Dataset Information

Serum Protein Biomarker Findings Reflective of Oxidative Stress and Vascular Abnormalities in Male, but Not Female, Collision Sport Athletes.

ABSTRACT: Studies have indicated that concussive and sub-concussive brain injuries that are frequent during collision sports may lead to long-term neurological abnormalities, however there is a knowledge gap on how biological sex modifies outcomes. Blood-based biomarkers can help to identify the molecular pathology induced by brain injuries and to better understand how biological sex affects the molecular changes. We therefore analyzed serum protein biomarkers in male (n = 50) and female (n = 33) amateur Australian rules footballers (i.e., Australia's most participated collision sport), both with a history of concussion (HoC) and without a history of concussion (NoHoC). These profiles were compared to those of age-matched control male (n = 24) and female (n = 20) athletes with no history of neurotrauma or participation in collision sports. Serum levels of protein markers indicative of neuronal, axonal and glial injury (UCH-L1, NfL, tau, p-tau, GFAP, BLBP, PEA15), metabolic (4-HNE) and vascular changes (VEGF-A, vWF, CLDN5), and inflammation (HMGB1) were assessed using reverse phase protein microarrays. Male, but not female, footballers had increased serum levels of VEGF-A compared to controls regardless of concussion history. In addition, only male footballers who had HoC had increased serum levels of 4-HNE. These findings being restricted to males may be related to shorter collision sport career lengths for females compared to males. In summary, these findings show that male Australian rules footballers have elevated levels of serum biomarkers indicative of vascular abnormalities (VEGF-A) and oxidative stress (4-HNE) in comparison to non-collision control athletes. While future studies are required to determine how these findings relate to neurological function, serum levels of VEGF-A and 4-HNE may be useful to monitor subclinical neurological injury in males participating in collision sports.

SUBMITTER: Major BP

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7561422 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Serum Protein Biomarker Findings Reflective of Oxidative Stress and Vascular Abnormalities in Male, but Not Female, Collision Sport Athletes.

Major Brendan P BP McDonald Stuart J SJ O'Brien William T WT Symons Georgia F GF Clough Meaghan M Costello Daniel D Sun Mujun M Brady Rhys D RD Mccullough Jesse J Aniceto Roxanne R Lin I-Hsuan IH Law Meng M Mychasiuk Richelle R O'Brien Terence J TJ Agoston Denes V DV Shultz Sandy R SR

Frontiers in neurology 20200930

Studies have indicated that concussive and sub-concussive brain injuries that are frequent during collision sports may lead to long-term neurological abnormalities, however there is a knowledge gap on how biological sex modifies outcomes. Blood-based biomarkers can help to identify the molecular pathology induced by brain injuries and to better understand how biological sex affects the molecular changes. We therefore analyzed serum protein biomarkers in male (<i>n</i> = 50) and female (<i>n</i> ...[more]

PMID: 33117257

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Project description:Our study aimed to investigate changes of different markers for routine assessment of fatigue and recovery in response to high-intensity interval training (HIIT).22 well-trained male and female team sport athletes (age, 23.0 ± 2.7 years; V?O2 max, 57.6 ± 8.6 mL · min · kg(-1)) participated in a six-day running-based HIIT-microcycle with a total of eleven HIIT sessions. Repeated sprint ability (RSA; criterion measure of fatigue and recovery), countermovement jump (CMJ) height, jump efficiency in a multiple rebound jump test (MRJ), 20-m sprint performance, muscle contractile properties, serum concentrations of creatinkinase (CK), c-reactive protein (CRP) and urea as well as perceived muscle soreness (DOMS) were measured pre and post the training program as well as after 72 h of recovery.Following the microcycle significant changes (p < 0.05) in RSA as well as in CMJ and MRJ performance could be observed, showing a decline (%? ± 90% confidence limits, ES = effect size; RSA: -3.8 ± 1.0, ES = -1.51; CMJ: 8.4 ± 2.9, ES = -1.35; MRJ: 17.4 ± 4.5, ES = -1.60) and a return to baseline level (RSA: 2.8 ± 2.6, ES = 0.53; CMJ: 4.1 ± 2.9, ES = 0.68; MRJ: 6.5 ± 4.5, ES = 0.63) after 72 h of recovery. Athletes also demonstrated significant changes (p < 0.05) in muscle contractile properties, CK, and DOMS following the training program and after the recovery period. In contrast, CRP and urea remained unchanged throughout the study. Further analysis revealed that the accuracy of markers for assessment of fatigue and recovery in comparison to RSA derived from a contingency table was insufficient. Multiple regression analysis also showed no correlations between changes in RSA and any of the markers.Mean changes in measures of neuromuscular function, CK and DOMS are related to HIIT induced fatigue and subsequent recovery. However, low accuracy of a single or combined use of these markers requires the verification of their applicability on an individual basis.

