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Blanks W, Hanshaw M, Perez-Chadid DA, Lucke-Wold B. Emerging frontiers in Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy: early diagnosis and implications for neurotherapeutic interventions. Expert Rev Neurother 2024:1-9. [PMID: 39118236 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2024.2385952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is a neurodegenerative disorder associated with repetitive head trauma. Historically, the diagnosis has been primarily clinical, which has hindered definitive early diagnosis and proactive intervention. AREAS COVERED The authors analyze the recent advancements in early diagnosis of CTE by examining biomarkers, imaging, and clinical decision tools. They discuss the identification of neuropathologies - such as tau aggregates - through novel techniques ranging from blood sampling and to brain density scanning. The reader will walk away with a better understanding of current advancements in early detection and be better equipped to deal with encephalopathies secondary to trauma in clinical practice. EXPERT OPINION Tremendous progress has been made in understanding the pathophysiology of CTE. Despite these advancements, CTE treatment is still primarily symptomatic rather than underlying disease. Future research should focus on integrating current understanding of CTE pathophysiology with treatment modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Blanks
- School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, USA
| | - Marcus Hanshaw
- School of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
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Bouvette V, Petit Y, De Beaumont L, Guay S, Vinet SA, Wagnac E. American Football On-Field Head Impact Kinematics: Influence of Acceleration Signal Characteristics on Peak Maximal Principal Strain. Ann Biomed Eng 2024; 52:2134-2150. [PMID: 38758459 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-024-03514-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Recorded head kinematics from head-impact measurement devices (HIMd) are pivotal for evaluating brain stress and strain through head finite element models (hFEM). The variability in kinematic recording windows across HIMd presents challenges as they yield inconsistent hFEM responses. Despite establishing an ideal recording window for maximum principal strain (MPS) in brain tissue, uncertainties persist about the impact characteristics influencing vulnerability when this window is shortened. This study aimed to scrutinize factors within impact kinematics affecting the reliability of different recording windows on whole-brain peak MPS using a validated hFEM. Utilizing 53 on-field head impacts recorded via an instrumented mouthguard during a Canadian varsity football game, 10 recording windows were investigated with varying pre- and post-impact-trigger durations. Tukey pair-wise comparisons revealed no statistically significant differences in MPS responses for the different recording windows. However, specific impacts showed marked variability up to 40%. It was found, through correlation analyses, that impacts with lower peak linear acceleration exhibited greater response variability across different pre-trigger durations. Signal shape, analyzed through spectral analysis, influenced the time required for MPS development, resulting in specific impacts requiring a prolonged post-trigger duration. This study adds to the existing consensus on standardizing HIMd acquisition time windows and sheds light on impact characteristics leading to peak MPS variation across different head impact kinematic recording windows. Considering impact characteristics in research assessments is crucial, as certain impacts, affected by recording duration, may lead to significant errors in peak MPS responses during cumulative longitudinal exposure assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Véronique Bouvette
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, École de technologie supérieure, 1100 Notre-Dame Street West, Montreal, QC, H3C 1K3, Canada.
- Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, Canada.
- International Laboratory on Spine Imaging and Biomechanics, Montreal, Canada.
- International Laboratory on Spine Imaging and Biomechanics, Marseille, France.
