Objective: The objective of this study was to isolate extracellular vesicles (EVs) from plasma in a cohort of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and analyze their contents for novel biomarkers that could prove useful for rapid diagnosis and classification of brain injury during initial evaluation.
Methods: Plasma EVs were isolated by serial ultracentrifugation from patients with TBI (n = 15) and healthy controls (n = 5). Samples were obtained from the TRACK-TBI biorepository (2010-present). Size and concentration were determined by nanoparticle tracking. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) concentration was determined in EV protein. EV RNA was isolated and deep sequencing of short noncoding RNA was performed.
Results: Plasma EVs are physically similar but contained approximately 10 times more GFAP in TBI patients with altered consciousness than patients and controls with normal consciousness. Eleven highly differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) were identified between these groups. Genes targeted by these miRNAs are highly associated with biologically relevant cellular pathways, including organismal injury, cellular development, and organismal development. Multiple additional coding and noncoding RNA species with potential biomarker utility were identified.
Conclusions: Isolating plasma EVs in patients with TBI is feasible. Increased GFAP concentration-a validated plasma TBI marker-in EVs from TBI patients with altered consciousness, along with differential expression of multiple miRNAs targeting TBI-relevant pathways, suggests that EVs may be a useful source of TBI biomarkers. Additional evaluation in larger patient cohorts is indicated.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.3171/2020.4.JNS20305 | DOI Listing |
Oper Neurosurg (Hagerstown)
July 2024
Neurosurgical Simulation and Artificial Intelligence Learning Centre, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal , Quebec , Canada.
Background And Objectives: Subpial corticectomy involving complete lesion resection while preserving pial membranes and avoiding injury to adjacent normal tissues is an essential bimanual task necessary for neurosurgical trainees to master. We sought to develop an ex vivo calf brain corticectomy simulation model with continuous assessment of surgical instrument movement during the simulation. A case series study of skilled participants was performed to assess face and content validity to gain insights into the utility of this training platform, along with determining if skilled and less skilled participants had statistical differences in validity assessment.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMetab Brain Dis
January 2025
Fundación de Investigación Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia-INCLIVA, Valencia, 46010, Spain.
Ammonia is a product of amino acid metabolism that accumulates in the blood of patients with liver cirrhosis, leading to neurotoxic effects and hepatic encephalopathy (HE). HE manifestations can range from mild, subclinical disturbances in cognition, or minimal HE (mHE) to gross disorientation and coma, a condition referred to as overt HE. Many blood-based biomarkers reflecting these neurotoxic effects of ammonia and liver disease can be measured in the blood allowing the development of new biomarkers to diagnose cirrhosis patients at risk of developing HE.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCurr Pain Headache Rep
January 2025
Department of Neurology, Danish Headache Center, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Valdemar Hansens Vej 5, Entrance 1A, 2600 Glostrup, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Purpose Of Review: To evaluate existing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies on post-traumatic headache (PTH) following traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Recent Findings: We conducted a systematic search of PubMed and Embase databases from inception to February 1, 2024. Eligible fMRI studies were required to include adult participants diagnosed with acute or persistent PTH post-TBI in accordance with any edition of the International Classification of Headache Disorders.
J Neurol
January 2025
Western Institute of Neuroscience, Western University, London, Canada.
Background: Repeat neurological assessment is standard in cases of severe acute brain injury. However, conventional measures rely on overt behavior. Unfortunately, behavioral responses may be difficult or impossible for some patients.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Neurol
January 2025
Centre for Vestibular Neurology (CVeN), Department of Brain Sciences, Charing Cross Hospital, Imperial College London, London, W6 8RF, UK.
Background: Vestibular dysfunction causing imbalance affects c. 80% of acute hospitalized traumatic brain injury (TBI) cases. Poor balance recovery is linked to worse return-to-work rates and reduced longevity.
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