Project description:Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a painful and limiting condition of the hip that is often seen in young athletes. Previous studies have reported a higher prevalence of this disorder in male athletes, but data on the structural morphology of adolescent and young adult female athletes, specifically those involved in dance, are lacking.(1) To investigate the radiographic morphology of FAI deformities in adolescent and young adult female single-sport dance and nondance athletes and (2) to examine the differences in the radiographic findings between these 2 groups.Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.A retrospective chart review of 56 female single-sport athletes 10 to 21 years of age with a diagnosis of FAI within a single-sports medicine division of a pediatric academic medical center was performed. Acetabular index (AI), lateral center-edge angle (LCEA), crossover sign, and ischial spine sign were measured bilaterally on anteroposterior radiographs; alpha angle (AA) was measured on lateral films, and anterior center-edge angle (ACEA) was measured on false-profile films. Independent t tests and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare mean angle measurements between dance and nondance athletes. Dichotomized categorical variables and crossover and ischial spine signs were analyzed between dance and nondance athletes by applying a chi-square test. Statistical significance was set as P < .05 a priori.Significant differences in angle measurements were noted. AA was significantly lower in the dancers compared with the nondance athlete group (49.5° ± 6.0° vs 53.9° ± 7.3°, P = .001). The LCEA and ACEA of dance athletes were significantly greater compared with nondance athletes (33.8° ± 6.7° vs 30.9° ± 5.8° [P = .016] and 36.0° ± 8.1° vs 32.3° ± 7.0° [P = .035], respectively). No significant difference in AI was seen between the 2 cohorts (5.0° ± 4.0° for dancers vs 5.9° ± 3.4° for nondancers, P = .195).Significant differences existed in the radiographic bony morphology of young female single-sport dance athletes compared with nondance athletes with FAI. In dance athletes, symptoms were seen in the setting of normal bony morphology.

Project description:Bone strength is developed through a combination of the size and shape (architecture) of a bone as well as the bone's material properties; and therefore, no one outcome variable can measure a positive or negative adaptation in bone. Skeletal robusticity (total area/ bone length) a measure of bones external size varies within the population and is independent of body size, but robusticity has been associated with bone strength. Athletes may have similar variability in robusticity values as the general population and thus have a wide range of bone strengths based on the robustness of their bones. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine if an athlete's bone strength and cortical area relative to body size was dependent on robusticity. The second aim was to determine if anthropometry or muscle function measurements were associated with bone robusticity.Bone variables contributing to bone strength were measured in collegiate athletes and a reference group using peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) at the 50% tibial site. Bone functionality was assessed by plotting bone strength and cortical area vs body size (body weight x tibial length) and robustness (total area/length) vs body size. Bone strength was measured using the polar strength-strain index (SSIp). Based on the residuals from the regression, an athlete's individual functionality was determined, and two groups were formed "weaker for size" (WS) and "stronger for size" (SS). Grip strength, leg extensor strength and lower body power were also measured.Division II athletes exhibited a natural variation in (SSIp) relative to robusticity consistent with previous studies. Bone strength (SSIp) was dependent on the robusticity of the tibia. The bone traits that comprise bone strength (SSIp) were significantly different between the SS and WS groups, yet there were minimal differences in the anthropometric data and muscle function measures between groups. A lower percentage of athletes from ball sports were "weaker for size" (WS group) and a higher percentage of swimmers were in the WS group.A range of strength values based on robusticity occurs in athletes similar to general populations. Bones with lower robusticity (slender) were constructed with less bone tissue and had less strength. The athletes with slender bones were from all sports including track and field and ball sports but the majority were swimmers.Athletes, even after optimal training for their sport, may have weaker bones based on robusticity. Slender bones may therefore be at a higher risk for fracture under extreme loading events but also yield benefits to some athletes (swimmers) due to their lower bone mass.

