Salivary MicroRNAs: Diagnostic Markers of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in Contact-Sport

Sex-Biased Expression and Response of microRNAs in Neurological Diseases and Neurotrauma

Neurological diseases and neurotrauma manifest significant sex differences in prevalence, progression, outcome, and therapeutic responses. Genetic predisposition, sex hormones, inflammation, and environmental exposures are among many physiological and pathological factors that impact the sex disparity in neurological diseases. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a powerful class of gene expression regulator that are extensively involved in mediating biological pathways. Emerging evidence demonstrates that miRNAs play a crucial role in the sex dimorphism observed in various human diseases, including neurological diseases. Understanding the sex differences in miRNA expression and response is believed to have important implications for assessing the risk of neurological disease, defining therapeutic intervention strategies, and advancing both basic research and clinical investigations. However, there is limited research exploring the extent to which miRNAs contribute to the sex disparities observed in various neurological diseases. Here, we review the current state of knowledge related to the sexual dimorphism in miRNAs in neurological diseases and neurotrauma research. We also discuss how sex chromosomes may contribute to the miRNA sexual dimorphism phenomenon. We attempt to emphasize the significance of sexual dimorphism in miRNA biology in human diseases and to advocate a gender/sex-balanced science.

Non-invasive fluid biomarkers in the diagnosis of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI): a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Despite approximately 55.9 million annual mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBIs) worldwide, the accurate diagnosis of mTBI continues to challenge clinicians due to symptom ambiguity, reliance on subjective report and presentation variability. Non-invasive fluid biomarkers of mTBI offer a biological measure to diagnose and monitor mTBI without the need for blood draws or neuroimaging. The objective of this study is to systematically review the utility of such biomarkers to diagnose mTBI and predict disease progression.

METHODS

A systematic review performed in PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane and Web of Science followed by a manual search of references without a specified timeframe. Search strings were generated and run (27 June 2022) by a research librarian. Studies were included if they: (1) included human mTBI subjects, (2) assessed utility of a non-invasive biomarker and (3) published in English. Exclusion criteria were (1) non-mTBI subjects, (2) mTBI not assessed separately from moderate/severe TBI, (3) required intracranial haemorrhage or (4) solely assesses genetic susceptibility to mTBI.

RESULTS

A total of 29 studies from 27 subject populations (1268 mTBI subjects) passed the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Twelve biomarkers were studied. Salivary RNAs, including microRNA, were assessed in 11 studies. Cortisol and melatonin were assessed in four and three studies, respectively. Eight salivary and two urinary biomarkers contained diagnostic or disease monitoring capability.

DISCUSSION

This systematic review identified several salivary and urinary biomarkers that demonstrate the potential to be used as a diagnostic, prognostic and monitoring tool for mTBI. Further research should examine miRNA-based models for diagnostic and predictive utility in patients with mTBI.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42022329293.

Role of regulatory non-coding RNAs in traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a potentially fatal health event that cannot be predicted in advance. After TBI occurs, it can have enduring consequences within both familial and social spheres. Yet, despite extensive efforts to improve medical interventions and tailor healthcare services, TBI still remains a major contributor to global disability and mortality rates. The prompt and accurate diagnosis of TBI in clinical contexts, coupled with the implementation of effective therapeutic strategies, remains an arduous challenge. However, a deeper understanding of changes in gene expression and the underlying molecular regulatory processes may alleviate this pressing issue. In recent years, the study of regulatory non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), a diverse class of RNA molecules with regulatory functions, has been a potential game changer in TBI research. Notably, the identification of microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs), and other ncRNAs has revealed their potential as novel diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for TBI, owing to their ability to regulate the expression of numerous genes. In this review, we seek to provide a comprehensive overview of the functions of regulatory ncRNAs in TBI. We also summarize regulatory ncRNAs used for treatment in animal models, as well as miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs that served as biomarkers for TBI diagnosis and prognosis. Finally, we discuss future challenges and prospects in diagnosing and treating TBI patients in the clinical settings.

Characterization of the internal working-life exposome using minimally and non-invasive sampling methods - a narrative review

During recent years, we are moving away from the 'one exposure, one disease'-approach in occupational settings and towards a more comprehensive approach, taking into account the totality of exposures during a life course by using an exposome approach. Taking an exposome approach however is accompanied by many challenges, one of which, for example, relates to the collection of biological samples. Methods used for sample collection in occupational exposome studies should ideally be minimally invasive, while at the same time sensitive, and enable meaningful repeated sampling in a large population and over a longer time period. This might be hampered in specific situations e.g., people working in remote areas, during pandemics or with flexible work hours. In these situations, using self-sampling techniques might offer a solution. Therefore, our aim was to identify existing self-sampling techniques and to evaluate the applicability of these techniques in an occupational exposome context by conducting a literature review. We here present an overview of current self-sampling methodologies used to characterize the internal exposome. In addition, the use of different biological matrices was evaluated and subdivided based on their level of invasiveness and applicability in an occupational exposome context. In conclusion, this review and the overview of self-sampling techniques presented herein can serve as a guide in the design of future (occupational) exposome studies while circumventing sample collection challenges associated with exposome studies.

Association Between Falls, Head Impacts, and Mortality Among Older Adults in Long-Term Care

OBJECTIVES

Residents in long-term care (LTC) are at high risk for falls, and falls in LTC often result in impact to the head, with clinical consequences that may be challenging to detect. We examined whether the survival of LTC residents associates with falls and fall-related head impacts.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

This study was conducted in 2 Vancouver-area LTC homes where falls were captured on video from surveillance cameras. A total of 232 participants (133 females, 99 males) experienced at least 1 fall captured on video, among whom 84% (n = 194) died between January 2011 and January 2020. The mean age at death was 86.5 (SD = 8.5) years, and the mean survival time after enrollment to this study was 3.8 (SD = 2.1) years.

METHODS

Univariable and multivariable models were used to determine how survival time depended on the rate of falls (falls per 365 days), the percentage of falls on video involving head impact, sex, age at death, and baseline physical and cognitive status.

RESULTS

On average, participants experienced 6.2 (SD = 7.0) falls per 365 days, and 36.9% (SD = 36.3) of video-captured falls resulted in head impact. In multivariable analyses, an increase of 1 fall per 365 days resulted in a 4.2% higher risk of death [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.042, 95% CI 1.023-1.062, P < .001]. A 1% increase in falls involving head impact resulted in an 0.5% higher risk of death (HR 1.005, 95% CI 1.001-1.010, P = .015). Participants who experienced head impact in all video-captured falls had a 50% higher risk for death than those who always avoided head impact.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Survival in LTC is associated with the rate of falls and percentage of falls involving head impact. Improved efforts are required to prevent falls in LTC, and reduce the frequency and consequences of head impacts during falls (eg, through compliant flooring).

The relationship between prognosis of patients with traumatic brain injury and microRNA biogenesis proteins

BACKGROUND

This study aims to investigate whether the expression levels of proteins involved in microRNA (miRNA) biogenesis vary in early- and late-stage traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients and to evaluate its effect on prognosis.

METHODS

Dicer, Drosha, DiGeorge Syndrome Critical Region eight (DGCR8), Exportin5 (XPO5), and Argonaute2 (AGO2) levels were measured in the blood samples of severe TBI patients collected 4-6 h and 72 h after the trauma and compared with the control group. Prognostic follow-up of the patients was performed using the Glasgow Coma Scale score.

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant changes in the expression of the miRNA biogenesis proteins Dicer, Drosha, DGCR8, XPO5, and AGO2 in patients with severe TBI. However, the expression of Dicer increased in the patients who improved from the severe TBI grade to the mild TBI grade, and the expression of AGO2 decreased in most of these patients. The Dicer expression profile was found to increase in patients discharged from the intensive care unit in a short time.

CONCLUSION

MicroRNAs and their biogenesis proteins may guide prognostic and therapeutic decisions for patients with TBI in the future.

Refinement of saliva microRNA biomarkers for sports-related concussion

BACKGROUND

Recognizing sport-related concussion (SRC) is challenging and relies heavily on subjective symptom reports. An objective, biological marker could improve recognition and understanding of SRC. There is emerging evidence that salivary micro-ribonucleic acids (miRNAs) may serve as biomarkers of concussion; however, it remains unclear whether concussion-related miRNAs are impacted by exercise. We sought to determine whether 40 miRNAs previously implicated in concussion pathophysiology were affected by participation in a variety of contact and non-contact sports. Our goal was to refine a miRNA-based tool capable of identifying athletes with SRC without the confounding effects of exercise.

