BRAIN INJURY | SEPTEMBER 03, 2020

Edwards KA, Leete JJ, Tschiffely AE, Moore CY, Dell KC, Statz JK, Carr W, Walker PB, LoPresti ML, Ahlers ST, Yarnell AM and Gill J.

Brain injury. 2020;34:1213-1221.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/02699052.2020.1797171

ABSTRACT

Objectives

To evaluate how blast exposure impacts peripheral biomarkers in military personnel enrolled in 10-day blast training.

Methods

On day 7, 21 military personnel experienced peak overpressure <2 pounds per square inch (psi); while 29 military personnel experienced peak overpressure ≥5 psi. Blood samples were collected each day to measure changes in amyloid beta (Aβ), neurofilament light chain (NFL), and tau concentrations.

Results

Within 24 hours following exposure ≥5 psi, the ≥5 psi group had lower Aβ42 (p = .004) and NFL (p < .001) compared to the <2 psi group and lower Aβ42 (9.35%) and NFL (22.01%) compared to baseline. Twenty-four hours after ≥5 psi exposure, the ≥5 psi group had lower tau (p < .001) and NFL (p < .001) compared to the <2 psi group and baseline. Seventy-two hours after exposure ≥5 psi, tau increased in the ≥5 psi group compared to the <2 psi group (p = .02) and baseline. The tau:Aβ42 ratio 24 hours after blast (p = .012), and the Aβ40:Aβ42 ratio 48 hours after blast (p = .04) differed in the ≥5 psi group compared to the <2 psi group.

Conclusions

These findings provide an initial report of acute alterations in biomarker concentrations following blast exposure.