINION

The introduction of the i-STAT Alinity™ and the Biomerieux VIDAS TBI blood tests mark a groundbreaking development in TBI diagnosis. It paves the way for the integration of TBI biomarker tools into clinical practice and therapeutic trials, enhancing the precision medicine approach by generating valuable data. This advancement is a critical step in addressing the long-standing gap in brain-related diagnostics and promises to revolutionize the management and treatment of mild TBI.

Blood biomarkers for traumatic brain injury: A narrative review of current evidence

Introduction

A blood-based biomarker (BBBM) test could help to better stratify patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI), reduce unnecessary imaging, to detect and treat secondary insults, predict outcomes, and monitor treatment effects and quality of care.

Research question

What evidence is available for clinical applications of BBBMs in TBI and how to advance this field?

Material and methods

This narrative review discusses the potential clinical applications of core BBBMs in TBI. A literature search in PubMed, Scopus, and ISI Web of Knowledge focused on articles in English with the words "traumatic brain injury" together with the words "blood biomarkers", "diagnostics", "outcome prediction", "extracranial injury" and "assay method" alone-, or in combination.

Results

Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) combined with Ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase-L1(UCH-L1) has received FDA clearance to aid computed tomography (CT)-detection of brain lesions in mild (m) TBI. Application of S100B led to reduction of head CT scans. GFAP may also predict magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abnormalities in CT-negative cases of TBI. Further, UCH-L1, S100B, Neurofilament light (NF-L), and total tau showed value for predicting mortality or unfavourable outcome. Nevertheless, biomarkers have less role in outcome prediction in mTBI. S100B could serve as a tool in the multimodality monitoring of patients in the neurointensive care unit.

Discussion and conclusion

Largescale systematic studies are required to explore the kinetics of BBBMs and their use in multiple clinical groups. Assay development/cross validation should advance the generalizability of those results which implicated GFAP, S100B and NF-L as most promising biomarkers in the diagnostics of TBI.

Increased brain age and relationships with blood-based biomarkers following concussion in younger populations

OBJECTIVE

Brain age is increasingly being applied to the spectrum of brain injury to define neuropathological changes in conjunction with blood-based biomarkers. However, data from the acute/sub-acute stages of concussion are lacking, especially among younger cohorts.

METHODS

Predicted brain age differences were independently calculated in large, prospectively recruited cohorts of pediatric concussion and matched healthy controls (total N = 446), as well as collegiate athletes with sport-related concussion and matched non-contact sport controls (total N = 184). Effects of repetitive head injury (i.e., exposure) were examined in a separate cohort of contact sport athletes (N = 82), as well as by quantifying concussion history through semi-structured interviews and years of contact sport participation.

RESULTS

Findings of increased brain age during acute and sub-acute concussion were independently replicated across both cohorts, with stronger evidence of recovery for pediatric (4 months) relative to concussed athletes (6 months). Mixed evidence existed for effects of repetitive head injury, as brain age was increased in contact sport athletes, but was not associated with concussion history or years of contact sport exposure. There was no difference in brain age between concussed and contact sport athletes. Total tau decreased immediately (~ 1.5 days) post-concussion relative to the non-contact group, whereas pro-inflammatory markers were increased in both concussed and contact sport athletes. Anti-inflammatory markers were inversely related to brain age, whereas markers of axonal injury (neurofilament light) exhibited a trend positive association.

CONCLUSION

Current and previous findings collectively suggest that the chronicity of brain age differences may be mediated by age at injury (adults > children), with preliminary findings suggesting that exposure to contact sports may also increase brain age.

IC3 protocol: a longitudinal observational study of cognition after stroke using novel digital health technology

INTRODUCTION

Stroke is a major cause of death and disability worldwide, frequently resulting in persistent cognitive deficits among survivors. These deficits negatively impact recovery and therapy engagement, and their treatment is consistently rated as high priority by stakeholders and clinicians. Although clinical guidelines endorse cognitive screening for poststroke management, there is currently no gold-standard approach for identifying cognitive deficits after stroke, and clinical stroke services lack the capacity for long-term cognitive monitoring and care. Currently, available assessment tools are either not stroke-specific, not in-depth or lack scalability, leading to heterogeneity in patient assessments.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

To address these challenges, a cost-effective, scalable and comprehensive screening tool is needed to provide a stroke-specific assessment of cognition. The current study presents such a novel digital tool, the Imperial Comprehensive Cognitive Assessment in Cerebrovascular Disease (IC3), designed to detect both domain-general and domain-specific cognitive deficits in patients after stroke with minimal input from a health professional. To ensure its reliability, we will use multiple validation approaches, and aim to recruit a large normative sample of age-matched, gender-matched and education-matched UK-based controls. Moreover, the IC3 assessment will be integrated within a larger prospective observational longitudinal clinical trial, where poststroke cognition will be examined in tandem with brain imaging and blood biomarkers to identify novel multimodal biomarkers of recovery after stroke. This study will enable deeper cognitive phenotyping of patients at a large scale, while identifying those with highest risk of progressive cognitive decline, as well as those with greatest potential for recovery.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This study has been approved by South West-Frenchay Research Ethics Committee (IRAS 299333) and authorised by the UK's Health Research Authority. Results from the study will be disseminated at conferences and within peer-reviewed journals.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT05885295. Stage: Pre-results.

