scholarly journals Cerebrospinal Fluid MicroRNA Changes in Cognitively Normal Veterans With a History of Deployment-Associated Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Theresa A. Lusardi ◽  
Ursula S. Sandau ◽  
Nikita A. Sakhanenko ◽  
Sarah Catherine B. Baker ◽  
Jack T. Wiedrick ◽  
...  

A history of traumatic brain injury (TBI) increases the odds of developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The long latent period between injury and dementia makes it difficult to study molecular changes initiated by TBI that may increase the risk of developing AD. MicroRNA (miRNA) levels are altered in TBI at acute times post-injury (<4 weeks), and in AD. We hypothesized that miRNA levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) following TBI in veterans may be indicative of increased risk for developing AD. Our population of interest is cognitively normal veterans with a history of one or more mild TBI (mTBI) at a chronic time following TBI. We measured miRNA levels in CSF from three groups of participants: (1) community controls with no lifetime history of TBI (ComC); (2) deployed Iraq/Afghanistan veterans with no lifetime history of TBI (DepC), and (3) deployed Iraq/Afghanistan veterans with a history of repetitive blast mTBI (DepTBI). CSF samples were collected at the baseline visit in a longitudinal, multimodal assessment of Gulf War veterans, and represent a heterogenous group of male veterans and community controls. The average time since the last blast mTBI experienced was 4.7 ± 2.2 years [1.5 – 11.5]. Statistical analysis of TaqManTM miRNA array data revealed 18 miRNAs with significant differential expression in the group comparisons: 10 between DepTBI and ComC, 7 between DepC and ComC, and 8 between DepTBI and DepC. We also identified 8 miRNAs with significant differential detection in the group comparisons: 5 in DepTBI vs. ComC, 3 in DepC vs. ComC, and 2 in DepTBI vs. DepC. When we applied our previously developed multivariable dependence analysis, we found 13 miRNAs (6 of which are altered in levels or detection) that show dependencies with participant phenotypes, e.g., ApoE. Target prediction and pathway analysis with miRNAs differentially expressed in DepTBI vs. either DepC or ComC identified canonical pathways highly relevant to TBI including senescence and ephrin receptor signaling, respectively. This study shows that both TBI and deployment result in persistent changes in CSF miRNA levels that are relevant to known miRNA-mediated AD pathology, and which may reflect early events in AD.

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (6) ◽  
pp. 1157-1157
Author(s):  
Becky Gius ◽  
Lauren F Fournier ◽  
Tea Reljic ◽  
Terri Pogoda ◽  
John Corrigan ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective Examine factors associated with history of arrests and felony incarceration among Veterans and Service Members (V/SM) with combat exposure. Method Participants were V/SM who completed a baseline assessment for the multicenter Chronic Effects of Neurotrauma Consortium study (N = 1555). Most were male (87%), white (72%), with a mean age of 40 years (SD = 9.71). The majority (83%) reported a history of ≥1 mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), with thirty-five present of those experiencing 3+ mTBIs. Results Three groups were composed based on self-reported level of involvement with the criminal justice system: 1.) No history of arrests or incarcerations (65%), 2.) A lifetime history of arrest but no felony incarceration (32%), and 3.) A lifetime history of felony incarceration (3%). Chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis H tests revealed statistically significant differences between the groups in demographic factors including the incarcerated group having younger age, greater percentage of men, lower education, and greater percentage of never being married, followed by the arrest group and then the no arrest group (all p < 0.05). The incarcerated group also had the highest level of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, lowest social support, and greatest percentage of hazardous alcohol consumption, followed by the arrest and then the no arrest groups (all p < 0.05). No differences were found between groups for mTBI history or neuropsychological testing results. Conclusions Correlates of legal involvement among V/SM span demographic and psychological dimensions. Some correlates are modifiable, including social support, PTSD symptoms, and alcohol consumption. Addressing these modifiable risk factors is critical to lower the risk of future criminal justice involvement.