METHODS

This case-control study harmonized data from concussed and non-concussed athletes recruited across 10 sites. Levels of salivary miRNAs within 455 samples from 314 individuals were measured with RNA sequencing. Within-subjects testing was used to identify and exclude miRNAs that changed with either (a) a single episode of exercise (166 samples from 83 individuals) or (b) season-long participation in contact sports (212 samples from 106 individuals). The miRNAs that were not impacted by exercise were interrogated for SRC diagnostic utility using logistic regression (172 samples from 75 concussed and 97 non-concussed individuals).

RESULTS

Two miRNAs (miR-532-5p and miR-182-5p) decreased (adjusted p < 0.05) after a single episode of exercise, and 1 miRNA (miR-4510) increased only after contact sports participation. Twenty-three miRNAs changed at the end of a contact sports season. Two of these miRNAs (miR-26b-3p and miR-29c-3p) were associated (R > 0.50; adjusted p < 0.05) with the number of head impacts sustained in a single football practice. Among the 15 miRNAs not confounded by exercise or season-long contact sports participation, 11 demonstrated a significant difference (adjusted p < 0.05) between concussed and non-concussed participants, and 6 displayed moderate ability (area under curve > 0.70) to identify concussion. A single ratio (miR-27a-5p/miR-30a-3p) displayed the highest accuracy (AUC = 0.810, sensitivity = 82.4%, specificity = 73.3%) for differentiating concussed and non-concussed participants. Accuracy did not differ between participants with SRC and non-SRC (z = 0.5, p = 0.60).

CONCLUSION

Salivary miRNA levels may accurately identify SRC when not confounded by exercise. Refinement of this approach in a large cohort of athletes could eventually lead to a non-invasive, sideline adjunct for SRC assessment.

Research on the Potential Biomarkers of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: a Systematic Review and Bibliometric Analysis

Reliable diagnostic methods for mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) are lacking, and many researchers continue to search for objective biomarkers that can both define and detect mTBI. Although much research has been conducted in this field, there have not been many bibliometric studies. In this study, we aim to analyze the development over the last two decades in scientific output relating to the diagnosis of mTBI. To do this, we extracted documents from Web of Science, PubMed, and Embase and performed descriptive analysis (number of publications, primary journals, authors, and countries/regions), trend topics analysis, and citation analysis for papers across the globe, with a particular focus on molecular markers. One thousand twenty-three publications spanning 390 journals were identified on Web of Science, PubMed, and Embase for the period from 2000 to 2022. The number of publications increased every year (from 2 in 2000 to 137 in 2022). Of all the publications we analyzed, 58.7% had authors from the USA. Our analysis shows that molecular markers are the most studied markers in the field of mTBI diagnostics, accounting for 28.4% of all publications, and that the number of studies focused on this specific aspect has increased sharply in the past 5 years, indicating that molecular markers may become a research trend in the future.

Review on the Role of Salivary Biomarkers in the Diagnosis of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Post-Concussion Syndrome

(1) Background: While mild traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a major public health issue, post-concussion syndrome (PCS) remains a controversial entity. In both cases, the clinical diagnosis is mainly based on the symptoms and brain imaging evaluation. The current molecular biomarkers were described from blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), yet both fluid collection methods are invasive. Saliva could be preferred in molecular diagnosis due to its non-invasive and non-expensive methods of acquisition, transport, and samples processing. (2) Objectives: In the present study, we aimed to review the latest developments in salivary biomarkers and their potential role in diagnosing mild TBIs, and PCS. (3) Results: In TBIs and PCS, a few novel studies focusing on salivary biomarkers have emphasized their importance in diagnosis. The previous studies mainly focused on micro RNAs, and only a few on extracellular vesicles, neurofilament light chain, and S100B. (4) Conclusions: The combination between salivary biomarkers, clinical history and examination, self-reported symptoms, and cognitive/balance testing can provide a non-invasive alternative diagnostic methodology, as compared to the currently approved plasma and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers.

Increased level of exosomal miR-20b-5p derived from hypothermia-treated microglia promotes neurite outgrowth and synapse recovery after traumatic brain injury

Mild hypothermia has been proven to inhibit microglia activation after TBI. Exosomal microRNA derived from microglia played a critical role in promoting neurite outgrowth and synapse recovery. Here, we aimed to investigate the role of microRNAs in microglial exosomes after hypothermia treatment on neuronal regeneration after TBI. For in vitro study, stretch-injured neurons were co-cultured with microglial exosomes. For in vivo study, C57BL/6 mice were under controlled cortical impact and injected with microglial exosomes. The results showed that MG-LPS-EXO^HT increased the number of dendrite branches and total length of dendrites both in vitro and in vivo, elevated the expression levels of PSD-95 and GluR1 in stretch-injured neurons, and increased spine density in the pericontusion region. Moreover, MG-LPS-EXO^HT improved motor function and motor coordination. A high-throughput sequencing showed that miR-20b-5p was upregulated in MG-LPS-EXO^HT. Elevating miR-20b-5p promoted neurite outgrowth and synapse recovery of injured neurons both in vitro and in vivo. Following mechanistic study demonstrated that miR-20b-5p might promote neurite outgrowth and synapse recovery by directly targeting PTEN and activating PI3K-AKT pathway. In conclusion, mild hypothermia could modify the microRNA prolife of exosomes derived from LPS activated BV2 cells. Furthermore, high level of microglial exosomal miR-20b-5p induced by mild hypothermia could transfer into injured neurons and promote neurite outgrowth and synapse recovery after TBI via activating the PI3K-AKT pathway by suppressing PTEN expression.

A Review of Cyclist Head Injury, Impact Characteristics and the Implications for Helmet Assessment Methods

Head injuries are common for cyclists involved in collisions. Such collision scenarios result in a range of injuries, with different head impact speeds, angles, locations, or surfaces. A clear understanding of these collision characteristics is vital to design high fidelity test methods for evaluating the performance of helmets. We review literature detailing real-world cyclist collision scenarios and report on these key characteristics. Our review shows that helmeted cyclists have a considerable reduction in skull fracture and focal brain pathologies compared to non-helmeted cyclists, as well as a reduction in all brain pathologies. The considerable reduction in focal head pathologies is likely to be due to helmet standards mandating thresholds of linear acceleration. The less considerable reduction in diffuse brain injuries is likely to be due to the lack of monitoring head rotation in test methods. We performed a novel meta-analysis of the location of 1809 head impacts from ten studies. Most studies showed that the side and front regions are frequently impacted, with one large, contemporary study highlighting a high proportion of occipital impacts. Helmets frequently had impact locations low down near the rim line. The face is not well protected by most conventional bicycle helmets. Several papers determine head impact speed and angle from in-depth reconstructions and computer simulations. They report head impact speeds from 5 to 16 m/s, with a concentration around 5 to 8 m/s and higher speeds when there was another vehicle involved in the collision. Reported angles range from 10° to 80° to the normal, and are concentrated around 30°-50°. Our review also shows that in nearly 80% of the cases, the head impact is reported to be against a flat surface. This review highlights current gaps in data, and calls for more research and data to better inform improvements in testing methods of standards and rating schemes and raise helmet safety.

Salivary microRNA as a prospective tool for concussion diagnosis and management: A scoping review

BACKGROUND

Despite increased efforts directed toward research, concussions are a growing concern and can be a complex injury for healthcare professionals to manage. Current practices are largely dependent on patients self-reporting symptoms and a clinical assessment, which uses objective tools that lack effectiveness. With the demonstrated effects of concussions, it is imperative that a more valid or reliable objective tool, like a clinical biomarker, be identified to improve outcomes. One potential biomarker that has shown promise is salivary microRNA. However, there is no objective consensus as to which microRNA offers the most clinical value regarding concussions, hence this review. Therefore, the purpose of this scoping review was to identify salivary miRNAs associated with concussions.

METHODS

Two independent reviewers performed a literature search to identify research articles. Studies using human subjects, collected salivary miRNA, and were published in English were included. Data of interest were salivary miRNA, collection timing, and relation to concussion diagnosis or management.

RESULTS

This paper reviews nine studies that analyzed salivary miRNA for concussion diagnosis and management.

