Johns Hopkins MedicineBrain Scans of Former NFL Athletes Show a Repair Protein in Place Long After Initial Injury

Persistent Inflammation in Former NFL Athletes: A Marker of Long-term Brain Repair

In an illuminating study, Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers have unveiled significant findings regarding the long-term effects of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) in former NFL athletes. Utilizing advanced imaging techniques, the study highlights the persistent presence of a repair protein, 18 kDa translocator protein (TSPO), which indicates ongoing inflammation and repair processes years after the athletes have ceased playing collision sports. This research underscores the potential for long-term cognitive challenges stemming from repeated head traumas and lays the groundwork for future strategies in monitoring and treating these injuries.

Key Points:

• High Levels of TSPO Detected: Former NFL athletes exhibit elevated levels of the 18 kDa translocator protein (TSPO), a marker for brain repair and inflammation, long after their careers, suggesting prolonged brain repair activities.
• Link to Cognitive Problems: The study correlates the high TSPO levels with long-term cognitive impairments in these athletes, including memory loss, hinting at the damaging effects of repeated concussions.
• TSPO and Microglia: TSPO is associated with the immune cells in the brain, microglia, and its elevated levels post-injury point to a significant immune response and repair mechanism following brain trauma.
• Comparative Study Design: The research compared brain scans of 27 former NFL players with 27 non-collision sport athletes (swimmers), revealing markedly higher TSPO levels in the former group, particularly in brain areas linked to memory and attention.
• Cognitive Assessment Findings: Former NFL players showed inferior performance in learning and memory tests compared to swimmers, reinforcing the link between collision sports, brain inflammation, and cognitive decline.
• Implications Beyond Football: The findings are relevant not only to athletes in collision sports but also to individuals experiencing mild TBIs from various causes, including military training and repetitive behaviors.
• Future Research Directions: The researchers plan to continue tracking TSPO levels in former NFL athletes to better understand the healing process and to develop targeted treatments for brain injuries.
• Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The study includes a transparent disclosure of potential conflicts of interest, highlighting the integrity of the research process.

According to the CDC, sports-related concussions in the United States are estimated at approximately 1.6 to 3.8 million annually, emphasizing the widespread nature of this issue across various levels of athletic participation.

More on Brain Injury/Concussion