Neurosurgery ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 66 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew Mesley ◽  
Ross Puffer ◽  
Charles Laymon ◽  
Brian Lopresti ◽  
Kathryn Edelman ◽  
...  

Abstract INTRODUCTION TBI (traumatic brain injury) is associated with an increased risk of late neurodegeneration in chronic TBI survivors. The underlying pathophysiology of trauma-related neurodegeneration is hypothesized to involve a tauopathy, with p-tau deposited in beta-pleated sheets. Current research focuses on identifying strategies to detect trauma-related neurodegeneration in-Vivo. [F-18]AV-1451, a tau-specific PET radiotracer, may detect hyper-phosphorylated tau deposits in living patients. METHODS Participants with a history of TBI >6 mo prior with concern for cognitive decline with age-matched controls were recruited. Subjects were classified into three groups: few (=3 TBI exposures), intermediate (4–10 exposures), and numerous (>10 exposures). Participants underwent PET imaging with [F-18]AV-1451, and qualitative and semi-quantitative (SUVR) analyses of radiotracer retention were performed. Visual classification of tau positivity (+/−) was performed with absence of established positivity thresholds for [F-18]AV-1451 SUVR values. All subjects underwent neuropsychological evaluation, including measures of processing speed, executive function, and memory. RESULTS Twenty-seven TBI subjects and 7 controls were enrolled. A total of 9 participants were categorized as few, 2 as intermediate, 7 as numerous. All TBI subjects demonstrated impairment on at least one neurocognitive measure, while control subjects had normal neuropsychological test results. Analysis of [F-18]AV-1451 uptake patterns demonstrated evidence of tauopathy in 3 subjects, based on visual reads. Significantly increased [F-18]AV-1451 retention was noted in occipital gray matter, posterior cingulate gyrus, and parietal cortex in these 3 tau (+) TBI subjects compared to 24 TBI subjects visually classified as tau (−) and also normal controls. CONCLUSION Evidence of tauopathy, indicative of trauma-related neurodegeneration, was noted in 3 chronic TBI subjects, all of whom were categorized as numerous (>10) TBI exposures and cognitive deficits on neuropsychological testing. No tau PET [F-18]AV-1451 uptake was noted in control participants or in participants categorized as few or intermediate. The data represent a possible [F-18]AV-1451 PET uptake pattern associated with a clinical neurodegeneration syndrome in repetitive TBI.


Author(s):  
Honggang Yi ◽  
John Corrigan ◽  
Bhavna Singichetti ◽  
Jennifer Bogner ◽  
Kara Manchester ◽  
...  

2017 ◽  
Vol 62 (10) ◽  
pp. 3135-3150 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel Woolhouse ◽  
Audrey McKinlay ◽  
Randolph C. Grace

Relatively little is known about the characteristics of female offenders. Here, we studied the prevalence of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and mental health issues in an exclusively female prison population in New Zealand. Participants ( N = 38) were recruited from all security levels at Christchurch Women’s Prison. Measures for depression, anxiety, and stress, sleep, and a history of TBI were administered; 94.7% (36/38) of participants presented with a history of TBI. Younger age at first injury was associated with an increased risk of mental health problems. The study concludes that TBI is highly prevalent among female offenders and may be linked to increased mental health problems. TBI should be considered as an important factor in offender pathways and treatment programs.


2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 129-137 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kara Manchester ◽  
John D. Corrigan ◽  
Bhavna Singichetti ◽  
Lihong Huang ◽  
Jennifer Bogner ◽  
...  