| | - Y Petit
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, École de technologie supérieure, 1100 Notre-Dame Street West, Montreal, QC, H3C 1K3, Canada
- Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, Canada
- International Laboratory on Spine Imaging and Biomechanics, Montreal, Canada
- International Laboratory on Spine Imaging and Biomechanics, Marseille, France
| | - L De Beaumont
- Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Surgery, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - S Guay
- Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - S A Vinet
- Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - E Wagnac
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, École de technologie supérieure, 1100 Notre-Dame Street West, Montreal, QC, H3C 1K3, Canada
- Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, Canada
- International Laboratory on Spine Imaging and Biomechanics, Montreal, Canada
- International Laboratory on Spine Imaging and Biomechanics, Marseille, France
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Johnson AG, Dammer EB, Webster JA, Duong DM, Seyfried NT, Hales CM. Proteomic networks of gray and white matter reveal tissue-specific changes in human tauopathy. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2024; 11:2138-2152. [PMID: 38924699 PMCID: PMC11330236 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.52134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To define tauopathy-associated changes in the human gray and white matter proteome. METHOD We applied tandem mass tagged labeling and mass spectrometry, consensus, and ratio weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA) to gray and white matter sampled from postmortem human dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. The sampled tissues included control as well as Alzheimer's disease, corticobasal degeneration, progressive supranuclear palsy, frontotemporal degeneration with tau pathology, and chronic traumatic encephalopathy. RESULTS Only eight proteins were unique to gray matter while six were unique to white matter. Comparison of the gray and white matter proteome revealed an enrichment of microglial proteins in the white matter. Consensus WGCNA sorted over 6700 protein isoforms into 46 consensus modules across the gray and white matter proteomic networks. Consensus network modules demonstrated unique and shared disease-associated microglial and endothelial protein changes. Ratio WGCNA sorted over 6500 protein ratios (white:gray) into 33 modules. Modules associated with mitochondrial proteins and processes demonstrated higher white:gray ratios in diseased tissues relative to control, driven by mitochondrial protein downregulation in gray and upregulation in white. INTERPRETATION The dataset is a valuable resource for understanding proteomic changes in human tauopathy gray and white matter. The identification of unique and shared disease-associated changes across gray and white matter emphasizes the utility of examining both tissue types. Future studies of microglial, endothelial, and mitochondrial changes in white matter may provide novel insights into tauopathy-associated changes in human brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashlyn G. Johnson
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Laney Graduate SchoolEmory UniversityAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
- Center for Neurodegenerative DiseaseEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
- Department of NeurologyEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Eric B. Dammer
- Center for Neurodegenerative DiseaseEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
- Department of BiochemistryEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - James A. Webster
- Center for Neurodegenerative DiseaseEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
- Department of NeurologyEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Duc M. Duong
- Center for Neurodegenerative DiseaseEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
- Department of BiochemistryEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Nicholas T. Seyfried
- Center for Neurodegenerative DiseaseEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
- Department of BiochemistryEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Chadwick M. Hales
- Center for Neurodegenerative DiseaseEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
- Department of NeurologyEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
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Alexander A, Alvarez VE, Huber BR, Alosco ML, Mez J, Tripodis Y, Nicks R, Katz DI, Dwyer B, Daneshvar DH, Martin B, Palmisano J, Goldstein LE, Crary JF, Nowinski C, Cantu RC, Kowall NW, Stern RA, Delalle I, McKee AC, Stein TD. Cortical-sparing chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CSCTE): a distinct subtype of CTE. Acta Neuropathol 2024; 147:45. [PMID: 38407651 PMCID: PMC11348287 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-024-02690-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by repetitive head impacts (RHI) and pathologically defined as neuronal phosphorylated tau aggregates around small blood vessels and concentrated at sulcal depths. Cross-sectional studies suggest that tau inclusions follow a stereotyped pattern that begins in the neocortex in low stage disease, followed by involvement of the medial temporal lobe and subcortical regions with significant neocortical burden in high stage CTE. Here, we define a subset of brain donors with high stage CTE and with a low overall cortical burden of tau inclusions (mean semiquantitative value ≤1) and classify them as cortical-sparing CTE (CSCTE). Of 620 brain donors with pathologically diagnosed CTE, 66 (11%) met criteria for CSCTE. Compared to typical high stage CTE, those with CSCTE had a similar age at death and years of contact sports participation and were less likely to carry apolipoprotein ε4 (p < 0.05). CSCTE had less overall tau pathology severity, but a proportional increase of disease burden in medial temporal lobe and brainstem regions compared to the neocortex (p's < 0.001). CSCTE also had lower prevalence of comorbid neurodegenerative disease. Clinically, CSCTE participants were less likely to have dementia (p = 0.023) and had less severe cognitive difficulties (as reported by informants using the Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ); p < 0.001, meta-cognitional index T score; p = 0.002 and Cognitive Difficulties Scale (CDS); p < 0.001,) but had an earlier onset age of behavioral (p = 0.006) and Parkinsonian motor (p = 0.013) symptoms when compared to typical high stage CTE. Other comorbid tauopathies likely contributed in part to these differences: when cases with concurrent Alzheimer dementia or frontal temporal lobar degeneration with tau pathology were excluded, differences were largely retained, but only remained significant for FAQ (p = 0.042), meta-cognition index T score (p = 0.014) and age of Parkinsonian motor symptom onset (p = 0.046). Overall, CSCTE appears to be a distinct subtype of high stage CTE with relatively greater involvement of subcortical and brainstem regions and less severe cognitive symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Alexander
- Division of Neuropathology, Lifespan Academic Medical Center, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Victor E Alvarez
