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Biomedicines
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Brain Injury: New Insights into Mechanisms and Future Promising Treatments
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Brain Injury: New Insights into Mechanisms and Future Promising Treatments

A special issue of Biomedicines (ISSN 2227-9059). This special issue belongs to the section "Neurobiology and Clinical Neuroscience".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2024) | Viewed by 15217

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Kristina Pilipović

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
Interests: traumatic brain injury; stroke; neurodegeneration; neuroinflammation; glia; nanotechnology; vesicles
Dr. Petra Dolenec

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
Interests: traumatic brain injury; microglia; neurodegeneration; neuroinflammation; pharmacology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Every year, more than 85 million people suffer from acquired brain injuries, with traumatic injury and stroke being their most common causes. Compared to other tissues in the human body, the central nervous system, with its complexity of structure and function, and its slow regeneration rate, remains to be challenging to treat. Most of the therapeutic approaches in brain injury management used thus far in preclinical and clinical studies have been focused on attempts to reduce the sequelae of the injury and enhance the function of the remaining brain tissue. However, this approach does not address the need to regenerate or replace damaged or necrotic tissue. One of the promising approaches for the repair of traumatically injured brains involves using nanotechnology and tissue engineering approaches, techniques that focus on bridging the structural gaps and allowing the reconnection of the severed neuronal processes.

This Special Issue aims to cover the current research from preclinical and clinical studies, as well as reviews, and to identify the current knowledge and opportunities for future tailored research concerning the field of brain injury mechanisms and treatment, with an emphasis on regenerative and restoration techniques. Submissions that focus on the neuropathological molecular mechanisms involved in brain injury pathophysiology are also encouraged.

Dr. Kristina Pilipović
Dr. Petra Dolenec
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • acquired brain injury
  • nanomedicine
  • nanotechnology
  • neuroregenerative therapy
  • neurorepair
  • new and emerging treatments
  • pharmacotherapy
  • stroke
  • tissue engineering
  • traumatic brain injury