CONCLUSIONS

In total, the studies have identified 49 salivary miRNA that show promise in assisting with concussion practices. With continued research, the use of salivary miRNA may enhance clinicians' abilities to diagnose and manage concussions.

miRNA dysregulation in traumatic brain injury and epilepsy: a systematic review to identify putative biomarkers for post-traumatic epilepsy

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) leads to post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE); hence, both TBI and PTE share various similar molecular mechanisms. MicroRNA (miRNA) is a small noncoding RNA that acts as a gene-silencing molecule. Notably, the dysregulation of miRNAs in various neurological diseases, including TBI and epilepsy, has been reported in several studies. However, studies on commonly dysregulated miRNAs and the regulation of shared pathways in both TBI and epilepsy that can identify potential biomarkers of PTE are still lacking. This systematic review covers the peer-review publications of TBI and database studies of epilepsy-dysregulated miRNAs of clinical studies. For TBI, 290 research articles were identified after screening, and 12 provided data for dysregulated miRNAs in humans. The compiled data suggest that 85 and 222 miRNAs are consecutively dysregulated in TBI and epilepsy. In both, 10 miRNAs were found to be commonly dysregulated, implying that they are potentially dysregulated miRNAs for PTE. Furthermore, the targets and involvement of each putative miRNA in different pathways were identified and evaluated. Additionally, clusters of predicted miRNAs were analyzed. Each miRNA's regulatory role was linked with apoptosis, inflammation, and cell cycle regulation pathways. Hence, these findings provide insight for future diagnostic biomarkers.

Serum microRNAs associated with concussion in football players

Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mild TBI)/concussion is a common sports injury, especially common in football players. Repeated concussions are thought to lead to long-term brain damage including chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). With the worldwide growing interest in studying sport-related concussion the search for biomarkers for early diagnosis and progression of neuronal injury has also became priority. MicroRNAs are short, non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally. Due to their high stability in biological fluids, microRNAs can serve as biomarkers in a variety of diseases including pathologies of the nervous system. In this exploratory study, we have evaluated changes in the expression of selected serum miRNAs in collegiate football players obtained during a full practice and game season. We found a miRNA signature that can distinguish with good specificity and sensitivity players with concussions from non-concussed players. Furthermore, we found miRNAs associated with the acute phase (let-7c-5p, miR-16-5p, miR-181c-5p, miR-146a-5p, miR-154-5p, miR-431-5p, miR-151a-5p, miR-181d-5p, miR-487b-3p, miR-377-3p, miR-17-5p, miR-22-3p, and miR-126-5p) and those whose changes persist up to 4 months after concussion (miR-17-5p and miR-22-3p).

Systematic Review of the Diagnostic and Clinical Utility of Salivary microRNAs in Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Research in traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an urgent priority, as there are currently no TBI biomarkers to assess the severity of injury, to predict outcomes, and to monitor recovery. Small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) including microRNAs can be measured in saliva following TBI and have been investigated as potential diagnostic markers. The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the diagnostic or prognostic ability of microRNAs extracted from saliva in human subjects. PubMed, Embase, Scopus, PsycINFO and Web of Science were searched for studies that examined the association of saliva microRNAs in TBI. Original studies of any design involving diagnostic capacity of salivary microRNAs for TBI were selected for data extraction. Nine studies met inclusion criteria, with a heterogeneous population involving athletes and hospital patients, children and adults. The studies identified a total of 188 differentially expressed microRNAs, with 30 detected in multiple studies. MicroRNAs in multiple studies involved expression change bidirectionality. The study design and methods involved significant heterogeneity that precluded meta-analysis. Early data indicates salivary microRNAs may assist with TBI diagnosis. Further research with consistent methods and larger patient populations is required to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic potential of saliva microRNAs.

Concussion in the UK: a contemporary narrative review

Concussion has been receiving an increasing amount of media exposure following several high-profile professional sports controversies and multimillion-dollar lawsuits. The potential life-changing sequalae of concussion and the rare, but devasting, second impact syndrome have also gained much attention. Despite this, our knowledge of the pathological processes involved is limited and often extrapolated from research into more severe brain injuries. As there is no objective diagnostic test for concussion. Relying on history and examination only, the diagnosis of concussion has become the rate-limiting step in widening research into the disease. Clinical study protocols therefore frequently exclude the most vulnerable groups of patients such as those with existing cognitive impairment, concurrent intoxication, mental health issues or learning difficulties. This up-to-date narrative review aims to summarize our current concussion knowledge and provides an insight into promising avenues for future research.

Molecular diagnostics in neurotrauma: Are there reliable biomarkers and effective methods for their detection?

To date, a large number of studies are being carried out in the field of neurotrauma, researchers not only establish the molecular mechanisms of the course of the disorders, but are also involved in the search for effective biomarkers for early prediction of the outcome and therapeutic intervention. Particular attention is paid to traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury, due to the complex cascade of reactions in primary and secondary injury that affect pathophysiological processes and regenerative potential of the central nervous system. Despite a wide range of methods available methods to study biomarkers that correlate with the severity and degree of recovery in traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury, development of reliable test systems for clinical use continues. In this review, we evaluate the results of recent studies looking for various molecules acting as biomarkers in the abovementioned neurotrauma. We also summarize the current knowledge of new methods for studying biological molecules, analyzing their sensitivity and limitations, as well as reproducibility of results. In this review, we also highlight the importance of developing reliable and reproducible protocols to identify diagnostic and prognostic biomolecules.

Epigenetic Alterations in Sports-Related Injuries

It is a well-known fact that physical activity benefits people of all age groups. However, highly intensive training, maladaptation, improper equipment, and lack of sufficient rest lead to contusions and sports-related injuries. From the perspectives of sports professionals and those performing regular–amateur sports activities, it is important to maintain proper levels of training, without encountering frequent injuries. The bodily responses to physical stress and intensive physical activity are detected on many levels. Epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation, histone protein methylation, acetylation, and miRNA expression occur in response to environmental changes and play fundamental roles in the regulation of cellular activities. In the current review, we summarise the available knowledge on epigenetic alterations present in tissues and organs (e.g., muscles, the brain, tendons, and bones) as a consequence of sports-related injuries. Epigenetic mechanism observations have the potential to become useful tools in sports medicine, as predictors of approaching pathophysiological alterations and injury biomarkers that have already taken place.

Circulating salivary and serum miRNA-182, 320a, 375 and 503 expression levels in type 2 diabetes

Aim

Early-stage diagnosis of diabetes through non-invasive and diagnostic biofluid-like saliva has become a very popular approach to facilitate future preventive interventions and improve patient care. Meanwhile, the alteration of small non-coding RNA in human fluids has been suggested as a probable precedent for the early stages of diabetes.

Methods

In the present study, we checked the expression of miR-320a, 182-5p, 503, and 375 by using quantitative PCR in both stimulated and unstimulated saliva and blood samples of 40 adult patients with type-2 diabetes compared to 40 healthy individuals. In addition, we have sought to understand the possibility that miRNAs could provide new information about the status of type 2 diabetes in salivary samples beyond what can now be identified from blood samples and link their expression to the presence of clinically relevant risk factors. For this purpose, we have used a set of multivariate models.

Results

The results showed that three miRNAs were more highly expressed in patients with type 2 diabetes, while miR-320-a was down-regulated in those patients compared to healthy subjects. Furthermore, the data showed that miR-320a was the most reliable predictor for distinguishing diabetic patients from healthy subjects, with AUCs of 0.997, 0.97, and 0.99 (97.4% sensitivity and 100% specificity, p = 0.001) for serum, unstimulated, and stimulated saliva samples, respectively.

Conclusions

Interestingly, the results of this study indicated that the amount of four miRNAs expressed in stimulated saliva was the same as in serum samples, which could conclude that specific miR-320a and 503 in stimulated saliva may introduce credible, non-invasive, and diagnostic biomarkers that can be used to monitor diabetic patients' status, while there is a need to design more research studies to confirm these findings.

Assessment of the Feasibility of a Future Integrated Larger-Scale Epidemiological Study to Evaluate Health Risks of Air Pollution Episodes in Children

Air pollution exposure can lead to exacerbation of respiratory disorders in children. Using sensitive biomarkers helps to assess the impact of air pollution on children’s respiratory health and combining protein, genetic and epigenetic biomarkers gives insights on their interrelatedness. Most studies do not contain such an integrated approach and investigate these biomarkers individually in blood, although its collection in children is challenging. Our study aimed at assessing the feasibility of conducting future integrated larger-scale studies evaluating respiratory health risks of air pollution episodes in children, based on a qualitative analysis of the technical and logistic aspects of a small-scale field study involving 42 children. This included the preparation, collection and storage of non-invasive samples (urine, saliva), the measurement of general and respiratory health parameters and the measurement of specific biomarkers (genetic, protein, epigenetic) of respiratory health and air pollution exposure. Bottlenecks were identified and modifications were proposed to expand this integrated study to a higher number of children, time points and locations. This would allow for non-invasive assessment of the impact of air pollution exposure on the respiratory health of children in future larger-scale studies, which is critical for the development of policies or measures at the population level.