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and CTE Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Boston University, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, USA
- VA Boston Healthcare System, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Jamaica Plain, MA, USA
| | - Bertrand R Huber
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and CTE Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- VA Boston Healthcare System, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Jamaica Plain, MA, USA
| | - Michael L Alosco
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and CTE Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Boston University, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jesse Mez
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and CTE Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Boston University, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yorghos Tripodis
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and CTE Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Raymond Nicks
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and CTE Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, USA
- VA Boston Healthcare System, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Jamaica Plain, MA, USA
| | - Douglas I Katz
- Department of Neurology, Boston University, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Braintree Rehabilitation Hospital, Braintree, MA, USA
| | - Brigid Dwyer
- Department of Neurology, Boston University, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Braintree Rehabilitation Hospital, Braintree, MA, USA
| | - Daniel H Daneshvar
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brett Martin
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology Data Analytics Center, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joseph Palmisano
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and CTE Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology Data Analytics Center, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lee E Goldstein
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and CTE Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Radiology, Boston University, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Boston University, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Departments of Biomedical, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Boston University College of Engineering, Boston, MA, USA
| | - John F Crary
- Department of Pathology, Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Department of Artificial Intelligence and Human Health, Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Christopher Nowinski
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and CTE Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Concussion Legacy Foundation, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Robert C Cantu
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and CTE Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Concussion Legacy Foundation, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Boston University, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emerson Hospital, Concord, MA, USA
| | - Neil W Kowall
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and CTE Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Robert A Stern
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and CTE Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Boston University, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ivana Delalle
- Division of Neuropathology, Lifespan Academic Medical Center, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Ann C McKee
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and CTE Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Boston University, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- VA Boston Healthcare System, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Jamaica Plain, MA, USA
| | - Thor D Stein
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and CTE Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
- VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, USA.
- VA Boston Healthcare System, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Jamaica Plain, MA, USA.
- Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Boston University, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
- , 150 S. Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02130, USA.
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5
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Saltiel N, Tripodis Y, Menzin T, Olaniyan A, Baucom Z, Yhang E, Palmisano JN, Martin B, Uretsky M, Nair E, Abdolmohammadi B, Shah A, Nicks R, Nowinski C, Cantu RC, Daneshvar DH, Dwyer B, Katz DI, Stern RA, Alvarez V, Huber B, Boyle PA, Schneider JA, Mez J, McKee A, Alosco ML, Stein TD. Relative Contributions of Mixed Pathologies to Cognitive and Functional Symptoms in Brain Donors Exposed to Repetitive Head Impacts. Ann Neurol 2024; 95:314-324. [PMID: 37921042 PMCID: PMC10842014 DOI: 10.1002/ana.26823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Exposure to repetitive head impacts (RHI) is associated with later-life cognitive symptoms and neuropathologies, including chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Cognitive decline in community cohorts is often due to multiple pathologies; however, the frequency and contributions of these pathologies to cognitive impairment in people exposed to RHI are unknown. Here, we examined the relative contributions of 13 neuropathologies to cognitive symptoms and dementia in RHI-exposed brain donors. METHODS Neuropathologists examined brain tissue from 571 RHI-exposed donors and assessed for the presence of 13 neuropathologies, including CTE, Alzheimer disease (AD), Lewy body disease (LBD), and transactive response DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) inclusions. Cognitive status was assessed by presence of dementia, Functional Activities Questionnaire, and Cognitive Difficulties Scale. Spearman rho was calculated to assess intercorrelation of pathologies. Additionally, frequencies of pathological co-occurrence were compared to a simulated distribution assuming no intercorrelation. Logistic and linear regressions tested associations between neuropathologies and dementia status and cognitive scale scores. RESULTS The sample age range was 18-97 years (median = 65.0, interquartile range = 46.0-76.0). Of the donors, 77.2% had at least one moderate-severe neurodegenerative or cerebrovascular pathology. Stage III-IV CTE was the most common neurodegenerative disease (43.1%), followed by TDP-43 pathology, AD, and hippocampal sclerosis. Neuropathologies were intercorrelated, and there were fewer unique combinations than expected if pathologies were independent (p < 0.001). The greatest contributors to dementia were AD, neocortical LBD, hippocampal sclerosis, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, and CTE. INTERPRETATION In this sample of RHI-exposed brain donors with wide-ranging ages, multiple neuropathologies were common and correlated. Mixed neuropathologies, including CTE, underlie cognitive impairment in contact sport athletes. ANN NEUROL 2024;95:314-324.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Saltiel
- Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and CTE Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, USA
- VA Boston Healthcare System, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Jamaica Plain, MA, USA
- VA Bedford Healthcare System, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Bedford, MA