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 788 KiB  
Article
Cognitive Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Plus Robotic Verticalization in Minimally Conscious State
by Antonio Gangemi, Rosaria De Luca, Rosa Angela Fabio, Mirjam Bonanno, Davide Cardile, Maria Randazzo Mignacca, Carmela Rifici, Francesco Corallo, Angelo Quartarone, Federica Impellizzeri and Rocco Salvatore Calabrò
Biomedicines 2024, 12(10), 2244; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12102244 - 2 Oct 2024
Viewed by 711
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive therapeutic method that modulates cortical excitability and shows promising results for treating disorders of consciousness (DoCs). Robotic verticalization training (RVT) has been shown to enhance motor and cognitive recovery. This study evaluates [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive therapeutic method that modulates cortical excitability and shows promising results for treating disorders of consciousness (DoCs). Robotic verticalization training (RVT) has been shown to enhance motor and cognitive recovery. This study evaluates the effects of an innovative approach combining RVT with tDCS in individuals with DoCs. Methods: Twenty-four subjects with DoCs, particularly those with chronic minimally conscious state (MCS) due to vascular or traumatic brain injury, participated in a quasi-randomized study at the Neurorehabilitation Unit, IRCCS Neurolesi (Messina, Italy). Participants were divided into either a control group (CG) receiving RVT alone or an experimental group (EG) receiving combined tDCS and RVT. Both groups underwent treatments five times weekly for four weeks, with tDCS/sham sessions over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) lasting 20 min before Erigo training sessions, which lasted 45 min. Results: The findings indicate that combining tDCS with Erigo® Pro RTT could lead to greater improvements in cognitive functioning and P300 latency compared to the CG. Conclusions: These results suggest that the integrated approach of tDCS with RVT could offer significant benefits for patients with MCS, highlighting its potential to enhance cognitive recovery, such as reducing P300 latency. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Brain Injury: New Insights into Mechanisms and Future Promising Treatments)
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24 pages, 9764 KiB  
Article
The Effects of Cathepsin B Inhibition in the Face of Diffuse Traumatic Brain Injury and Secondary Intracranial Pressure Elevation
by Martina Hernandez, Sean Regan, Rana Ansari, Amanda Logan-Wesley, Radina Lilova, Chelsea Levi, Karen Gorse and Audrey Lafrenaye
Biomedicines 2024, 12(7), 1612; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12071612 - 19 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 844
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects millions of people each year. Previous studies using the central fluid percussion injury (CFPI) model in adult male rats indicated that elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) was associated with long-term effects, including neuronal cell loss and increased sensory sensitivity [...] Read more.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects millions of people each year. Previous studies using the central fluid percussion injury (CFPI) model in adult male rats indicated that elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) was associated with long-term effects, including neuronal cell loss and increased sensory sensitivity post-injury and secondary ICP elevation, which were not seen following injury alone. Investigations also indicated that cathepsin B (Cath B), a lysosomal cysteine protease, may play a role in the pathological progression of neuronal membrane disruption; however, the specific impact of Cath B inhibition following CFPI remained unknown. Thus, the focus of this study was to evaluate the effects of Cath B inhibition via the intracerebroventricular infusion of the Cath B inhibitor to the CA-074 methyl ester (CA-074Me) 2w following injury with or without secondary ICP elevation. This was accomplished using adult male rats continuously infused with CA-074Me or 10% DMSO as a vehicle control for 2w following either sham injury, CFPI only, or CFPI with subsequent ICP elevation to 20 mmHg. We assessed Cath B activity and evaluated the protein levels of Cath B and Cath B-binding partners AIF, Bcl-XL, and Bak. We also conducted histological analyses of the total cell counts to assess for cell loss, membrane disruption, and Cath B localization. Finally, we investigated somatosensory changes with the whisker nuisance task. Overall, this study demonstrated that Cath B is not a direct driver of membrane disruption; however, the administration of CA-074Me alters Cath B localization and reduces hypersensitivity, emphasizing Cath B as an important component in late secondary pathologies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Brain Injury: New Insights into Mechanisms and Future Promising Treatments)
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13 pages, 1960 KiB  
Article
Metabolome-Wide Mendelian Randomization Assessing the Causal Role of Serum and Cerebrospinal Metabolites in Traumatic Brain Injury
by Aojie Duan, Youjia Qiu, Bingyi Song, Yuchen Tao, Menghan Wang, Ziqian Yin, Minjia Xie, Zhouqing Chen, Zhong Wang and Xiaoou Sun
Biomedicines 2024, 12(6), 1178; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12061178 - 25 May 2024
Viewed by 1336
Abstract
Previous studies have identified metabolites as biomarkers or potential therapeutic targets for traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, the causal association between them remains unknown. Therefore, we investigated the causal effect of serum metabolites and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) metabolites on TBI susceptibility through Mendelian [...] Read more.