Serum proteomics reveals APOE dependent and independent protein signatures in Alzheimer's disease

The current demand for early intervention, prevention, and treatment of late onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) warrants deeper understanding of the underlying molecular processes which could contribute to biomarker and drug target discovery. Utilizing high-throughput proteomic measurements in serum from a prospective population-based cohort of older adults (n=5,294), we identified 303 unique proteins associated with incident LOAD (median follow-up 12.8 years). Over 40% of these proteins were associated with LOAD independently of APOE-ε4 carrier status. These proteins were implicated in neuronal processes and overlapped with protein signatures of LOAD in brain and cerebrospinal fluid. We found 17 proteins which LOAD-association was strongly dependent on APOE-ε4 carrier status. Most of them showed consistent associations with LOAD in cerebrospinal fluid and a third had brain-specific gene expression. Remarkably, four proteins in this group (TBCA, ARL2, S100A13 and IRF6) were downregulated by APOE-ε4 yet upregulated as a consequence of LOAD as determined in a bi-directional Mendelian randomization analysis, reflecting a potential response to the disease onset. Accordingly, the direct association of these proteins to LOAD was reversed upon APOE-ε4 genotype adjustment, a finding which we replicate in an external cohort (n=719). Our findings provide an insight into the dysregulated pathways that may lead to the development and early detection of LOAD, including those both independent and dependent on APOE-ε4. Importantly, many of the LOAD-associated proteins we find in the circulation have been found to be expressed - and have a direct link with AD - in brain tissue. Thus, the proteins identified here, and their upstream modulating pathways, provide a new source of circulating biomarker and therapeutic target candidates for LOAD.

Maximizing the Clinical Value of Blood-Based Biomarkers for Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

Mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) and concussion can have serious consequences that develop over time with unpredictable levels of recovery. Millions of concussions occur yearly, and a substantial number result in lingering symptoms, loss of productivity, and lower quality of life. The diagnosis may not be made for multiple reasons, including due to patient hesitancy to undergo neuroimaging and inability of imaging to detect minimal damage. Biomarkers could fill this gap, but the time needed to send blood to a laboratory for analysis made this impractical until point-of-care measurement became available. A handheld blood test is now on the market for diagnosis of concussion based on the specific blood biomarkers glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and ubiquitin carboxyl terminal hydrolase L1 (UCH-L1). This paper discusses rapid blood biomarker assessment for mild TBI and its implications in improving prediction of TBI course, avoiding repeated head trauma, and its potential role in assessing new therapeutic options. Although we focus on the Abbott i-STAT TBI plasma test because it is the first to be FDA-cleared, our discussion applies to any comparable test systems that may become available in the future. The difficulties in changing emergency department protocols to include new technology are addressed.

Neuronal tau pathology worsens late-phase white matter degeneration after traumatic brain injury in transgenic mice

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) causes diffuse axonal injury which can produce chronic white matter pathology and subsequent post-traumatic neurodegeneration with poor patient outcomes. Tau modulates axon cytoskeletal functions and undergoes phosphorylation and mis-localization in neurodegenerative disorders. The effects of tau pathology on neurodegeneration after TBI are unclear. We used mice with neuronal expression of human mutant tau to examine effects of pathological tau on white matter pathology after TBI. Adult male and female hTau.P301S (Tg2541) transgenic and wild-type (Wt) mice received either moderate single TBI (s-TBI) or repetitive mild TBI (r-mTBI; once daily × 5), or sham procedures. Acutely, s-TBI produced more extensive axon damage in the corpus callosum (CC) as compared to r-mTBI. After s-TBI, significant CC thinning was present at 6 weeks and 4 months post-injury in Wt and transgenic mice, with homozygous tau expression producing additional pathology of late demyelination. In contrast, r-mTBI did not produce significant CC thinning except at the chronic time point of 4 months in homozygous mice, which exhibited significant CC atrophy (- 29.7%) with increased microgliosis. Serum neurofilament light quantification detected traumatic axonal injury at 1 day post-TBI in Wt and homozygous mice. At 4 months, high tau and neurofilament in homozygous mice implicated tau in chronic axon pathology. These findings did not have sex differences detected. Conclusions: Neuronal tau pathology differentially exacerbated CC pathology based on injury severity and chronicity. Ongoing CC atrophy from s-TBI became accompanied by late demyelination. Pathological tau significantly worsened CC atrophy during the chronic phase after r-mTBI.

In utero and post-natal opioid exposure followed by mild traumatic brain injury contributes to cortical neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and behavioral deficits in juvenile rats

Maternal opioid use poses a significant health concern not just to the expectant mother but also to the fetus. Notably, increasing numbers of children born suffering from neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) further compounds the crisis. While epidemiological research has shown the heightened risk factors associated with NOWS, little research has investigated what molecular mechanisms underly the vulnerabilities these children carry throughout development and into later life. To understand the implications of in utero and post-natal opioid exposure on the developing brain, we sought to assess the response to one of the most common pediatric injuries: minor traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Using a rat model of in utero and post-natal oxycodone (IUO) exposure and a low force weight drop model of mTBI, we show that not only neonatal opioid exposure significantly affects neuroinflammation, brain metabolites, synaptic proteome, mitochondrial function, and altered behavior in juvenile rats, but also, in conjunction with mTBI these aberrations are further exacerbated. Specifically, we observed long term metabolic dysregulation, neuroinflammation, alterations in synaptic mitochondria, and impaired behavior were impacted severely by mTBI. Our research highlights the specific vulnerability caused by IUO exposure to a secondary stressor such as later life brain injury. In summary, we present a comprehensive study to highlight the damaging effects of prenatal opioid abuse in conjunction with mild brain injury on the developing brain.

Spatiotemporal profile of atrophy in the first year following moderate-severe traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) triggers progressive neurodegeneration resulting in brain atrophy that continues months-to-years following injury. However, a comprehensive characterization of the spatial and temporal evolution of TBI-related brain atrophy remains incomplete. Utilizing a sensitive and unbiased morphometry analysis pipeline optimized for detecting longitudinal changes, we analyzed a sample consisting of 37 individuals with moderate-severe TBI who had primarily high-velocity and high-impact injury mechanisms. They were scanned up to three times during the first year after injury (3 months, 6 months, and 12 months post-injury) and compared with 33 demographically matched controls who were scanned once. Individuals with TBI already showed cortical thinning in frontal and temporal regions and reduced volume in the bilateral thalami at 3 months post-injury. Longitudinally, only a subset of cortical regions in the parietal and occipital lobes showed continued atrophy from 3 to 12 months post-injury. Additionally, cortical white matter volume and nearly all deep gray matter structures exhibited progressive atrophy over this period. Finally, we found that disproportionate atrophy of cortex along sulci relative to gyri, an emerging morphometric marker of chronic TBI, was present as early as 3 month post-injury. In parallel, neurocognitive functioning largely recovered during this period despite this pervasive atrophy. Our findings demonstrate msTBI results in characteristic progressive neurodegeneration patterns that are divergent across regions and scale with the severity of injury. Future clinical research using atrophy during the first year of TBI as a biomarker of neurodegeneration should consider the spatiotemporal profile of atrophy described in this study.