| | - Yorghos Tripodis
- Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and CTE Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Talia Menzin
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aliyah Olaniyan
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Zach Baucom
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Eukyung Yhang
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joseph N. Palmisano
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology Data Analytics Center, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brett Martin
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology Data Analytics Center, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Madeline Uretsky
- Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and CTE Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, USA
| | - Evan Nair
- Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and CTE Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, USA
| | - Bobak Abdolmohammadi
- Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and CTE Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, USA
| | - Arsal Shah
- Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and CTE Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, USA
- VA Boston Healthcare System, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Jamaica Plain, MA, USA
- VA Bedford Healthcare System, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Bedford, MA
| | - Raymond Nicks
- Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and CTE Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, USA
- VA Boston Healthcare System, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Jamaica Plain, MA, USA
- VA Bedford Healthcare System, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Bedford, MA
| | | | - Robert C. Cantu
- Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and CTE Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, USA
- Concussion Legacy Foundation, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emerson Hospital, Concord, MA, USA
| | - Daniel H. Daneshvar
- Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and CTE Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, USA
| | - Brigid Dwyer
- Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and CTE Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, USA
- Braintree Rehabilitation Hospital, Braintree, MA, USA
| | - Douglas I. Katz
- Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and CTE Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, USA
- Braintree Rehabilitation Hospital, Braintree, MA, USA
| | - Robert A. Stern
- Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and CTE Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Victor Alvarez
- Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and CTE Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, USA
- VA Boston Healthcare System, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Jamaica Plain, MA, USA
- VA Bedford Healthcare System, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Bedford, MA
- National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System, Jamaica Plain, MA, USA
| | - Bertrand Huber
- Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and CTE Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, USA
- VA Boston Healthcare System, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Jamaica Plain, MA, USA
- National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System, Jamaica Plain, MA, USA
| | - Patricia A. Boyle
- Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Behavioral Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Julie A. Schneider
- Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Pathology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jesse Mez
- Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and CTE Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, USA
- Framingham Heart Study, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ann McKee
- Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and CTE Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, USA
- VA Boston Healthcare System, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Jamaica Plain, MA, USA
- VA Bedford Healthcare System, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Bedford, MA
- Framingham Heart Study, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael L. Alosco
- Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and CTE Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, USA
| | - Thor D. Stein
- Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and CTE Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, USA
- VA Boston Healthcare System, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Jamaica Plain, MA, USA
- VA Bedford Healthcare System, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Bedford, MA
- Framingham Heart Study, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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6
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McKee AC, Mez J, Abdolmohammadi B, Butler M, Huber BR, Uretsky M, Babcock K, Cherry JD, Alvarez VE, Martin B, Tripodis Y, Palmisano JN, Cormier KA, Kubilus CA, Nicks R, Kirsch D, Mahar I, McHale L, Nowinski C, Cantu RC, Stern RA, Daneshvar D, Goldstein LE, Katz DI, Kowall NW, Dwyer B, Stein TD, Alosco ML. Neuropathologic and Clinical Findings in Young Contact Sport Athletes Exposed to Repetitive Head Impacts. JAMA Neurol 2023; 80:1037-1050. [PMID: 37639244 PMCID: PMC10463175 DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2023.2907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Importance Young contact sport athletes may be at risk for long-term neuropathologic disorders, including chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Objective To characterize the neuropathologic and clinical symptoms of young brain donors who were contact sport athletes. Design, Setting, and Participants This case series analyzes findings from 152 of 156 brain donors younger than 30 years identified through the Understanding Neurologic Injury and Traumatic Encephalopathy (UNITE) Brain Bank who donated their brains from February 1, 2008, to September 31, 2022. Neuropathologic evaluations, retrospective telephone clinical assessments, and online questionnaires with informants were performed blinded. Data analysis was conducted between August 2021 and June 2023. Exposures Repetitive head impacts from contact sports. Main Outcomes and Measures Gross and microscopic neuropathologic assessment, including diagnosis of CTE, based on defined diagnostic criteria; and informant-reported athletic history and informant-completed scales that assess cognitive symptoms, mood disturbances, and neurobehavioral dysregulation. Results Among the 152 deceased contact sports participants (mean [SD] age, 22.97 [4.31] years; 141 [92.8%] male) included in the study, CTE was diagnosed in 63 (41.4%; median [IQR] age, 26 [24-27] years). Of the 63 brain donors diagnosed with CTE, 60 (95.2%) were diagnosed with mild CTE (stages I or II). Brain donors who had CTE were more likely to be older (mean difference, 3.92 years; 95% CI, 2.74-5.10 years) Of the 63 athletes with CTE, 45 (71.4%) were men who played amateur sports, including American football, ice hockey, soccer, rugby, and wrestling; 1 woman with CTE played collegiate soccer. For those who played football, duration of playing career was significantly longer in those with vs without CTE (mean difference, 2.81 years; 95% CI, 1.15-4.48 years). Athletes with CTE had more ventricular dilatation, cavum septum pellucidum, thalamic notching, and perivascular pigment-laden macrophages in the frontal white matter than those without CTE. Cognitive and neurobehavioral symptoms were frequent among all brain donors. Suicide was the most common cause of death, followed by unintentional overdose; there were no differences in cause of death or clinical symptoms based on CTE status. Conclusions and Relevance This case series found that young brain donors exposed to repetitive head impacts were highly symptomatic regardless of CTE status, and the causes of symptoms in this sample are likely multifactorial. Future studies that include young brain donors unexposed to repetitive head impacts are needed to clarify the association among exposure, white matter and microvascular pathologic findings, CTE, and clinical symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann C. McKee