Previous studies have identified metabolites as biomarkers or potential therapeutic targets for traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, the causal association between them remains unknown. Therefore, we investigated the causal effect of serum metabolites and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) metabolites on TBI susceptibility through Mendelian randomization (MR). Genetic variants related to metabolites and TBI were extracted from a corresponding genome-wide association study (GWAS). Causal effects were estimated through the inverse variance weighted approach, supplemented by a weighted median, weight mode, and the MR–Egger test. In addition, sensitivity analyses were further performed to evaluate the stability of the MR results, including the MR–Egger intercept, leave-one-out analysis, Cochrane’s Q-test, and the MR-PRESSO global test. Metabolic pathway analysis was applied to uncover the underlying pathways of the significant metabolites in TBI. In blood metabolites, substances such as 4-acetaminophen sulfate and kynurenine showed positive links, whereas beta-hydroxyisovalerate and creatinine exhibited negative correlations. CSF metabolites such as N-formylanthranilic acid were positively related, while kynurenate showed negative associations. The metabolic pathway analysis highlighted the potential biological pathways involved in TBI. Of these 16 serum metabolites, 11 CSF metabolites and metabolic pathways may serve as useful circulating biomarkers in clinical screening and prevention, and may be candidate molecules for the exploration of mechanisms and drug targets. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Brain Injury: New Insights into Mechanisms and Future Promising Treatments)
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14 pages, 1699 KiB  
Article
Prediction of Initial CRP/Albumin Ratio on In-Hospital Mortality in Isolated Traumatic Brain Injury Patients
by Michaela Friedrich, Kristin Haferkorn, Marco Stein, Eberhard Uhl and Michael Bender
Biomedicines 2024, 12(5), 1084; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12051084 - 14 May 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1012
Abstract
The CRP/albumin ratio (CAR) is a mortality predictor in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. The aim of the current study was to investigate the ability of CAR to predict in-hospital mortality (IHM) in patients with isolated traumatic brain injury (iTBI). We performed a [...] Read more.
The CRP/albumin ratio (CAR) is a mortality predictor in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. The aim of the current study was to investigate the ability of CAR to predict in-hospital mortality (IHM) in patients with isolated traumatic brain injury (iTBI). We performed a retrospective analysis including 200 patients with iTBI admitted to our neurosurgical intensive care unit (NICU) between September 2014 and December 2016. Serum biomarkers, demographic and radiological data, several ICU scores, and cardiopulmonary parameters were analyzed. The rate of IHM was 27.5% (55/200) and significantly associated with a higher AIS head score (p < 0.0001), a lower albumin level (p < 0.0001), and the necessity of a higher level of inspiratory oxygen fraction (p = 0.002). Furthermore, advanced age (odds ratio [OR] = 0.953, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.927–0.981, p = 0.001), a lower GCS score (OR = 1.347, 95% CI = 1.203–1.509, p < 0.0001), a higher level of lactate (OR = 0.506, 95% CI = 0.353–0.725, p < 0.0001), a higher CAR (OR = 0.547, 95% CI = 0.316–0.945, p = 0.031) and a higher norepinephrine application rate (OR = 0.000, 95% CI 0.000–0.090, p = 0.016) were identified as independent predictors of IHM. ROC analysis showed an association between IHM and a CAR cut-off value of >0.38 (Youden index 0.073, sensitivity: 27.9, specificity: 64.8, p = 0.044). We could identify a CAR > 0.38 as a new independent predictor for IHM in patients with iTBI. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Brain Injury: New Insights into Mechanisms and Future Promising Treatments)
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9 pages, 1240 KiB  
Article
Electrophysiological Screening to Assess Foot Drop Syndrome in Severe Acquired Brain Injury in Rehabilitative Settings
by Francesco Piccione, Antonio Cerasa, Paolo Tonin, Simone Carozzo, Rocco Salvatore Calabrò, Stefano Masiero and Lucia Francesca Lucca
Biomedicines 2024, 12(4), 878; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12040878 - 16 Apr 2024
Viewed by 1234
Abstract
Background: Foot drop syndrome (FDS), characterized by severe weakness and atrophy of the dorsiflexion muscles of the feet, is commonly found in patients with severe acquired brain injury (ABI). If the syndrome is unilateral, the cause is often a peroneal neuropathy (PN), due [...] Read more.