Biomarkers of Neuroinflammation in Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is characterized by neuroinflammation and structural damage leading to symptoms and altered brain function. Biomarkers are useful in understanding neuroinflammation and correlations with TBI sequalae. The purpose of this paper is to identify and discuss biomarkers of neuroinflammation used to study TBI and its sequalae. A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, and Web of Science. A total of 350 articles met criteria; 70 used biomarkers. PRISMA criteria were used for Quality Assessment. Articles included reviews (n = 17), case-control (n = 25), cross-sectional (n = 25) studies, and randomized controlled trials (n = 3). Twenty-seven biomarkers were identified, including inflammasomes, cytokines, neuropeptides, complement complexes, miRNA and exosomes, and glial cell-specific proteins. Biomarkers aid in predicting morbidity and mortality and advance our understanding of neuroinflammation in TBI. This systematic review advances our understanding of the neuroinflammatory response to better enable nurses and clinicians to provide informed care of TBI patients.

Salivary miRNA Expression in Children With Persistent Post-concussive Symptoms

Background

Up to one-third of concussed children develop persistent post-concussive symptoms (PPCS). The identification of biomarkers such as salivary miRNAs that detect concussed children at increased risk of PPCS has received growing attention in recent years. However, whether and how salivary miRNA expression levels differ over time between concussed children with and without PPCS is unknown.

Aim

To identify salivary MicroRNAs (miRNAs) whose expression levels differ over time post-concussion in children with vs. without PPCS.

Methods

We conducted a prospective cohort study with saliva collection at up to three timepoints: (1) within one week of injury; (2) one to two weeks post-injury; and (3) 4-weeks post-injury. Participants were children (ages 11 to 17 years) with a physician-diagnosed concussion from a single hospital center. We collected participants' daily post-concussion symptom ratings throughout their enrollment using the Post-concussion Symptom Scale, and defined PPCS as a total symptom score of ≥ 5 at 28 days post-concussion. We extracted salivary RNA from the saliva samples and measured expression levels of 827 salivary miRNAs. We then compared the longitudinal expression levels of salivary miRNAs in children with vs. without PPCS using linear models with repeated measures.

Results

A total of 135 saliva samples were collected from 60 children. Of the 827 miRNAs analyzed, 91 had expression levels above the calculated background threshold and were included in the differential gene expression analyses. Of these 91 miRNAs, 13 had expression levels that differed significantly across the three timepoints post-concussion between children with and without PPCS (i.e., hsa-miR-95-3p, hsa-miR-301a-5p, hsa-miR-626, hsa-miR-548y, hsa-miR-203a-5p, hsa-miR-548e-5p, hsa-miR-585-3p, hsa-miR-378h, hsa-miR-1323, hsa-miR-183-5p, hsa-miR-200a-3p, hsa-miR-888-5p, hsa-miR-199a-3p+hsa-miR-199b-3p). Among these 13 miRNAs, one (i.e., hsa-miR-203a-5p) was also identified in a prior study, with significantly different expression levels between children with and without PPCS.

Conclusion

Our results from the longitudinal assessment of miRNAs indicate that the expression levels of 13 salivary miRNAs differ over time post-injury in concussed children with vs. without PPCS. Salivary miRNAs may be a promising biomarker for PPCS in children, although replication studies are needed.

Central Nervous System Pericytes Contribute to Health and Disease

Successful neuroprotection is only possible with contemporary microvascular protection. The prevention of disease-induced vascular modifications that accelerate brain damage remains largely elusive. An improved understanding of pericyte (PC) signalling could provide important insight into the function of the neurovascular unit (NVU), and into the injury-provoked responses that modify cell–cell interactions and crosstalk. Due to sharing the same basement membrane with endothelial cells, PCs have a crucial role in the control of endothelial, astrocyte, and oligodendrocyte precursor functions and hence blood–brain barrier stability. Both cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative diseases impair oxygen delivery and functionally impair the NVU. In this review, the role of PCs in central nervous system health and disease is discussed, considering their origin, multipotency, functions and also dysfunction, focusing on new possible avenues to modulate neuroprotection. Dysfunctional PC signalling could also be considered as a potential biomarker of NVU pathology, allowing us to individualize therapeutic interventions, monitor responses, or predict outcomes.

Integrated Multiomics Analysis of Salivary Exosomes to Identify Biomarkers Associated with Changes in Mood States and Fatigue

Fatigue and other deleterious mood alterations resulting from prolonged efforts such as a long work shift can lead to a decrease in vigilance and cognitive performance, increasing the likelihood of errors during the execution of attention-demanding activities such as piloting an aircraft or performing medical procedures. Thus, a method to rapidly and objectively assess the risk for such cognitive fatigue would be of value. The objective of the study was the identification in saliva-borne exosomes of molecular signals associated with changes in mood and fatigue that may increase the risk of reduced cognitive performance. Using integrated multiomics analysis of exosomes from the saliva of medical residents before and after a 12 h work shift, we observed changes in the abundances of several proteins and miRNAs that were associated with various mood states, and specifically fatigue, as determined by a Profile of Mood States questionnaire. The findings herein point to a promising protein biomarker, phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (PGK1), that was associated with fatigue and displayed changes in abundance in saliva, and we suggest a possible biological mechanism whereby the expression of the PGK1 gene is regulated by miR3185 in response to fatigue. Overall, these data suggest that multiomics analysis of salivary exosomes has merit for identifying novel biomarkers associated with changes in mood states and fatigue. The promising biomarker protein presents an opportunity for the development of a rapid saliva-based test for the assessment of these changes.

The Role of miR-20 in Health and Disease of the Central Nervous System

Current understanding of the mechanisms underlying central nervous system (CNS) injury is limited, and traditional therapeutic methods lack a molecular approach either to prevent acute phase or secondary damage, or to support restorative mechanisms in the nervous tissue. microRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous, non-coding RNA molecules that have recently been discovered as fundamental and post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression. The capacity of microRNAs to regulate the cell state and function through post-transcriptionally silencing hundreds of genes are being acknowledged as an important factor in the pathophysiology of both acute and chronic CNS injuries. In this study, we have summarized the knowledge concerning the pathophysiology of several neurological disorders, and the role of most canonical miRNAs in their development. We have focused on the miR-20, the miR-17~92 family to which miR-20 belongs, and their function in the normal development and disease of the CNS.

A scoping review on the challenges, improvement programs, and relevant output metrics for neurotrauma services in major trauma centers

Background:

For a neurotrauma unit to be defined as a structured neurotrauma service (NS) the following criteria must be satisfied: A dedicated neurointensive care unit, endovascular neuroradiology, in-hospital neurorehabilitation unit and helicopter platform within the context of a Level I trauma center. Designing an effective NS can be challenging, particularly when considering the different priorities and resources of countries across the globe. In addition the impact on clinical outcomes is not clearly established.

Methods:

A scoping review of the literature spanning from 2000 to 2020 meant to identify protocols, guidelines, and best practices for the management of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in NS was conducted on the US National Library of Medicine and National Institute of Health databases.

Results:

Limited evidence is available regarding quantitative and qualitative metrics to assess the impact of NSs and specialist follow-up clinics on patients’ outcome. Of note, the available literature used to lack detailed reports for: (a) Geographical clusters, such as low-to-middle income countries (LMIC); (b) clinical subgroups, such as mild TBI; and (c) long-term management, such as rehabilitation services. Only in the last few years more attention has been paid to those research topics.

Conclusion:

NSs can positively impact the management of the broad spectrum of TBI in different clinical settings; however more research on patients’ outcomes and quality of life metrics is needed to establish their efficacy. The collaboration of global clinicians and the development of international guidelines applicable also to LMIC are warranted.

MicroRNAs in Various Body Fluids and its importance in Forensic Medicine

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of noncoding RNAs which regulate gene expression. miRNAs have tissue-specific expression and are also present in various extracellular body fluids, including blood, tears, semen, vaginal fluid and urine. Additionally, expression of miRNAs in body fluids is linked to various pathological diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Examination of body fluids is important in forensic medicine as they serve as a valuable form of evidence. Due to its stability, miRNA offers an advantage for body fluid identification, which can be detected even after several months or from compromised samples. Identification of unique miRNA profiles for different body fluids enable the identification of these body fluid. Furthermore, miRNAs profiling can be used to estimate post-mortem interval. Various biochemical and molecular methods have been used for identification of miRNAs have shown promising results. We discuss different miRNAs as specific biomarkers and their clinical importance regarding different pathological conditions, as well as their medico-legal importance.

