Genetic findings in sport-related concussions: potential for individualized medicine?

Abstract

Concussion is a traumatic transient disturbance of the brain. In sport, the initial time and severity of concussion is known giving an opportunity for subsequent analysis. Variability in susceptibility and recovery between individual athletes depends, among other parameters, on genetic factors. The genes-encoding polypeptides that determine incidence, severity and prognosis for concussion are the primary candidates for genetic analysis. Genetic polymorphisms in the genes contributing to plasticity and repair (APOE), synaptic connectivity (GRIN2A), calcium influx (CACNA1E), uptake and deposit of glutamate (SLC17A7) are potential biomarkers of concussion incidence and recovery rate. With catalogued genetic variants, prospective genotyping of athletes at the beginning of their career will allow medical professionals to improve concussion management and return-to-play decisions.

The Retinal Ganglion Cell Response to Blast-Mediated Traumatic Brain Injury Is Genetic Background Dependent

“…[10][11][12] Indeed, multiple genes have been identified that may influence function after TBI, including those related to apolipoprotein E, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, the dopaminergic system, the serotonergic system, and interleukins, among others. 13 These genes have been shown to influence many psychiatric parameters, including cognition, working memory, executive dysfunction, aggression, inhibition, and impulsiveness 9 and suggest that there is not a singular molecular or anatomical response to TBI.…”

Associations between concussion and risk of diagnosis of psychological and neurological disorders: a retrospective population-based cohort study

“…The authors acknowledge the potential genetic and familial aspects of concussion 46 and the various outcomes discussed in the present study, [47][48][49][50][51] but the assessment of such factors was beyond the scope of this study.…”

Influence of Concussion History and Genetics on Event-Related Potentials in Athletes: Potential Use in Concussion Management

“…Additionally, a more thorough understanding of the influence of type of task and the ERP components elicited need to be undertaken. McDevitt & Krynetskiy have suggested genotyping of athletes as a potential method for clinicians to improve concussion management and return-to-play decisions [ 76 ]. Specifically, studies could be done regarding the COMT and DRD2 as potential candidate genes in relation to concussion, as previous studies have linked these genes to significant anomalies in cognitive function and ERP components [ 13 , 17 , 73 , 74 , 75 ].…”