IntroductionLifetime history of traumatic brain injury (TBI) with loss of consciousness (LOC) is prevalent in 21% of adult, non-institutionalised residents of Ohio. Prior history has been associated with lower incomes, inability to work and disability. The current study sought to evaluate the relationship between lifetime history and adverse health conditions.MethodsData came from the 2014 Ohio Behavioral Risk Factors Surveillance System, which included a state-specific module eliciting lifetime history of TBI.ResultsNon-institutionalised adults living in Ohio who have had at least one TBI with LOC were more likely to report fair or poor health, more days of poor health, more days when poor health limited activities, being diagnosed with a chronic condition and having less than 7 hours of sleep per night. The relationship with increasing number of TBIs was monotonic, with the likelihood of adverse health increasing as the number increased. A similar relationship was observed for increasing severity of the worst lifetime TBI. Experiencing a first TBI before age 15 was associated with poorer health but was not statistically different than incurring a first after age 15.ConclusionsAdults who have experienced TBI with LOC in their lifetime are two to three times more likely to experience adverse health conditions when compared with same age-matched, sex-matched and race-matched adults without such history. These findings support re-examining the public health burden of TBI in light of lifetime exposure and not just the consequences of an index injury.


2019 ◽  
Vol 184 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 148-154 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan E Kennedy ◽  
Lisa H Lu ◽  
Matthew W Reid ◽  
Felix O Leal ◽  
Douglas B Cooper

AbstractObjectivesPost-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) are identified as signature injuries of the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Statistics have confirmed a high incidence of PTSD among military personnel with mild TBI (mTBI) who served in these conflicts. Although receiving less attention, individuals with a history of mTBI are also at increased risk for depressive disorders. This study examines the incidence and correlates of depression in service members with a history of mTBI received an average of 4–1/2 years prior to evaluation.MethodsRetrospective analysis of 184 service members with a history of mTBI extracted from a data repository maintained at a military medical center.ResultsOne-third of the sample (34.2%) was clinically diagnosed with a depressive disorder in the month preceding evaluation. Of those with depression, 81% (51 of 63) were also diagnosed with PTSD. Proportionately more women than men had depression. Depression was more common among those who were undergoing a Military Evaluation Board and those who served in more than three combat deployments.ConclusionsResults confirm chronically elevated the rates of depressive disorders and PTSD comorbidity among service members with a history of mTBI. Depression screening and treatment within the Military Health System should remain a priority for service members reporting a remote history of mTBI. Individuals with chronic PTSD, women, service members undergoing MEB and those who served in greater than three combat deployments are at particular risk.


2016 ◽  
Vol 22 (7) ◽  
pp. 717-723 ◽  
Author(s):  
Audrey McKinlay ◽  
L. John Horwood ◽  
David M. Fergusson

AbstractBackgroundTraumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs frequently during child and early adulthood, and is associated with negative outcomes including increased risk of drug abuse, mental health disorders and criminal offending. Identification of previous TBI for at-risk populations in clinical settings often relies on self-report, despite little information regarding self-report accuracy. This study examines the accuracy of adult self-report of hospitalized TBI events and the factors that enhance recall.MethodsThe Christchurch Health and Development Study is a birth cohort of 1265 children born in Christchurch, New Zealand, in 1977. A history of TBI events was prospectively gathered at each follow-up (yearly intervals 0–16, 18, 21, 25 years) using parental/self-report, verified using hospital records.ResultsAt 25 years, 1003 cohort members were available, with 59/101 of all hospitalized TBI events being recalled. Recall varied depending on the age at injury and injury severity, with 10/11 of moderate/severe TBI being recalled. Logistic regression analysis indicated that a model using recorded loss of consciousness, age at injury, and injury severity, could accurately classify whether or not TBI would be reported in over 74% of cases.ConclusionsThis research demonstrates that, even when individuals are carefully cued, many instances of TBI will not recalled in adulthood despite the injury having required a period of hospitalization. Therefore, screening for TBI may require a combination of self-report and review of hospital files to ensure that all cases are identified. (JINS, 2016, 22, 717–723)


Brain Injury ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 139-150 ◽  
Author(s):  
John D. Corrigan ◽  
Jennifer Bogner ◽  
Christopher Holloman

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