Project description:ImportanceIdentifying plasma biomarkers associated with the amount of time an athlete may need before they return to sport (RTS) following a sport-related concussion (SRC) is important because it may help to improve the health and safety of athletes.ObjectiveTo examine whether plasma biomarkers can differentiate collegiate athletes who RTS in less than 14 days or 14 days or more following SRC.Design, setting, and participantsThis multicenter prospective diagnostic study, conducted by the National Collegiate Athletics Association-Department of Defense Concussion Assessment, Research, and Education Consortium, included 127 male and female athletes who had sustained an SRC while enrolled at 6 Concussion Assessment, Research, and Education Consortium Advanced Research Core sites as well as 2 partial-Advanced Research Core military service academies. Data were collected between February 2015 and May 2018. Athletes with SRC completed clinical testing and blood collection at preseason (baseline), postinjury (0-21 hours), 24 to 48 hours postinjury, time of symptom resolution, and 7 days after unrestricted RTS.Main outcomes and measuresA total of 3 plasma biomarkers (ie, total tau protein, glial fibrillary acidic protein [GFAP], and neurofilament light chain protein [Nf-L]) were measured using an ultrasensitive single molecule array technology and were included in the final analysis. RTS was examined between athletes who took less than 14 days vs those who took 14 days or more to RTS following SRC. Linear mixed models were used to identify significant interactions between period by RTS group. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were conducted to examine whether these plasma biomarkers could discriminate between RTS groups.ResultsThe 127 participants had a mean (SD) age of 18.9 (1.3) years, and 97 (76.4%) were men; 65 (51.2%) took less than 14 days to RTS, and 62 (48.8%) took 14 days or more to RTS. Linear mixed models identified significant associations for both mean (SE) plasma total tau (24-48 hours postinjury, <14 days RTS vs ≥14 days RTS: -0.65 [0.12] pg/mL vs -0.14 [0.14] pg/mL; P = .008) and GFAP (postinjury, 14 days RTS vs ≥14 days RTS: 4.72 [0.12] pg/mL vs 4.39 [0.11] pg/mL; P = .04). Total tau at the time of symptom resolution had acceptable discrimination power (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.63-0.86; P < .001). We also examined a combined plasma biomarker panel that incorporated Nf-L, GFAP, and total tau at each period to discriminate RTS groups. Although the analyses did reach significance at each time period when combined, results indicated that they were poor at distinguishing the groups (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, <0.7).Conclusions and relevanceThe findings of this study suggest that measures of total tau and GFAP may identify athletes who will require more time to RTS. However, further research is needed to improve our ability to determine recovery following an SRC.