- Veterans Affairs (VA) Boston Healthcare System, US Department of Veteran Affairs, Boston, Massachusetts
- Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Center, Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Neurology, Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
- VA Bedford Healthcare System, US Department of Veteran Affairs, Bedford, Massachusetts
- National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jesse Mez
- Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Center, Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Neurology, Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Bobak Abdolmohammadi
- Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Center, Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Morgane Butler
- Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Center, Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Bertrand Russell Huber
- Veterans Affairs (VA) Boston Healthcare System, US Department of Veteran Affairs, Boston, Massachusetts
- Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Center, Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Neurology, Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
- VA Bedford Healthcare System, US Department of Veteran Affairs, Bedford, Massachusetts
- National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Madeline Uretsky
- Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Center, Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Katharine Babcock
- Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Center, Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jonathan D. Cherry
- Veterans Affairs (VA) Boston Healthcare System, US Department of Veteran Affairs, Boston, Massachusetts
- Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Center, Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Victor E. Alvarez
- Veterans Affairs (VA) Boston Healthcare System, US Department of Veteran Affairs, Boston, Massachusetts
- Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Center, Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Neurology, Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
- VA Bedford Healthcare System, US Department of Veteran Affairs, Bedford, Massachusetts
| | - Brett Martin
- Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Center, Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology Data Analytics Center, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Yorghos Tripodis
- Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Center, Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology Data Analytics Center, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Joseph N. Palmisano
- Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Center, Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology Data Analytics Center, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kerry A. Cormier
- Veterans Affairs (VA) Boston Healthcare System, US Department of Veteran Affairs, Boston, Massachusetts
- Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Center, Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
- VA Bedford Healthcare System, US Department of Veteran Affairs, Bedford, Massachusetts
| | - Caroline A. Kubilus
- Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Center, Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
- VA Bedford Healthcare System, US Department of Veteran Affairs, Bedford, Massachusetts
| | - Raymond Nicks
- Veterans Affairs (VA) Boston Healthcare System, US Department of Veteran Affairs, Boston, Massachusetts
- Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Center, Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Neurology, Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
- VA Bedford Healthcare System, US Department of Veteran Affairs, Bedford, Massachusetts
| | - Daniel Kirsch
- Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Center, Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ian Mahar
- Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Center, Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Lisa McHale
- Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Center, Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
- Concussion Legacy Foundation, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Christopher Nowinski
- Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Center, Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
- Concussion Legacy Foundation, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Robert C. Cantu
- Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Center, Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
- Concussion Legacy Foundation, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emerson Hospital, Concord, Massachusetts
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Robert A. Stern
- Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Center, Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Neurology, Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Daniel Daneshvar
- Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Center, Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Lee E. Goldstein
- Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Center, Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Psychiatry, Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Biomedical, Electrical, and Computer Engineering, Boston University College of Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Douglas I. Katz
- Department of Neurology, Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
- Braintree Rehabilitation Hospital, Braintree, Massachusetts
| | - Neil W. Kowall
- Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Center, Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Neurology, Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Brigid Dwyer
- Department of Neurology, Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
- Braintree Rehabilitation Hospital, Braintree, Massachusetts
| | - Thor D. Stein
- Veterans Affairs (VA) Boston Healthcare System, US Department of Veteran Affairs, Boston, Massachusetts
- Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Center, Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
- VA Bedford Healthcare System, US Department of Veteran Affairs, Bedford, Massachusetts
| | - Michael L. Alosco
- Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Center, Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Neurology, Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
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