Fluid biomarkers and neuroimaging in mild traumatic brain injury: current uses and potential future directions for clinical use in emergency medicine

Mild traumatic brain injury is a common presentation to the emergency department, with current management often focusing on determining whether a patient requires a CT head scan and/or neurosurgical intervention. There is a growing appreciation that approximately 20%-40% of patients, including those with a negative (normal) CT, will develop ongoing symptoms for months to years, often termed post-concussion syndrome. Owing to the requirement for improved diagnostic and prognostic mechanisms, there has been increasing evidence concerning the utility of both imaging and blood biomarkers.Blood biomarkers offer the potential to better risk stratify patients for requirement of neuroimaging than current clinical decisions rules. However, improved assessment of the clinical utility is required prior to wide adoption. MRI, using clinical sequences and advanced quantitative methods, can detect lesions not visible on CT in up to 30% of patients that may explain, at least in part, some of the ongoing problems. The ability of an acute biomarker (be it imaging, blood or other) to highlight those patients at greater risk of ongoing deficits would allow for greater personalisation of follow-up care and resource allocation.We discuss here both the current evidence and the future potential clinical usage of blood biomarkers and advanced MRI to improve diagnostic pathways and outcome prediction following mild traumatic brain injury.

Peripherin: A proposed biomarker of traumatic axonal injury triggered by mechanical force

Traumatic axonal injury (TAI) is one of the most common pathological features of severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Our previous study using proteomics suggested that peripherin (PRPH) should be a potential candidate as a biomarker for TAI diagnosis. This study is to further elucidate the role and association of PRPH with TAI. In the animal study, we performed immunohistochemistry, ELISA and morphological analysis to evaluate PRPH level and distribution following a severe impact. PRPH-positive regions were widely distributed in the axonal tract throughout the whole brain. Axonal injuries with PRPH inclusion were observed post-TBI. Besides, PRPH was significantly increased in both cerebral spinal fluid and plasma at the early phase post-TBI. Colocalization analysis based on microscopy revealed that PRPH represents an immunohistological biomarker in the neuropathological diagnosis of TAI. Brain samples from patients with TBI were included to further test whether PRPH is feasible in the real practice of neuropathology. Immunohistochemistry of PRPH, NFH, APP and NFL on human brain tissues further confirmed PRPH as an immunohistological biomarker that could be applied in practice. Collectively, we conclude that PRPH mirrors the cytoskeleton injury of axons and could represent a neuropathological biomarker for TAI.

MesenchymAl stromal cells for Traumatic bRain Injury (MATRIx): a study protocol for a multicenter, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled phase II trial

BACKGROUND

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant cause of death and disability, with no effective neuroprotective drugs currently available for its treatment. Mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC)-based therapy shows promise as MSCs release various soluble factors that can enhance the injury microenvironment through processes, such as immunomodulation, neuroprotection, and brain repair. Preclinical studies across different TBI models and severities have demonstrated that MSCs can improve functional and structural outcomes. Moreover, clinical evidence supports the safety of third-party donor bank-stored MSCs in adult subjects. Building on this preclinical and clinical data, we present the protocol for an academic, investigator-initiated, multicenter, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, adaptive phase II dose-finding study aiming to evaluate the safety and efficacy of intravenous administration of allogeneic bone marrow-derived MSCs to severe TBI patients within 48 h of injury.

METHODS/DESIGN

The study will be conducted in two steps. Step 1 will enrol 42 patients, randomised in a 1:1:1 ratio to receive 80 million MSCs, 160 million MSCs or a placebo to establish safety and identify the most promising dose. Step 2 will enrol an additional 36 patients, randomised in a 1:1 ratio to receive the selected dose of MSCs or placebo. The activity of MSCs will be assessed by quantifying the plasmatic levels of neurofilament light (NfL) at 14 days as a biomarker of neuronal damage. It could be a significant breakthrough if the study demonstrates the safety and efficacy of MSC-based therapy for severe TBI patients. The results of this trial could inform the design of a phase III clinical trial aimed at establishing the efficacy of the first neurorestorative therapy for TBI.

DISCUSSION

Overall, the MATRIx trial is a critical step towards developing an effective treatment for TBI, which could significantly improve the lives of millions worldwide affected by this debilitating condition. Trial Registration EudraCT: 2022-000680-49.

Plasma neurofilament light admission levels and development of axonal pathology in mild traumatic brain injury

BACKGROUND

It is known that blood levels of neurofilament light (NF-L) and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) are both associated with outcome of patients with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Here, we sought to examine the association between admission levels of plasma NF-L and white matter (WM) integrity in post-acute stage DW-MRI in patients with mTBI.

METHODS

Ninety-three patients with mTBI (GCS ≥ 13), blood sample for NF-L within 24 h of admission, and DW-MRI ≥ 90 days post-injury (median = 229) were included. Mean fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), axial diffusivity (AD), and radial diffusivity (RD) were calculated from the skeletonized WM tracts of the whole brain. Outcome was assessed using the Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOSE) at the time of imaging. Patients were divided into CT-positive and -negative, and complete (GOSE = 8) and incomplete recovery (GOSE < 8) groups.

RESULTS

The levels of NF-L and FA correlated negatively in the whole cohort (p = 0.002), in CT-positive patients (p = 0.016), and in those with incomplete recovery (p = 0.005). The same groups showed a positive correlation with mean MD, AD, and RD (p < 0.001-p = 0.011). In CT-negative patients or in patients with full recovery, significant correlations were not found.

CONCLUSION

In patients with mTBI, the significant correlation between NF-L levels at admission and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) measurements of diffuse axonal injury (DAI) over more than 3 months suggests that the early levels of plasma NF-L may associate with the presence of DAI at a later phase of TBI.