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Project description:BackgroundDespite being one of the most common sports injuries, there are no criteria-based rehabilitation programs published for acute adductor injuries.PurposeTo evaluate return-to-sport (RTS) outcomes and reinjuries after criteria-based rehabilitation for athletes with acute adductor injuries.Study designCohort study; Level of evidence, 2.MethodsMale adult athletes with an acute adductor injury underwent a supervised, standardized criteria-based exercise rehabilitation program. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to grade the injury extent from 0 (negative finding) to 3 (complete tear/avulsion). There were 3 milestones used to evaluate the RTS continuum: (1) clinically pain-free, (2) completion of controlled sports training, and (3) return to full team training. Subsequent injuries were registered within the first year.ResultsWe included 81 athletes with an acute adductor injury (MRI grade 0: n = 14; grade 1: n = 20; grade 2: n = 30; grade 3: n = 17). Of these, 61 (75%) athletes achieved RTS milestone 1, 50 (62%) achieved RTS milestone 2, and 75 (93%) achieved RTS milestone 3. There were no statistical differences in the RTS duration between MRI grade 0, 1, and 2 at any RTS milestone; thus, these were grouped together as grade 0-2. The median time (interquartile range [IQR]) for athletes with grade 0-2 injuries to become clinically pain-free was 13 days (IQR, 11-21 days), to complete controlled sports training was 17 days (IQR, 15-27 days), and to return to full team training was 18 days (IQR, 14-27 days). For athletes with a grade 3 injury, median times were 55 days (IQR, 31-75 days), 68 days (IQR, 51-84 days), and 78 days (IQR, 68-98 days), respectively. The overall 1-year reinjury rate was 8%. Athletes who achieved RTS milestone 1 had a statistically significantly lower reinjury rate than athletes who did not (5% vs 21%, respectively; ϕ = -0.233; P = .048). Athletes who achieved RTS milestone 2 had a nonstatistically significantly lower reinjury rate than athletes who did not (6% vs 13%, respectively; ϕ = -0.107; P = .366).ConclusionWe analyzed the results of a criteria-based rehabilitation protocol for athletes with acute adductor injuries. Athletes with an MRI grade 0-2 adductor injury were clinically pain-free after approximately 2 weeks and returned to full team training after approximately 3 weeks. Most athletes with an MRI grade 3 adductor injury were pain-free and returned to full team training within 3 months. Meeting the clinically pain-free criteria resulted in fewer reinjuries compared with not meeting the criteria.

Project description:BACKGROUND:Rugby union and rugby league are popular team contact sports, but they bring a high risk of injury. Although previous studies have reported injury occurrence across one or several seasons, none have explored the total number of injuries sustained across an entire career. As the first to do so, the aim of this study was to report on cumulative injuries and their perceived long-term impact in retired rugby code athletes compared to athletes from non-contact sports. METHODS:One hundred and eighty-nine former rugby code athletes (rugby union n?=?145; rugby league n?=?44) and 65 former non-contact athletes were recruited to the UK Rugby Health Project between September 2016 and December 2018. Details on sports participation, sports injuries and concussion history, sports injury-related surgeries, and previous and current health were obtained from a validated, online self-report questionnaire. RESULTS:Former elite rugby code athletes (n?=?83) reported more total injuries per player (median 39, IQR 35) than former amateur rugby code athletes (n?=?106; median 23, IQR 30; p?=?0.014) and non-contact sports athletes (n?=?65; median 7.5, IQR 15; p?<?0.001). Concussion was the most frequently reported injury for the elite and amateur rugby code groups, followed by upper/lower back and knee ligament injuries. These injuries also presented with the highest recurrence. Rugby code groups reported a higher continued impact of previous concussion, neck injuries, shoulder dislocation, ACL tears, and knee ligament injuries (p?=?0.003-0.045). The reported prevalence of osteoarthritis was more than twofold greater in the elite rugby code group than in non-contact athletes (51% v 22%, p?<?0.001). The prevalence of back pain and/or severe and regular joint pain was high across all groups (47-80%), particularly the elite rugby code group. The total number of joint injuries and sport injury-related surgeries was higher in those who reported current osteoarthritis and current severe and regular joint pain (p?<?0.001-p?=?0.028). CONCLUSION:Across multiple injury types, past participation in rugby union and rugby league, particularly at elite level, is associated with a high cumulative injury load and a continued impact of previous injuries post-retirement. Given the high number of reported concussions (and their recurrence) and associations between previous injuries during a player's career and current musculoskeletal conditions, efforts should be prioritized to reduce the occurrence and recurrence of injuries in rugby codes at all levels of the sport. Strategies should also be developed for supporting the specific physical health needs of rugby code athletes post-retirement.

Dataset Information

Serum Protein Biomarker Findings Reflective of Oxidative Stress and Vascular Abnormalities in Male, but Not Female, Collision Sport Athletes.

Publications

Serum Protein Biomarker Findings Reflective of Oxidative Stress and Vascular Abnormalities in Male, but Not Female, Collision Sport Athletes.

Similar Datasets

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