Exploratory study of sport-related concussion effects on peripheral micro-RNA expression

Epigenetic Alterations in Sports-Related Injuries

“…The observation of epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation, histone protein methylation, and acetylation, as well as miRNA expression, has the potential to become a useful tool in sports medicine, both as a predictor of approaching pathophysiological alterations and as a biomarker of injuries that have already taken place [ 271 ]. For example, research into epigenetic changes after brain injury has shown differences in the concentration of miRNAs in plasma, saliva, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) at various time points after TBI [ 264 ]. This may be related to TBI symptoms and may improve diagnostics and further therapy.…”

The biological significance and clinical utility of emerging blood biomarkers for traumatic brain injury

“…After using a rodent TBI model to identify candidate microRNAs, miR-9a, miR-136, and miR-434-3p were examined in patients with mTBI within 48 h of injury, but less than half of patients showed elevations in miR-9a and miR-136 (Das Gupta et al, 2021). In a similar fashion, microRNA elevations following concussion were not consistently observed in collegiate athletes (miR-153 [n = 12/20], miR-223 [n = 14/20], miR-let-7a [n = 13/20]) (Svingos et al, 2019). This raises further research questions, such as whether microRNAs are capable of peripherally reflecting concussion pathophysiology, and whether a single concussion is sufficient stimulus to trigger substantial microRNA changes in bloodstream.…”

Epigenetic Regulation of Inflammatory Responses in the Context of Physical Activity

“…Not only exercise but also injuries, such as sports-related concussions, influence circulating miRNAs. A study on professional athletes revealed an increase in circulating miRNAs associated with nervous system dysfunction, including let-7a-5p, miR-223-3p and miR-26a-5p, which are also associated with immune functions [ 82 , 140 ].…”