Neurofilament light chain: A possible fluid biomarker in the intrahippocampal kainic acid mouse model for chronic epilepsy?

OBJECTIVE

In the management of epilepsy, there is an ongoing quest to discover new biomarkers to improve the diagnostic process, the monitoring of disease progression, and the evaluation of treatment responsiveness. In this regard, biochemical traceability in biofluids is notably absent in contrast to other diseases. In the present preclinical study, we investigated the potential of neurofilament light chain (NfL) as a possible diagnostic and response fluid biomarker for epilepsy.

METHODS

We gained insights into NfL levels during the various phases of the intrahippocampal kainic acid mouse model of temporal lobe epilepsy-namely, the status epilepticus (SE) and the chronic phase with spontaneous seizures. To this end, NfL levels were determined directly in the cerebral interstitial fluid (ISF) with cerebral open flow microperfusion as sampling technique, as well as in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma. Lastly, we assessed whether NfL levels diminished upon curtailing SE with diazepam and ketamine.

RESULTS

NfL levels are higher during SE in both cerebral ISF and plasma in kainic acid-treated mice compared to sham-injected mice. Additionally, ISF and plasma NfL levels are lower in mice treated with diazepam and ketamine to stop SE compared with the vehicle-treated mice. In the chronic phase with spontaneous seizures, higher NfL levels could only be detected in ISF and CSF samples, and not in plasma. No correlations could be found between NfL levels and seizure burden, nor with immunohistological markers for neurodegeneration/inflammation.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our findings demonstrate the translational potential of NfL as a blood-based fluid biomarker for SE. This is less evident for chronic epilepsy, as in this case higher NfL levels could only be detected in ISF and CSF, and not in plasma, acknowledging the invasive nature of CSF sampling in chronic epilepsy follow-up.

A novel organotypic cortical slice culture model for traumatic brain injury: molecular changes induced by injury and mesenchymal stromal cell secretome treatment

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major worldwide neurological disorder with no neuroprotective treatment available. Three-dimensional (3D) in vitro models of brain contusion serving as a screening platform for drug testing are lacking. Here we developed a new in vitro model of brain contusion on organotypic cortical brain slices and tested its responsiveness to mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) derived secretome. A focal TBI was induced on organotypic slices by an electromagnetic impactor. Compared to control condition, a temporal increase in cell death was observed after TBI by propidium iodide incorporation and lactate dehydrogenase release assays up to 48 h post-injury. TBI induced gross neuronal loss in the lesion core, with disruption of neuronal arborizations measured by microtubule-associated protein-2 (MAP-2) immunostaining and associated with MAP-2 gene down-regulation. Neuronal damage was confirmed by increased levels of neurofilament light chain (NfL), microtubule associated protein (Tau) and ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCH-L1) released into the culture medium 48 h after TBI. We detected glial activation with microglia cells acquiring an amoeboid shape with less ramified morphology in the contusion core. MSC-secretome treatment, delivered 1 h post-injury, reduced cell death in the contusion core, decreased NfL release in the culture media, promoted neuronal reorganization and improved microglia survival/activation. Our 3D in vitro model of brain contusion recapitulates key features of TBI pathology. We showed protective effects of MSC-secretome, suggesting the model stands as a tractable medium/high throughput, ethically viable, and pathomimetic biological asset for testing new cell-based therapies.

Longitudinal Associations Between Blood Biomarkers and White Matter MRI in Sport-Related Concussion: A Study of the NCAA-DoD CARE Consortium

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

To study longitudinal associations between blood-based neural biomarkers (including total tau, neurofilament light [NfL], glial fibrillary acidic protein [GFAP], and ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase-L1) and white matter neuroimaging biomarkers in collegiate athletes with sport-related concussion (SRC) from 24 hours postinjury to 1 week after return to play.

METHODS

We analyzed clinical and imaging data of concussed collegiate athletes in the Concussion Assessment, Research, and Education (CARE) Consortium. The CARE participants completed same-day clinical assessments, blood draws, and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) at 3 time points: 24-48 hours postinjury, point of becoming asymptomatic, and 7 days after return to play. DTI probabilistic tractography was performed for each participant at each time point to render 27 participant-specific major white matter tracts. The microstructural organization of these tracts was characterized by 4 DTI metrics. Mixed-effects models with random intercepts were applied to test whether white matter microstructural abnormalities are associated with the blood-based biomarkers at the same time point. An interaction model was used to test whether the association varies across time points. A lagged model was used to test whether early blood-based biomarkers predict later microstructural changes.

RESULTS

Data from 77 collegiate athletes were included in the following analyses. Among the 4 blood-based biomarkers, total tau had significant associations with the DTI metrics across the 3 time points. In particular, high tau level was associated with high radial diffusivity (RD) in the right corticospinal tract (β = 0.25, SE = 0.07, p FDR-adjusted = 0.016) and superior thalamic radiation (β = 0.21, SE = 0.07, p FDR-adjusted = 0.042). NfL and GFAP had time-dependent associations with the DTI metrics. NfL showed significant associations only at the asymptomatic time point (|β|s > 0.12, SEs <0.09, psFDR-adjusted < 0.05) and GFAP showed a significant association only at 7 days after return to play (βs > 0.14, SEs <0.06, psFDR-adjusted < 0.05). The p values for the associations of early tau and later RD were not significant after multiple comparison adjustment, but were less than 0.1 in 7 white matter tracts.

DISCUSSION

This prospective study using data from the CARE Consortium demonstrated that in the early phase of SRC, white matter microstructural integrity detected by DTI neuroimaging was associated with elevated levels of blood-based biomarkers of traumatic brain injury. Total tau in the blood showed the strongest association with white matter microstructural changes.

Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Phosphorylated Cis-Tau Antibody in a Pig Model of Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) results in the generation of tau. As hyperphosphorylated tau (p-tau) is one of the major consequences of TBI, targeting p-tau in TBI may lead to the development of new therapy. Twenty-five pigs underwent a controlled cortical impact. One hour after TBI, pigs were administered either vehicle (n = 13) or PNT001 (n = 12), a monoclonal antibody for the cis conformer of tau phosphorylated at threonine 231. Plasma biomarkers of neural injury were assessed for 14 days. Diffusion tensor imaging was performed at day 1 and 14 after injury, and these were compared to historical control animals (n = 4). The fractional anisotropy data showed significant white matter injury for groups at 1 day after injury in the corona radiata. At 14 days, the vehicle-treated pigs, but not the PNT001-treated animals, exhibited significant white matter injury compared to sham pigs in the ipsilateral corona radiata. The PNT001-treated pigs had significantly lower levels of plasma glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) at day 2 and day 4. These findings demonstrate a subtle reduction in the areas of white matter injury and biomarkers of neurological injury after treatment with PNT001 following TBI. These findings support additional studies for PNT001 as well as the potential use of this agent in clinical trials in the near future.

Early preclinical plasma protein biomarkers of brain trauma are influenced by early seizures and levetiracetam

OBJECTIVE

We used the lateral fluid percussion injury (LFPI) model of moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) to identify early plasma biomarkers predicting injury, early post-traumatic seizures or neuromotor functional recovery (neuroscores), considering the effect of levetiracetam, which is commonly given after severe TBI.

METHODS

Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent left parietal LFPI, received levetiracetam (200 mg/kg bolus, 200 mg/kg/day subcutaneously for 7 days [7d]) or vehicle post-LFPI, and were continuously video-EEG recorded (n = 14/group). Sham (craniotomy only, n = 6), and naïve controls (n = 10) were also used. Neuroscores and plasma collection were done at 2d or 7d post-LFPI or equivalent timepoints in sham/naïve. Plasma protein biomarker levels were determined by reverse phase protein microarray and classified according to injury severity (LFPI vs. sham/control), levetiracetam treatment, early seizures, and 2d-to-7d neuroscore recovery, using machine learning.

RESULTS

Low 2d plasma levels of Thr231 -phosphorylated tau protein (pTAU-Thr231 ) and S100B combined (ROC AUC = 0.7790) predicted prior craniotomy surgery (diagnostic biomarker). Levetiracetam-treated LFPI rats were differentiated from vehicle treated by the 2d-HMGB1, 2d-pTAU-Thr231 , and 2d-UCHL1 plasma levels combined (ROC AUC = 0.9394) (pharmacodynamic biomarker). Levetiracetam prevented the seizure effects on two biomarkers that predicted early seizures only among vehicle-treated LFPI rats: pTAU-Thr231 (ROC AUC = 1) and UCHL1 (ROC AUC = 0.8333) (prognostic biomarker of early seizures among vehicle-treated LFPI rats). Levetiracetam-resistant early seizures were predicted by high 2d-IFNγ plasma levels (ROC AUC = 0.8750) (response biomarker). 2d-to-7d neuroscore recovery was best predicted by higher 2d-S100B, lower 2d-HMGB1, and 2d-to-7d increase in HMGB1 or decrease in TNF (P < 0.05) (prognostic biomarkers).

SIGNIFICANCE

Antiseizure medications and early seizures need to be considered in the interpretation of early post-traumatic biomarkers.

Physical injuries as triggers for self-harm: a within-individual study of nearly 250 000 injured people with a major psychiatric disorder

BACKGROUND

Although there is robust evidence for several factors which may precipitate self-harm, the contributions of different physical injuries are largely unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To examine whether specific physical injuries are associated with risks of self-harm in people with psychiatric disorders.

METHODS

By using population and secondary care registers, we identified all people born in Finland (1955-2000) and Sweden (1948-1993) with schizophrenia-spectrum disorder (n=136 182), bipolar disorder (n=68 437) or depression (n=461 071). Falls, transport-related injury, traumatic brain injury and injury from interpersonal assault were identified within these subsamples. We used conditional logistic regression models adjusted for age and calendar month to compare self-harm risk in the week after each injury to earlier weekly control periods, which allowed us to account for unmeasured confounders, including genetics and early environments.

FINDINGS

A total of 249 210 individuals had been diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder and a physical injury during the follow-up. The absolute risk of self-harm after a physical injury ranged between transport-related injury and injury from interpersonal assault (averaging 17.4-37.0 events per 10 000 person-weeks). Risk of self-harm increased by a factor of two to three (adjusted OR: 2.0-2.9) in the week following a physical injury, as compared with earlier, unexposed periods for the same individuals.

CONCLUSIONS

Physical injuries are important proximal risk factors for self-harm in people with psychiatric disorders.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Mechanisms underlying the associations could provide treatment targets. When treating patients with psychiatric illnesses, emergency and trauma medical services should actively work in liaison with psychiatric services to implement self-harm prevention strategies.

Aβ1-6A2V(D) peptide, effective on Aβ aggregation, inhibits tau misfolding and protects the brain after traumatic brain injury

Alzheimer's disease (AD), the leading cause of dementia in older adults, is a double proteinopathy characterized by amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau pathology. Despite enormous efforts that have been spent in the last decades to find effective therapies, late pharmacological interventions along the course of the disease, inaccurate clinical methodologies in the enrollment of patients, and inadequate biomarkers for evaluating drug efficacy have not allowed the development of an effective therapeutic strategy. The approaches followed so far for developing drugs or antibodies focused solely on targeting Aβ or tau protein. This paper explores the potential therapeutic capacity of an all-D-isomer synthetic peptide limited to the first six amino acids of the N-terminal sequence of the A2V-mutated Aβ, Aβ1-6A2V(D), that was developed following the observation of a clinical case that provided the background for its development. We first performed an in-depth biochemical characterization documenting the capacity of Aβ1-6A2V(D) to interfere with the aggregation and stability of tau protein. To tackle Aβ1-6A2V(D) in vivo effects against a neurological decline in genetically predisposed or acquired high AD risk mice, we tested its effects in triple transgenic animals harboring human PS1(M146 V), APP(SW), and MAPT(P301L) transgenes and aged wild-type mice exposed to experimental traumatic brain injury (TBI), a recognized risk factor for AD. We found that Aβ1-6A2V(D) treatment in TBI mice improved neurological outcomes and reduced blood markers of axonal damage. Exploiting the C. elegans model as a biosensor of amyloidogenic proteins' toxicity, we observed a rescue of locomotor defects in nematodes exposed to the brain homogenates from TBI mice treated with Aβ1-6A2V(D) compared to TBI controls. By this integrated approach, we demonstrate that Aβ1-6A2V(D) not only impedes tau aggregation but also favors its degradation by tissue proteases, confirming that this peptide interferes with both Aβ and tau aggregation propensity and proteotoxicity.