Rolling Circle Amplification-Coupled Glass Nanopore Counting of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury-Related Salivary miRNAs

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) could be underdiagnosed and underreported due to the delayed onset of symptoms and the conventional subjective assessment. Recent studies have suggested that salivary microRNAs (miRNAs) could be reliable biomarkers for objective mTBI diagnosis. In this work, we demonstrated a rolling circle amplification (RCA)-coupled resistive pulse-counting platform for profiling mTBI-related miRNAs, using easy-to-fabricate large glass nanopores (200 nm diameter). The method relies on the linear and specific elongation of the miRNA to a much larger RCA product, which the large glass nanopore can digitally count with a high signal-to-noise ratio. We developed and validated the RCA assay against let-7a, miR-30e, and miR-21. We demonstrated the quantification capability of this large glass nanopore counting platform for purified miRNAs as well as miRNAs in salivary total RNA background. Finally, we quantitatively evaluated the performance of profiling each individual miRNAs in a mixed analyte. Our results showed that the RCA-coupled large glass nanopore counting provides a promising and accessible alternative toward the clinical diagnosis of mTBI using salivary miRNAs.

Changes in circulating microRNAs following head impacts in soccer

AIM

To explore the short-term effects of accidental head impacts and repetitive headers on circulating microRNAs, accounting for the effects of high-intensity exercise alone.

METHODS

Blood samples were collected from professional soccer players at rest. Repeat samples were drawn 1 h and 12 h after three conditions: (1) accidental head impacts in a match, (2) repetitive headers during training, and (3) high-intensity exercise. 89 samples were screened to detect microRNAs expressed after each exposure. Identified microRNAs were then validated in 98 samples to determine consistently deregulated microRNAs. Deregulated microRNAs were further explored using bioinformatics to identify target genes and characterize their involvement in biological pathways.

RESULTS

Accidental head impacts led to deregulation of eight microRNAs that were unaffected by high-intensity exercise; target genes were linked to 12 specific signaling pathways, primarily regulating chromatin organization, Hedgehog and Wnt signaling. Repetitive headers led to deregulation of six microRNAs that were unaffected by high-intensity exercise; target genes were linked to one specific signaling pathway (TGF-β). High-intensity exercise led to deregulation of seven microRNAs; target genes were linked to 31 specific signaling pathways.

CONCLUSION

We identified microRNAs specific to accidental head impacts and repetitive headers in soccer, potentially being useful as brain injury biomarkers.

The Impact of Concussion, Sport, and Time in Season on Saliva Telomere Length in Healthy Athletes

To date, sport-related concussion diagnosis and management is primarily based on subjective clinical tests in the absence of validated biomarkers. A major obstacle to clinical validation and application is a lack of studies exploring potential biomarkers in non-injured populations. This cross-sectional study examined the associations between saliva telomere length (TL) and multiple confounding variables in a healthy university athlete population. One hundred eighty-three (108 male and 75 female) uninjured varsity athletes were recruited to the study and provided saliva samples at either pre- or mid-season, for TL analysis. Multiple linear regression was used to determine the associations between saliva TL and history of concussion, sport contact type, time in season (pre vs. mid-season collection), age, and sex. Results showed no significant associations between TL and history of concussion, age, or sport contact type. However, TL from samples collected mid-season were longer than those collected pre-season [β = 231.4, 95% CI (61.9, 401.0), p = 0.008], and males had longer TL than females [β = 284.8, 95% CI (111.5, 458.2), p = 0.001] when adjusting for all other variables in the model. These findings population suggest that multiple variables may influence TL. Future studies should consider these confounders when evaluating saliva TL as a plausible fluid biomarker for SRC.

Salivary Biomarkers as Indicators of TBI Diagnosis and Prognosis: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Traumatic brain injuries are physical injuries to the head that result in disruptions to normal brain function. Diagnostic tools such as computed tomography scans have commonly been used to detect traumatic brain injuries but are costly and not ubiquitously available. Recent research on diagnostic alternatives has focused on using salivary biomarkers, but there is no consensus on the utility of these methods.  The objective of this manuscript is to address the gap in the literature pertaining to the effectiveness of salivary biomarkers for TBI diagnosis and prognosis.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted between November 2020 and October 2021 using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Six databases were searched using the terms "traumatic brain injury," "TBI," "saliva," and "biomarkers." Literature published prior to 2010 was excluded, and two authors reviewed each full-text article to ensure its relevance.

RESULTS

A total of 18 articles were included in this review, with nine articles on salivary microRNA, three on salivary hormones, three on salivary extracellular vesicles, and three on salivary proteins.

CONCLUSIONS

Studies reported changes in salivary biomarkers after traumatic brain injuries and indicated a possible link between salivary biomarker expression and traumatic brain injury severity. However, it is unclear the degree to which salivary biomarkers accurately predict traumatic brain injury diagnosis and prognosis; some studies reported significant associations while others reported weaker associations. More research into the robustness of salivary biomarkers is needed to fully elucidate their utility for the traumatic brain injury population.

The Effects of Physical Exercise on Saliva Composition: A Comprehensive Review

Saliva consists of organic and inorganic constituents. During exercise, analysis of the saliva can provide valuable information regarding training stress, adaptation and exercise performance. The objective of the present article was to review the effect of physical exercise on saliva composition. The shift in the composition of the saliva, during and after a workout, reflects the benefits of exercise, its potential risks and the capability of the saliva to serve as a health indicator. The type and the frequency of training, the physical condition and the athletes’ general health influence the hormones, immunoglobulins and saliva enzymes. The correlation between saliva and physical exercise has to be further investigated and the available knowledge to be applied for the benefit of the athletes during sports activities.

Biomarkers to aid the return to play decision following sports-related concussion: a systematic review

Premature return to play (RTP) following sports-related concussion (SRC) is associated with significant morbidity including risk of neurological and non-neurological injury, persistent post-concussion symptoms and chronic neurological deficits. Assessing athletes for RTP is critical but these decisions are currently based on clinical assessments that are subject to bias and symptomatic reporting that rely on compliance. An objective and easily obtained biomarker that can indicate recovery following SRC would aid clinicians to make safer RTP decisions. We performed a systematic review to identify potential biomarkers from saliva, urine and blood sources that could inform the clinical RTP decision. The MEDLINE database was searched. Inclusion criteria were studies focusing on adults diagnosed with SRC, fluid biomarkers from blood, saliva or urine and clinical recovery from SRC or at RTP. We assessed each biomarker for their time course post SRC and relationship to clinical recovery. Secondary outcomes included correlation with symptom scores and predictive value for prolonged RTP. We identified 8 studies all investigating blood-based markers of diffuse axonal injury (tau, NFL, SNTF), neuroglial injury (NSE, VLP-1, UCH-L1, S100B, GFAP), inflammation and hormonal disturbances. Tau, SNTF, UCH-1, GFAP, S100B and the inflammatory cytokine MCP-4 are raised post SRC and return to baseline by RTP. Changes in tau, NFL, SNTF, GFAP and MCP-4 post SRC correlate with severity of concussion as measured by symptom severity or RTP duration. There is only preliminary case-reporting for hormonal biomarkers. The evidence is limited by a lack of highly powered studies, variation in use of athletic and Contact sport controls (CSC) and a lack of consistent sampling and assessment protocols. There is promise for biomarkers to aid RTP decisions following SRC, most notably in use alongside clinical assessment in RTP criteria to allow greater precision in identifying mild and severe concussion.

Salivary microRNA-126 and 135a: a potentially non-invasive diagnostic biomarkers of type- 2 diabetes

Purpose

Emerging of miRNAs have illustrated the new mechanistic layer to regulate type 2 diabetes process and suggests a possible role of these RNAs in this defect. Thus, we designed this study to improve our understanding of salivary miRNA-126 and 135a expression utility as an easy of collection and non-invasive way in diabetic patients instead of blood sample.

Methods

This case-control study was done on T₂D (n = 40) and healthy individuals (n = 40). The level of biochemical parameters were determined by enzymatic methods as well as glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was measured by immunoturbidimetry. We used the pooled whole stimulated saliva sample from cases and controls to assess the differentiation expression of miRNA 126 and 135-a with quantitative RT-PCR method. Unpaired Student's t test, Pearson's correlation coefficient and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis were used.

