New Blood Test Could Predict Neurodegenerative Risk in Retired Rugby Players

Retired rugby players who have suffered multiple concussions during their careers may be at higher risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases like motor neurone disease (MND) and Alzheimer’s, according to a groundbreaking new study. Researchers at Durham University have identified specific blood biomarkers that could help predict and potentially prevent these conditions in athletes who have experienced repeated head trauma.

The study, published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, analyzed blood samples from 56 retired male professional athletes, including 30 rugby players with a history of multiple concussions. The results revealed significant differences in protein levels compared to athletes without a history of head injuries.

Key Findings: Protein Imbalances Signal Potential Neurological Risks

The research team found elevated levels of serum t-tau and tau-p181 proteins in the blood of concussed rugby players. These proteins are known to play crucial roles in the development of Alzheimer’s disease and MND. Additionally, the study revealed lower levels of RBP-4, a protein important for brain development and function, in the concussed group.

Professor Paul Chazot, senior author of the study, explained the significance of these findings: “The long-term effects of concussions on rugby players, football players, boxers as well as retired military personnel is a major concern, because of the link to neurodegenerative diseases. This study gives us the beginnings of a biomarker toolbox to periodically monitor the brain health of retired contact sportspeople, particularly those with a history of concussion during their career.”

Potential for Early Intervention and Prevention

The discovery of these biomarkers opens up new possibilities for early diagnosis and intervention. By regularly monitoring the blood of retired athletes, particularly those with a history of concussions, medical professionals may be able to identify individuals at higher risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases and implement preventive measures.

Dr. Karen Hind, co-author and initiator of the UK Rugby Health study, emphasized the importance of continued research in this area: “This is a crucial development in the field and we’re calling for sustained efforts to define the pathways leading to concussion-induced neurodegenerative diseases.”

While the study’s findings are promising, the researchers caution that it may take several years before any interventions based on these biomarkers become available, as they will need to undergo rigorous clinical trials.

Why it matters:

This research has far-reaching implications not only for rugby players but for all athletes in contact sports and military personnel who may experience repeated head trauma. The ability to predict and potentially prevent neurodegenerative diseases could significantly improve the long-term health outcomes for these individuals and provide valuable insights into the mechanisms of brain injury and recovery.

The study also underscores the need for sports organizations to take concussion risks seriously and implement stronger protective measures. Alix Popham, a retired international rugby player diagnosed with probable chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and early-onset dementia, commented on the study’s implications: “This is more evidence that big changes need to happen to protect current rugby players. World Rugby need to get their heads out of the sand and in turn protect the game.”

As research in this field progresses, it raises important questions about the long-term health risks associated with contact sports and how to balance the benefits of athletic participation with player safety. Future studies will likely focus on developing more precise biomarker profiles and exploring potential interventions to mitigate the risks of neurodegenerative diseases in athletes with a history of concussions.

The Durham University team is now seeking funding for a follow-up study to track changes in these biomarkers over time and correlate them with the players’ health outcomes. This longitudinal approach could provide even more valuable insights into the progression of neurological changes following repeated head trauma.

As our understanding of the long-term effects of concussions continues to grow, it’s clear that this research will play a crucial role in shaping the future of contact sports and improving the health outcomes for athletes long after they’ve left the field.


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