Investigating the characteristics and correlates of systemic inflammation after traumatic brain injury: the TBI-BraINFLAMM study

INTRODUCTION

A significant environmental risk factor for neurodegenerative disease is traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, it is not clear how TBI results in ongoing chronic neurodegeneration. Animal studies show that systemic inflammation is signalled to the brain. This can result in sustained and aggressive microglial activation, which in turn is associated with widespread neurodegeneration. We aim to evaluate systemic inflammation as a mediator of ongoing neurodegeneration after TBI.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

TBI-braINFLAMM will combine data already collected from two large prospective TBI studies. The CREACTIVE study, a broad consortium which enrolled >8000 patients with TBI to have CT scans and blood samples in the hyperacute period, has data available from 854 patients. The BIO-AX-TBI study recruited 311 patients to have acute CT scans, longitudinal blood samples and longitudinal MRI brain scans. The BIO-AX-TBI study also has data from 102 healthy and 24 non-TBI trauma controls, comprising blood samples (both control groups) and MRI scans (healthy controls only). All blood samples from BIO-AX-TBI and CREACTIVE have already been tested for neuronal injury markers (GFAP, tau and NfL), and CREACTIVE blood samples have been tested for inflammatory cytokines. We will additionally test inflammatory cytokine levels from the already collected longitudinal blood samples in the BIO-AX-TBI study, as well as matched microdialysate and blood samples taken during the acute period from a subgroup of patients with TBI (n=18).We will use this unique dataset to characterise post-TBI systemic inflammation, and its relationships with injury severity and ongoing neurodegeneration.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval for this study has been granted by the London-Camberwell St Giles Research Ethics Committee (17/LO/2066). Results will be submitted for publication in peer-review journals, presented at conferences and inform the design of larger observational and experimental medicine studies assessing the role and management of post-TBI systemic inflammation.

Prognostic performance of blood neurofilament light chain protein in hospitalized COVID-19 patients without major central nervous system manifestations: an individual participant data meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

To investigate the prognostic value of blood neurofilament light chain protein (NfL) levels in the acute phase of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

METHODS

We conducted an individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis after screening on MEDLINE and Scopus to May 23rd 2022. We included studies with hospitalized adult COVID-19 patients without major COVID-19-associated central nervous system (CNS) manifestations and with a measurement of blood NfL in the acute phase as well as data regarding at least one clinical outcome including intensive care unit (ICU) admission, need of mechanical ventilation (MV) and death. We derived the age-adjusted measures NfL Z scores and conducted mixed-effects modelling to test associations between NfL Z scores and other variables, encompassing clinical outcomes. Summary receiver operating characteristic curves (SROCs) were used to calculate the area under the curve (AUC) for blood NfL.

RESULTS

We identified 382 records, of which 7 studies were included with a total of 669 hospitalized COVID-19 cases (mean age 66.2 ± 15.0 years, 68.1% males). Median NfL Z score at admission was elevated compared to the age-corrected reference population (2.37, IQR: 1.13-3.06, referring to 99th percentile in healthy controls). NfL Z scores were significantly associated with disease duration and severity. Higher NfL Z scores were associated with a higher likelihood of ICU admission, need of MV, and death. SROCs revealed AUCs of 0.74, 0.80 and 0.71 for mortality, need of MV and ICU admission, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Blood NfL levels were elevated in the acute phase of COVID-19 patients without major CNS manifestations and associated with clinical severity and poor outcome. The marker might ameliorate the performance of prognostic multivariable algorithms in COVID-19.

Multimodal Neuromonitoring and Neurocritical Care in Swine to Enhance Translational Relevance in Brain Trauma Research

Neurocritical care significantly impacts outcomes after moderate-to-severe acquired brain injury, but it is rarely applied in preclinical studies. We created a comprehensive neurointensive care unit (neuroICU) for use in swine to account for the influence of neurocritical care, collect clinically relevant monitoring data, and create a paradigm that is capable of validating therapeutics/diagnostics in the unique neurocritical care space. Our multidisciplinary team of neuroscientists, neurointensivists, and veterinarians adapted/optimized the clinical neuroICU (e.g., multimodal neuromonitoring) and critical care pathways (e.g., managing cerebral perfusion pressure with sedation, ventilation, and hypertonic saline) for use in swine. Moreover, this neurocritical care paradigm enabled the first demonstration of an extended preclinical study period for moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury with coma beyond 8 h. There are many similarities with humans that make swine an ideal model species for brain injury studies, including a large brain mass, gyrencephalic cortex, high white matter volume, and topography of basal cisterns, amongst other critical factors. Here we describe the neurocritical care techniques we developed and the medical management of swine following subarachnoid hemorrhage and traumatic brain injury with coma. Incorporating neurocritical care in swine studies will reduce the translational gap for therapeutics and diagnostics specifically tailored for moderate-to-severe acquired brain injury.

Hypertonic sodium lactate infusion reduces vasopressor requirements and biomarkers of brain and cardiac injury after experimental cardiac arrest

INTRODUCTION

Prognosis after resuscitation from cardiac arrest (CA) remains poor, with high morbidity and mortality as a result of extensive cardiac and brain injury and lack of effective treatments. Hypertonic sodium lactate (HSL) may be beneficial after CA by buffering severe metabolic acidosis, increasing brain perfusion and cardiac performance, reducing cerebral swelling, and serving as an alternative energetic cellular substrate. The aim of this study was to test the effects of HSL infusion on brain and cardiac injury in an experimental model of CA.