Results

A correlation was observed between the level of HbA1c, glucose and lipid profiles (TG, TC, and LDL) in serum and whole stimulated saliva samples in T₂D patients compared to control (p < 0.001). miR-135a expression was considerably higher by 4.7-fold in T₂D compared to the control group (1.8-fold) (p < 0.001) while the miR126 expression was significantly decreased by 3.9-fold in T₂D compared to the controls (6.3-fold) (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The results of this case and control study showed that miR-135a and miR126 expression in saliva fluid as a reliable biomarkers and non-invasive approach in combination by change of lipid profiles, glucose and HbA1c may be used to monitor diabetic and non-diabetic patients, while further research is needed to investigate the relationship of these salivary miRNAs (miR135a, miR126) levels change on shifting the levels of clinical laboratory outcomes.

Do Extracellular RNAs Provide Insight into Uveal Melanoma Biology?

Simple Summary

The study of RNAs in the extracellular environment in physiological and pathological conditions has become a growing field of research with intriguing applications in diagnostics and prognostics. Such extracellular RNAs are passively or actively released by all cells into biological fluids to spread biological signals to other cells. The perturbation of such RNA-based cell-to-cell communications in cancer can be easily identified by molecular analysis of liquid biopsies, even if source cells secreting RNAs are often elusive. In uveal melanoma (UM), extracellular RNAs can be assayed in serum, plasma, and vitreous and aqueous humor. In this review, we explore the possibility that extracellular RNA alterations in UM could partially match with RNA dysregulations observed in tumor tissues and provide information to better understand UM biology.

Abstract

Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common primary intraocular malignant tumor in adults, showing a high mortality due to metastasis. Although it is considered a rare disease, a growing number of papers have reported altered levels of RNAs (i.e., coding and non-coding RNAs) in cancerous tissues and biological fluids from UM patients. The presence of circulating RNAs, whose dysregulation is associated with UM, paved the way to the possibility of exploiting it for diagnostic and prognostic purposes. However, the biological meaning and the origin of such RNAs in blood and ocular fluids of UM patients remain unexplored. In this review, we report the state of the art of circulating RNAs in UM and debate whether the amount and types of RNAs measured in bodily fluids mirror the RNA alterations from source cancer cells. Based on literature data, extracellular RNAs in UM patients do not represent, with rare exceptions, a snapshot of RNA dysregulations occurring in cancerous tissues, but rather the complex and heterogeneous outcome of a systemic dysfunction, including immune system activity, that modifies the mechanisms of RNA delivery from several cell types.

The Neurological Consequences of Engaging in Australian Collision Sports

Collision sports are an integral part of Australian culture. The most common collision sports in Australia are Australian rules football, rugby union, and rugby league. Each of these sports often results in participants sustaining mild brain traumas, such as concussive and subconcussive injuries. However, the majority of previous studies and reviews pertaining to the neurological implications of sustaining mild brain traumas, while engaging in collision sports, have focused on those popular in North America and Europe. As part of this 2020 International Neurotrauma Symposium special issue, which highlights Australian neurotrauma research, this article will therefore review the burden of mild brain traumas in Australian collision sports athletes. Specifically, this review will first provide an overview of the consequences of mild brain trauma in Australian collision sports, followed by a summary of the previous studies that have investigated neurocognition, ocular motor function, neuroimaging, and fluid biomarkers, as well as neuropathological outcomes in Australian collision sports athletes. A review of the literature indicates that although Australians have contributed to the field, several knowledge gaps and limitations currently exist. These include important questions related to sex differences, the identification and implementation of blood and imaging biomarkers, the need for consistent study designs and common data elements, as well as more multi-modal studies. We conclude that although Australia has had an active history of investigating the neurological impact of collision sports participation, further research is clearly needed to better understand these consequences in Australian athletes and how they can be mitigated.

Biomarkers for posttraumatic epilepsy

A biomarker is a characteristic that can be objectively measured as an indicator of normal biologic processes, pathogenic processes, or responses to an exposure or intervention, including therapeutic interventions. Biomarker modalities include molecular, histologic, radiographic, or physiologic characteristics. To improve the understanding and use of biomarker terminology in biomedical research, clinical practice, and medical product development, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-National Institutes of Health (NIH) Joint Leadership Council developed the BEST Resource (Biomarkers, EndpointS, and other Tools). The seven BEST biomarker categories include the following: (a) susceptibility/risk biomarkers, (b) diagnostic biomarkers, (c) monitoring biomarkers, (d) prognostic biomarkers, (e) predictive biomarkers, (f) pharmacodynamic/response biomarkers, and (g) safety biomarkers. We hypothesize some potential overlap between the reported biomarkers of traumatic brain injury (TBI), epilepsy, and posttraumatic epilepsy (PTE). Here, we tested this hypothesis by reviewing studies focusing on biomarker discovery for posttraumatic epileptogenesis and epilepsy. The biomarker modalities reviewed here include plasma/serum and cerebrospinal fluid molecular biomarkers, imaging biomarkers, and electrophysiologic biomarkers. Most of the reported biomarkers have an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve greater than 0.800, suggesting both high sensitivity and high specificity. Our results revealed little overlap in the biomarker candidates between TBI, epilepsy, and PTE. In addition to using single parameters as biomarkers, machine learning approaches have highlighted the potential for utilizing patterns of markers as biomarkers. Although published data suggest the possibility of identifying biomarkers for PTE, we are still in the early phase of the development curve. Many of the seven biomarker categories lack PTE-related biomarkers. Thus, further exploration using proper, statistically powered, and standardized study designs with validation cohorts, and by developing and applying novel analytical methods, is needed for PTE biomarker discovery.

DNA methylation under the major depression pathway predicts pediatric quality of life four-month post-pediatric mild traumatic brain injury

BACKGROUND

Major depression has been recognized as the most commonly diagnosed psychiatric complication of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Moreover, major depression is associated with poor outcomes following mTBI; however, the underlying biological mechanisms of this are largely unknown. Recently, genomic and epigenetic factors have been increasingly implicated in the recovery following TBI.

RESULTS

This study leveraged DNA methylation within the major depression pathway, along with demographic and behavior measures (features used in the clinical model) to predict post-concussive symptom burden and quality of life four-month post-injury in a cohort of 110 pediatric mTBI patients and 87 age-matched healthy controls. The results demonstrated that including DNA methylation markers in the major depression pathway improved the prediction accuracy for quality of life but not persistent post-concussive symptom burden. Specifically, the prediction accuracy (i.e., the correlation between the predicted value and observed value) of quality of life was improved from 0.59 (p = 1.20 × 10^-3) (clinical model) to 0.71 (p = 3.89 × 10^-5); the identified cytosine-phosphate-guanine sites were mainly in the open sea regions and the mapped genes were related to TBI in several molecular studies. Moreover, depression symptoms were a strong predictor (with large weights) for both post-concussive symptom burden and pediatric quality of life.

CONCLUSION

This study emphasized that both molecular and behavioral manifestations of depression symptoms played a prominent role in predicting the recovery process following pediatric mTBI, suggesting the urgent need to further study TBI-caused depression symptoms for better recovery outcome.

The functions of fluoxetine and identification of fluoxetine-mediated circular RNAs and messenger RNAs in cerebral ischemic stroke

Fluoxetine is used to improve cognition, exercise ability, depression, and neurological functions in patients with cerebral ischemic stroke. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play important regulatory roles in multiple diseases. However, studies regarding the fluoxetine-mediated circRNA-microRNA-messenger RNA (mRNA) axis have not been conducted. This study is aim to investigate the functions of fluoxetine and identification of fluoxetine-mediated circRNAs and mRNAs in cerebral ischemic stroke. The middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) rat models were successfully established at fisrt, and then rats were intraperitoneally injected with 10-mg/kg fluoxetine hydrochloride for 14 d. Afterward, the cerebral infarction area was evaluated using triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. High-throughput sequencing was adopted to screen the differential circRNAs and mRNAs. The candidate circRNAs, mRNAs, and potential microRNAs were verified using quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). In addtion, microRNA and circRNA binding was verified using the dual-luciferase reporter assay. Results revealed that fluoxetine markedly diminished the cerebral infarction area in rats after MCAO. The circRNAs and mRNAs were differentially expressed, which includes 879 circRNAs and 815 mRNAs between sham and MCAO groups, respectively, and 958 circRNAs and 838 mRNAs between MCAO and fluoxetine groups, respectively. In which, circMap2k1 and Pidd1 expression was significantly increased in the MCAO group but suppressed after fluoxetine treatment. Moreover, circMap2k1 directly binds with miR-135b-5p. Taken together, we verified that fluoxetine could improve brain injury after cerebral ischemic stroke. Moreover, the circMap2k1/miR-135b-5p/Pidd1 axis is potentially involved in cerebral ischemic stroke.

Unique diagnostic signatures of concussion in the saliva of male athletes: the Study of Concussion in Rugby Union through MicroRNAs (SCRUM)

Objective

To investigate the role of salivary small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) in the diagnosis of sport-related concussion.