METHODS

After a 10-min electrically induced CA followed by 5 min of cardiopulmonary resuscitation maneuvers, adult swine (n = 35) were randomly assigned to receive either balanced crystalloid (controls, n = 11) or HSL infusion started during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR, Intra-arrest, n = 12) or after return of spontaneous circulation (Post-ROSC, n = 11) for the subsequent 12 h. In all animals, extensive multimodal neurological and cardiovascular monitoring was implemented. All animals were treated with targeted temperature management at 34 °C.

RESULTS

Thirty-four of the 35 (97.1%) animals achieved ROSC; one animal in the Intra-arrest group died before completing the observation period. Arterial pH, lactate and sodium concentrations, and plasma osmolarity were higher in HSL-treated animals than in controls (p < 0.001), whereas potassium concentrations were lower (p = 0.004). Intra-arrest and Post-ROSC HSL infusion improved hemodynamic status compared to controls, as shown by reduced vasopressor requirements to maintain a mean arterial pressure target > 65 mmHg (p = 0.005 for interaction; p = 0.01 for groups). Moreover, plasma troponin I and glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP) concentrations were lower in HSL-treated groups at several time-points than in controls.

CONCLUSIONS

In this experimental CA model, HSL infusion was associated with reduced vasopressor requirements and decreased plasma concentrations of measured biomarkers of cardiac and cerebral injury.

The role of spectrin breakdown products in patients with traumatic brain injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Spectrin Breakdown Products (SBDPs) accumulate in the brain after traumatic brain injury (TBI) and are expected to become a potentially promising biomarker of TBI.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review and meta-analysis were undertaken to evaluate the role of SBDPs in the diagnosis and prognosis of TBI.

METHODS

We systematically searched the following databases up to 31 October 2022: Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science Database, and studies were only included if they had sufficient data on SBDP concentrations in TBI patients. We calculated the standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for continuous outcomes and assessed the potential publication bias by using Egger's test and funnel plots. The statistical analysis was conducted by RevMan 5.4 and Stata 17.

RESULTS

Of 1429 identified studies, 10 studies involving 417 participants were included in our systematic review and meta-analysis. The results demonstrated that serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) SBDP concentrations were significantly increased in TBI compared to controls (SBDP120: SMD = 1.42, 95% CI = 0.71 ~ 2.12, P < 0.00001; SBDP145: SMD = 1.32, 95% CI = 0.78 ~ 1.86, P < 0.00001; SBDP150: SMD = 1.39, 95% CI = 0.97 ~ 1.80, P < 0.00001), and CSF SBDPs were significantly associated with poor functional outcomes (PFO) (SBDP145: SMD = 1.75, 95% CI = 1.37 ~ 2.13, P < 0.00001; SBDP150: SMD = 1.14, 95% CI = 0.75 ~ 1.52, P < 0.00001). In addition, CSF and serum SBDP145 are valuable in diagnosing TBI (AUC = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.80 ~ 0.99, P < 0.00001), and CSF SBDP145 also has diagnostic value for PFO (AUC = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.76 ~ 0.84, P < 0.00001).

CONCLUSIONS

The limited evidence supports that the SBDPs can be employed as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of TBI.

ADVANCE-TBI study protocol: traumatic brain injury outcomes in UK military personnel serving in Afghanistan between 2003 and 2014 - a longitudinal cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Outcomes of traumatic brain injury (TBI) are highly variable, with cognitive and psychiatric problems often present in survivors, including an increased dementia risk in the long term. Military personnel are at an increased occupational risk of TBI, with high rates of complex polytrauma including TBI characterising the UK campaign in Afghanistan. The ArmeD SerVices TrAuma and RehabilitatioN OutComE (ADVANCE)-TBI substudy will describe the patterns, associations and long-term outcomes of TBI in the established ADVANCE cohort.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The ADVANCE cohort comprises 579 military personnel exposed to major battlefield trauma requiring medical evacuation, and 566 matched military personnel without major trauma. TBI exposure has been captured at baseline using a standardised interview and registry data, and will be refined at first follow-up visit with the Ohio State Method TBI interview (a National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke TBI common data element). Participants will undergo blood sampling, MRI and detailed neuropsychological assessment longitudinally as part of their follow-up visits every 3-5 years over a 20-year period. Biomarkers of injury, neuroinflammation and degeneration will be quantified in blood, and polygenic risk scores calculated for neurodegeneration. Age-matched healthy volunteers will be recruited as controls for MRI analyses. We will describe TBI exposure across the cohort, and consider any relationship with advanced biomarkers of injury and clinical outcomes including cognitive performance, neuropsychiatric symptom burden and function. The influence of genotype will be assessed. This research will explore the relationship between military head injury exposure and long-term outcomes, providing insights into underlying disease mechanisms and informing prevention interventions.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The ADVANCE-TBI substudy has received a favourable opinion from the Ministry of Defence Research Ethics Committee (ref: 2126/MODREC/22). Findings will be disseminated via publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at conferences.

Cerebrospinal fluid and serum proteomic profiles accurately distinguish neuroaxonal dystrophy from cervical vertebral compressive myelopathy in horses

BACKGROUND

Cervical vertebral compressive myelopathy (CVCM) and equine neuroaxonal dystrophy/degenerative myeloencephalopathy (eNAD/EDM) are leading causes of spinal ataxia in horses. The conditions can be difficult to differentiate, and there is currently no diagnostic modality that offers a definitive antemortem diagnosis.

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate novel proteomic techniques and machine learning algorithms to predict biomarkers that can aid in the antemortem diagnosis of noninfectious spinal ataxia in horses.

ANIMALS

Banked serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from necropsy-confirmed adult eNAD/EDM (n = 47) and CVCM (n = 25) horses and neurologically normal adult horses (n = 45).

METHODS

. A subset of serum and CSF samples from eNAD/EDM (n = 5) and normal (n = 5) horses was used to evaluate the proximity extension assay (PEA). All samples were assayed by PEA for 368 neurologically relevant proteins. Data were analyzed using machine learning algorithms to define potential diagnostic biomarkers.

RESULTS

Of the 368 proteins, 84 were detected in CSF and 146 in serum. Eighteen of 84 proteins in CSF and 30/146 in serum were differentially abundant among the 3 groups, after correction for multiple testing. Modeling indicated that a 2-protein test using CSF had the highest accuracy for discriminating among all 3 groups. Cerebrospinal fluid R-spondin 1 (RSPO1) and neurofilament-light (NEFL), in parallel, predicted normal horses with an accuracy of 87.18%, CVCM with 84.62%, and eNAD/EDM with 73.5%.

MAIN LIMITATIONS

Cross-species platform. Uneven sample size.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

Proximity extension assay technology allows for rapid screening of equine biologic matrices for potential protein biomarkers. Machine learning analysis allows for unbiased selection of highly accurate biomarkers from high-dimensional data.

Acute Blood Levels of Neurofilament Light Indicate One-Year White Matter Pathology and Functional Impairment in Repetitive Mild Traumatic Brain Injured Mice

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) mostly causes transient symptoms, but repeated (r)mTBI can lead to neurodegenerative processes. Diagnostic tools to evaluate the presence of ongoing occult neuropathology are lacking. In a mouse model of rmTBI, we investigated MRI and plasma biomarkers of brain damage before chronic functional impairment arose. Anesthetized adult male and female C57BL/6J mice were subjected to rmTBI or a sham procedure. Sensorimotor deficits were evaluated up to 12 months post-injury in SNAP and Neuroscore tests. Cognitive function was assessed in the novel object recognition test at six and 12 months. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed at six and 12 months to examine white matter and structural damage. Plasma levels of neurofilament light (NfL) were assessed longitudinally up to 12 months. Brain histopathology was performed at 12 months. Independent groups of mice were used to examine the effects of 2-, 7- and 14-days inter-injury intervals on acute plasma NfL levels and on hyperactivity. Twelve months after an acute transient impairment, sensorimotor functions declined again in rmTBI mice (p < 0.001 vs sham), but not earlier. Similarly, rmTBI mice showed memory impairment at 12 (p < 0.01 vs sham) but not at 6 months. White matter damage examined by DTI was evident in rmTBI mice at both six and 12 months (p < 0.001 vs sham). This was associated with callosal atrophy (p < 0.001 vs sham) evaluated by structural MRI. Plasma NfL at one week was elevated in rmTBI (p < 0.001 vs sham), and its level correlated with callosal atrophy at 12 months (Pearson r = 0.72, p < 0.01). Histopathology showed thinning of the corpus callosum and marked astrogliosis in rmTBI mice. The NfL levels were higher in mice subjected to short (2 days) compared with longer (7 and 14 days) inter-injury intervals (p < 0.05), and this correlated with hyperactivity in mice (Pearson r = 0.50; p < 0.05). These findings show that rmTBI causes white matter pathology detectable by MRI before chronic functional impairment. Early quantification of plasma NfL correlates with the degree of white matter atrophy one year after rmTBI and can serve to monitor the brain's susceptibility to a second mTBI, supporting its potential clinical application to guide the return to practice in sport-related TBI.

Imaging of White Matter Injury Correlates with Plasma and Tissue Biomarkers in Pediatric Porcine Model of Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) causes significant white matter injury, which has been characterized by various rodent and human clinical studies. The exact time course of imaging changes in a pediatric brain after TBI and its relation to biomarkers of injury and cellular function, however, is unknown. To study the changes in major white matter structures using a valid model of TBI that is comparable to a human pediatric brain in terms of size and anatomical features, we utilized a four-week-old pediatric porcine model of injury with controlled cortical impact (CCI). Using diffusion tensor imaging differential tractography, we show progressive anisotropy changes at major white matter tracts such as the corona radiata and inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus between day 1 and day 30 after injury. Moreover, correlational tractography shows a large part of bilateral corona radiata having positive correlation with the markers of cellular respiration. In contrast, bilateral corona radiata has a negative correlation with the plasma biomarkers of injury such as neurofilament light or glial fibrillary acidic protein. These are expected correlational findings given that higher integrity of white matter would be expected to correlate with lower injury biomarkers. We then studied the magnetic resonance spectroscopy findings and report decrease in a N-acetylaspartate/creatinine (NAA/Cr) ratio at the pericontusional cortex, subcortical white matter, corona radiata, thalamus, genu, and splenium of corpus callosum at 30 days indicating injury. There was also an increase in choline/creatinine ratio in these regions indicating rapid membrane turnover. Given the need for a pediatric TBI model that is comparable to human pediatric TBI, these data support the use of a pediatric pig model with CCI in future investigations of therapeutic agents. This model will allow future TBI researchers to rapidly translate our pre-clinical study findings into clinical trials for pediatric TBI.

Systemic inflammatory markers in patients with polyneuropathies

Introduction

In patients with peripheral neuropathies (PNP), neuropathic pain is present in 50% of the cases, independent of the etiology. The pathophysiology of pain is poorly understood, and inflammatory processes have been found to be involved in neuro-degeneration, -regeneration and pain. While previous studies have found a local upregulation of inflammatory mediators in patients with PNP, there is a high variability described in the cytokines present systemically in sera and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). We hypothesized that the development of PNP and neuropathic pain is associated with enhanced systemic inflammation.

Methods

To test our hypothesis, we performed a comprehensive analysis of the protein, lipid and gene expression of different pro- and anti-inflammatory markers in blood and CSF from patients with PNP and controls.

Results

While we found differences between PNP and controls in specific cytokines or lipids, such as CCL2 or oleoylcarnitine, PNP patients and controls did not present major differences in systemic inflammatory markers in general. IL-10 and CCL2 levels were related to measures of axonal damage and neuropathic pain. Lastly, we describe a strong interaction between inflammation and neurodegeneration at the nerve roots in a specific subgroup of PNP patients with blood-CSF barrier dysfunction.

Conclusion

In patients with PNP systemic inflammatory, markers in blood or CSF do not differ from controls in general, but specific cytokines or lipids do. Our findings further highlight the importance of CSF analysis in patients with peripheral neuropathies.