Methods

Saliva was obtained from male professional players in the top two tiers of England’s elite rugby union competition across two seasons (2017–2019). Samples were collected preseason from 1028 players, and during standardised head injury assessments (HIAs) at three time points (in-game, post-game, and 36–48 hours post-game) from 156 of these. Samples were also collected from controls (102 uninjured players and 66 players sustaining a musculoskeletal injury). Diagnostic sncRNAs were identified with next generation sequencing and validated using quantitative PCR in 702 samples. A predictive logistic regression model was built on 2017–2018 data (training dataset) and prospectively validated the following season (test dataset).

Results

The HIA process confirmed concussion in 106 players (HIA+) and excluded this in 50 (HIA−). 32 sncRNAs were significantly differentially expressed across these two groups, with let-7f-5p showing the highest area under the curve (AUC) at 36–48 hours. Additionally, a combined panel of 14 sncRNAs (let-7a-5p, miR-143-3p, miR-103a-3p, miR-34b-3p, RNU6-7, RNU6-45, Snora57, snoU13.120, tRNA18Arg-CCT, U6-168, U6-428, U6-1249, Uco22cjg1, YRNA_255) could differentiate concussed subjects from all other groups, including players who were HIA− and controls, immediately after the game (AUC 0.91, 95% CI 0.81 to 1) and 36–48 hours later (AUC 0.94, 95% CI 0.86 to 1). When prospectively tested, the panel confirmed high predictive accuracy (AUC 0.96, 95% CI 0.92 to 1 post-game and AUC 0.93, 95% CI 0.86 to 1 at 36–48 hours).

Conclusions

SCRUM, a large prospective observational study of non-invasive concussion biomarkers, has identified unique signatures of concussion in saliva of male athletes diagnosed with concussion.

Effects of purposeful soccer heading on circulating small extracellular vesicle concentration and cargo

BACKGROUND

Considering the potential cumulative effects of repetitive head impact (HI) exposure, we need sensitive biomarkers to track short- and long-term effects. Circulating small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) (<200 nm) traffic biological molecules throughout the body and may have diagnostic value as biomarkers for disease. The purpose of this study was to identify the microRNA (miRNA) profile in circulating sEVs derived from human plasma following repetitive HI exposure.

METHODS

Healthy adult (aged 18-35 years) soccer players were randomly assigned to one of 3 groups: the HI group performed 10 standing headers, the leg impact group performed 10 soccer ball trapping maneuvers over 10 min, and the control group did not participate in any soccer drills. Plasma was collected before testing and 24 h afterward, and sEVs were isolated and characterized via nanoparticle tracking analysis. Next-generation sequencing was utilized to identify candidate miRNAs isolated from sEVs, and candidate microRNAs were analyzed via quantitative polymerase chain reaction. In silico target prediction was performed using TargetScan (Version 7.0; targetscan.org) and miRWalk (http://mirwalk.umm.uni-heidelberg.de/) programs, and target validation was performed using luciferase reporter vectors with a miR-7844-5p mimic in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293T/17 cells.

RESULTS

Plasma sEV concentration and size were not affected across time and group following repetitive HI exposure. After 24 h, the HI read count from next-generation sequencing showed a 4-fold or greater increase in miR-92b-5p, miR-423-5p, and miR-24-3p and a 3-fold or greater decrease in miR-7844-5p, miR-144-5p, miR-221-5p, and miR-22-3p. Analysis of quantitative polymerase chain reaction revealed that leg impact did not alter the candidate miRNA levels. To our knowledge, miR-7844-5p is a previously unknown miRNA. We identified 8 miR-7844-5p mRNA targets: protein phosphatase 1 regulatory inhibitor subunit 1B (PPP1R1B), LIM and senescent cell antigen-like domains 1 (LIMS1), autophagy-related 12 (ATG12), microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta (MAP1LC3B), integrin subunit alpha-1 (ITGA1), mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1), glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β), and mitogen-activated protein kinase 8 (MAPK8).

CONCLUSION

Collectively, these data indicate repetitive HI exposure alters plasma sEV miRNA content, but not sEV size or number. Furthermore, for the first time we demonstrate that previously unknown miR-7844-5p targets mRNAs known to be involved in mitochondrial apoptosis, autophagy regulation, mood disorders, and neurodegenerative disease.

Peripheral Blood and Salivary Biomarkers of Blood-Brain Barrier Permeability and Neuronal Damage: Clinical and Applied Concepts

Within the neurovascular unit (NVU), the blood–brain barrier (BBB) operates as a key cerebrovascular interface, dynamically insulating the brain parenchyma from peripheral blood and compartments. Increased BBB permeability is clinically relevant for at least two reasons: it actively participates to the etiology of central nervous system (CNS) diseases, and it enables the diagnosis of neurological disorders based on the detection of CNS molecules in peripheral body fluids. In pathological conditions, a suite of glial, neuronal, and pericyte biomarkers can exit the brain reaching the peripheral blood and, after a process of filtration, may also appear in saliva or urine according to varying temporal trajectories. Here, we specifically examine the evidence in favor of or against the use of protein biomarkers of NVU damage and BBB permeability in traumatic head injury, including sport (sub)concussive impacts, seizure disorders, and neurodegenerative processes such as Alzheimer's disease. We further extend this analysis by focusing on the correlates of human extreme physiology applied to the NVU and its biomarkers. To this end, we report NVU changes after prolonged exercise, freediving, and gravitational stress, focusing on the presence of peripheral biomarkers in these conditions. The development of a biomarker toolkit will enable minimally invasive routines for the assessment of brain health in a broad spectrum of clinical, emergency, and sport settings.

MicroRNAs as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of Traumatic Brain Injury: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a sudden trauma on the head, in which severe TBI (sTBI) is usually associated with death and long-term disability. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are potential biomarkers of diverse diseases, including TBI. However, few systematic reviews and meta-analyses have been conducted to determine the clinical value of miRNAs expression in TBI patients. Methods: We conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis study according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We searched PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, from inception to August 26, 2020. We included articles written in English that have reported on the diagnostic value of miRNAs expression in TBI patients. We excluded studies that did not provided sufficient information to construct the 2×2 contingency table. Results: Eight studies investigating the diagnostic value of miRNA in TBI were analyzed in this study. The overall sensitivity, specificity and area under the curve (AUC) of miRNAs in diagnosis of TBI were 89% [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.84-0.93], 92% (95% CI 0.82-0.97) and 95% (95% CI 0.93-0.97). We found that panels of multiple miRNAs could improve the diagnostic accuracy of TBI. Samples from blood and brain tissue have significantly enhanced diagnostic accuracy, when compared with saliva. The AUC of miRNAs in severe TBI was 0.97, with 91% sensitivity and 92% specificity. Conclusion: This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrated that miRNAs could be potential diagnostic markers in TBI patients. MiRNAs detected in blood and brain tissue display high accuracy for TBI diagnosis.

Examination of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Precancerous Lesions Using Proximity Extension Assay and Salivary RNA Quantification

Saliva is an easy-to access body fluid with high diagnostic potential. The utilization of saliva for oral cancer diagnosis can be an attractive possibility. Besides the oral cancer, it is important to better understand the precancerous lesions such as oral lichen planus (OLP) and leukoplakia (OLK). In order to examine the changes of salivary proteins in controls, patients with oral cancer, and patients with precancerous conditions, proximity extension assay was utilized. Some proteins and functions were characteristic to the examined groups and can serve as a starting point for further biomarker studies. The different nature of OLK and OLP was demonstrated, showing the malignant transformation and the inflammation as the prominent biological processes in the OLK and OLP, respectively. The salivary level of IL6 was verified using quantitative ELISA and the mRNA level was also studied. Elevated IL6 levels could be detected in precancerous groups compared to controls.

Physiological Vibration Acceleration (Phybrata) Sensor Assessment of Multi-System Physiological Impairments and Sensory Reweighting Following Concussion

Objective

To assess the utility of a head-mounted wearable inertial motion unit (IMU)-based physiological vibration acceleration (“phybrata”) sensor to support the clinical diagnosis of concussion, classify and quantify specific concussion-induced physiological system impairments and sensory reweighting, and track individual patient recovery trajectories.

Methods

Data were analyzed from 175 patients over a 12-month period at three clinical sites. Comprehensive clinical concussion assessments were first completed for all patients, followed by testing with the phybrata sensor. Phybrata time series data and spatial scatter plots, eyes open (Eo) and eyes closed (Ec) phybrata powers, average power (Eo+Ec)/2, Ec/Eo phybrata power ratio, time-resolved phybrata spectral density (TRPSD) distributions, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves are compared for individuals with no objective impairments and those clinically diagnosed with concussions and accompanying vestibular impairment, other neurological impairment, or both vestibular and neurological impairments. Finally, pre- and post-injury phybrata case report results are presented for a participant who was diagnosed with a concussion and subsequently monitored during treatment, rehabilitation, and return-to-activity clearance.

Results

Phybrata data demonstrate distinct features and patterns for individuals with no discernable clinical impairments, diagnosed vestibular pathology, and diagnosed neurological pathology. ROC curves indicate that the average power (Eo+Ec)/2 may be utilized to support clinical diagnosis of concussion, while Eo and Ec/Eo may be utilized as independent measures to confirm accompanying neurological and vestibular impairments, respectively. All 3 measures demonstrate area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity above 90% for their respective diagnoses. Phybrata spectral analyses demonstrate utility for quantifying the severity of concussion-induced physiological impairments, sensory reweighting, and subsequent monitoring of improvements throughout treatment and rehabilitation.

Conclusion

Phybrata testing assists with objective concussion diagnosis and provides an important adjunct to standard concussion assessment tools by objectively ascertaining neurological and vestibular impairments, guiding targeted rehabilitation strategies, monitoring recovery, and assisting with return-to-sport/work/learn decision-making.

miRNAs as Potential Biomarkers for Traumatic Brain Injury: Pathway From Diagnosis to Neurorehabilitation

BACKGROUND

Biomarkers that can advance precision neurorehabilitation of the traumatic brain injury (TBI) are needed. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have biological properties that could make them well suited for playing key roles in differential diagnoses and prognoses and informing likelihood of responsiveness to specific treatments.

OBJECTIVE

To review the evidence of miRNA alterations after TBI and evaluate the state of science relative to potential neurorehabilitation applications of TBI-specific miRNAs.

METHODS

This scoping review includes 57 animal and human studies evaluating miRNAs after TBI. PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar search engines were used.

RESULTS

Gold standard analytic steps for miRNA biomarker assessment are presented. Published studies evaluating the evidence for miRNAs as potential biomarkers for TBI diagnosis, severity, natural recovery, and treatment-induced outcomes were reviewed including statistical evaluation. Growing evidence for specific miRNAs, including miR21, as TBI biomarkers is presented.

CONCLUSIONS

There is evidence of differential miRNA expression in TBI in both human and animal models; however, gaps need to be filled in terms of replication using rigorous, standardized methods to isolate a consistent set of miRNA changes. Longitudinal studies in TBI are needed to understand how miRNAs could be implemented as biomarkers in clinical practice.

Brain Perfusion Mediates the Relationship Between miRNA Levels and Postural Control

Transcriptomics, regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF), and a virtual reality-based spatial motor task were integrated using mediation analysis in a novel demonstration of “imaging omics.” Data collected in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I football athletes cleared for play before in-season training showed significant relationships in 1) elevated levels of miR-30d and miR-92a to elevated putamen rCBF, 2) elevated putamen rCBF to compromised Balance scores, and 3) compromised Balance scores to elevated microRNA (miRNA) levels. rCBF acted as a consistent mediator variable (Sobel’s test P < 0.05) between abnormal miRNA levels and compromised Balance scores. Given the involvement of these miRNAs in inflammation and immune function and that vascular perfusion is a component of the inflammatory response, these findings support a chronic inflammatory model in these athletes with 11 years of average football exposure. rCBF, a systems biology measure, was necessary for miRNA to affect behavior.

Saliva microRNA Biomarkers of Cumulative Concussion

Recurrent concussions increase risk for persistent post-concussion symptoms, and may lead to chronic neurocognitive deficits. Little is known about the molecular pathways that contribute to persistent concussion symptoms. We hypothesized that salivary measurement of microribonucleic acids (miRNAs), a class of epitranscriptional molecules implicated in concussion pathophysiology, would provide insights about the molecular cascade resulting from recurrent concussions. This hypothesis was tested in a case-control study involving 13 former professional football athletes with a history of recurrent concussion, and 18 age/sex-matched peers. Molecules of interest were further validated in a cross-sectional study of 310 younger individuals with a history of no concussion (n = 230), a single concussion (n = 56), or recurrent concussions (n = 24). There was no difference in neurocognitive performance between the former professional athletes and their peers, or among younger individuals with varying concussion exposures. However, younger individuals without prior concussion outperformed peers with prior concussion on three balance assessments. Twenty salivary miRNAs differed (adj. p < 0.05) between former professional athletes and their peers. Two of these (miR-28-3p and miR-339-3p) demonstrated relationships (p < 0.05) with the number of prior concussions reported by younger individuals. miR-28-3p and miR-339-5p may play a role in the pathophysiologic mechanism involved in cumulative concussion effects.

Uncharacterized RNAs in Plasma of Alzheimer's Patients Are Associated with Cognitive Impairment and Show a Potential Diagnostic Power

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) diagnosis is actually based on clinical evaluation and brain-imaging tests, and it can often be confirmed only post-mortem. Therefore, new non-invasive molecular biomarkers are necessary to improve AD diagnosis. As circulating microRNA biomarkers have been proposed for many diseases, including AD, we aimed to identify new diagnostic non-small RNAs in AD. Whole transcriptome analysis was performed on plasma samples of five AD and five unaffected individuals (CTRL) using the Clariom D Pico Assay, followed by validation in real-time PCR on 37 AD patients and 37 CTRL. Six differentially expressed (DE) transcripts were identified: GS1-304P7.3 (upregulated), NONHSAT090268, TC0100011037, TC0400008478, TC1400008125, and UBE2V1 (downregulated). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) may influence the expression of circulating RNAs and their analysis has been proposed to improve AD clinical management. Accordingly, DE transcript expression was also evaluated in PBMCs, showing no difference between AD and CTRL. ROC (receiver operating characteristic) curve analysis was performed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of each DE transcript and a signature including all of them. A correlation between cognitive impairment and GS1-304P7.3, NONHSAT090268, TC0100011037, and TC0400008478 was detected, suggesting a potential association between their extracellular abundance and AD clinical phenotype. Finally, this study identified six transcripts showing altered expression in the plasma of AD patients. Given the need for new, accurate blood biomarkers for AD diagnosis, these transcripts may be considered for further analyses in larger cohorts, also in combination with other biomarkers, aiming to identify specific RNA-based biomarkers to be eventually applied to clinical practice.

Diagnosing mild traumatic brain injury using saliva RNA compared to cognitive and balance testing

BACKGROUND

Early, accurate diagnosis of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) can improve clinical outcomes for patients, but mTBI remains difficult to diagnose because of reliance on subjective symptom reports. An objective biomarker could increase diagnostic accuracy and improve clinical outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of salivary noncoding RNA (ncRNA) to serve as a diagnostic adjunct to current clinical tools. We hypothesized that saliva ncRNA levels would demonstrate comparable accuracy for identifying mTBI as measures of symptom burden, neurocognition, and balance.

METHODS

This case-control study involved 538 individuals. Participants included 251 individuals with mTBI, enrolled ≤14 days postinjury, from 11 clinical sites. Saliva samples (n = 679) were collected at five time points (≤3, 4-7, 8-14, 15-30, and 31-60 days post-mTBI). Levels of ncRNAs (microRNAs, small nucleolar RNAs, and piwi-interacting RNAs) were quantified within each sample using RNA sequencing. The first sample from each mTBI participant was compared to saliva samples from 287 controls. Samples were divided into testing (n = 430; mTBI = 201 and control = 239) and training sets (n = 108; mTBI = 50 and control = 58). The test set was used to identify ncRNA diagnostic candidates and create a diagnostic model. Model accuracy was assessed in the naïve test set.

RESULTS

A model utilizing seven ncRNA ratios, along with participant age and chronic headache status, differentiated mTBI and control participants with a cross-validated area under the curve (AUC) of .857 in the training set (95% CI, .816-.903) and .823 in the naïve test set. In a subset of participants (n = 321; mTBI = 176 and control = 145) assessed for symptom burden (Post-Concussion Symptom Scale), as well as neurocognition and balance (ClearEdge System), these clinical measures yielded cross-validated AUC of .835 (95% CI, .782-.880) and .853 (95% CI, .803-.899), respectively. A model employing symptom burden and four neurocognitive measures identified mTBI participants with similar AUC (.888; CI, .845-.925) as symptom burden and four ncRNAs (.932; 95% CI, .890-.965).

CONCLUSION

Salivary ncRNA levels represent a noninvasive, biologic measure that can aid objective, accurate diagnosis of mTBI.