Background: Foot drop syndrome (FDS), characterized by severe weakness and atrophy of the dorsiflexion muscles of the feet, is commonly found in patients with severe acquired brain injury (ABI). If the syndrome is unilateral, the cause is often a peroneal neuropathy (PN), due to compression of the nervous trunk on the neck of the fibula at the knee level; less frequently, the cause is a previous or concomitant lumbar radiculopathy. Bilateral syndromes are caused by polyneuropathies and myopathies. Central causes, due to brain or spinal injury, mimic this syndrome but are usually accompanied by other symptoms, such as spasticity. Critical illness polyneuropathy (CIP) and myopathy (CIM), isolated or in combination (critical illness polyneuromyopathy, CIPNM), have been shown to constitute an important cause of FDS in patients with ABI. Assessing the causes of FDS in the intensive rehabilitation unit (IRU) has several limitations, which include the complexity of the electrophysiological tests, limited availability of neurophysiology consultants, and the severe disturbance in consciousness and lack of cooperation from patients. Objectives: We sought to propose a simplified electrophysiological screening that identifies FDS causes, particularly PN and CIPNM, to help clinicians to recognize the significant clinical predictors of poor outcomes in severe ABI at admission to IRU. Methods: This prospective, single-center study included 20 severe ABI patients with FDS (11 females/9 males, mean age 55.10 + 16.26; CRS-R= 11.90 + 6.32; LCF: 3.30 + 1.30; DRS: 21.45 + 3.33), with prolonged rehabilitation treatment (≥2 months). We applied direct tibialis anterior muscle stimulation (DMS) associated with peroneal nerve motor conduction evaluation, across the fibular head (NCS), to identify CIP and/or CIM and to exclude demyelinating or compressive unilateral PN. Results: At admission to IRU, simplified electrophysiological screening reported four unilateral PN, four CIP and six CIM with a CIPNM overall prevalence estimate of about 50%. After 2 months, the CIPNM group showed significantly poorer outcomes compared to other ABI patients without CIPNM, as demonstrated by the lower probability of achieving endotracheal-tube weaning (20% versus 90%) and lower CRS-R and DRS scores. Due to the subacute rehabilitation setting of our study, it was not possible to evaluate the motor results of recovery of the standing position, functional walking and balance, impaired by the presence of unilateral PN. Conclusions: The implementation of the proposed simplified electrophysiological screening may enable the early identification of unilateral PN or CIPNM in severe ABI patients, thereby contributing to better functional prognosis in rehabilitative settings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Brain Injury: New Insights into Mechanisms and Future Promising Treatments)
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13 pages, 6813 KiB  
Article
Neuroprotective Effects of Krypton Inhalation on Photothrombotic Ischemic Stroke
by Viktoriya V. Antonova, Denis N. Silachev, Egor Y. Plotnikov, Irina B. Pevzner, Elmira I. Yakupova, Mikhail V. Pisarev, Ekaterina A. Boeva, Zoya I. Tsokolaeva, Maxim A. Lyubomudrov, Igor V. Shumov, Andrey V. Grechko and Oleg A. Grebenchikov
Biomedicines 2024, 12(3), 635; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12030635 - 13 Mar 2024
Viewed by 1315
Abstract
This is the first in vivo study to investigate the neuroprotective effects of krypton on focal cerebral ischemia. The aim of the study was to analyze the effect of 2 h of inhalation of a krypton–oxygen mixture (Kr 70%/O2 30%) on the [...] Read more.
This is the first in vivo study to investigate the neuroprotective effects of krypton on focal cerebral ischemia. The aim of the study was to analyze the effect of 2 h of inhalation of a krypton–oxygen mixture (Kr 70%/O2 30%) on the recovery of neurological functions and the degree of brain damage in rats after photoinduced ischemic stroke (PIS) and to investigate the possible mechanisms responsible for this neuroprotection. Experiments were performed on male Wistar rats weighing 250–300 g (n = 32). Animals were randomized into four groups. Two groups (n = 20) underwent photoinduced ischemic stroke, followed by 2 h of inhalation of krypton–oxygen mixture consisting of Kr 70%/O2 30% or a nitrogen–oxygen breathing mixture consisting of N2 70%/O2 30%, followed by neurological examinations on days 3 and 7. The other two groups (n = 12) received only gas mixtures of the same concentration and exposure duration as in those in the PIS groups, then Western blot analysis of the potential molecular mechanisms was performed. The results of the study show that treatment with the krypton–oxygen mixture consisting of Kr 70%/O2 30% improves the neurological status on day 7 of observation, reduces the lesion volume according to the MRI examination and the number of Iba-1- and caspase-3-positive cells in the damaged area, promotes the activation of neoangiogenesis (an increase in the von Willebrand factor), and reduces the penumbra area and the number of NeuN-positive cells in it on day 14 of observation. Inhalation of the krypton–oxygen mixture also significantly increases the levels of phosphorylated AKT kinase (protein kinase B) and glycogen synthase kinase 3b (pGSK3b) and promotes the expression of transcription factor Nrf2, which was accompanied by the lowered expression of transcription factor NFkB (p50). Thus, we showed pronounced neuroprotection induced by krypton inhalation after stroke and identified the signaling pathways that may be responsible for restoring neurological functions and reducing damage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Brain Injury: New Insights into Mechanisms and Future Promising Treatments)
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11 pages, 1409 KiB  
Article
Noradrenergic Pathways Involved in Micturition in an Animal Model of Hydrocephalus—Implications for Urinary Dysfunction
by Marta Louçano, Ana Coelho, Sílvia Sousa Chambel, Cristina Prudêncio, Célia Duarte Cruz and Isaura Tavares
Biomedicines 2024, 12(1), 215; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12010215 - 18 Jan 2024
Viewed by 1396
Abstract
Hydrocephalus is characterized by enlargement of the cerebral ventricles, accompanied by distortion of the periventricular tissue. Patients with hydrocephalus usually experience urinary impairments. Although the underlying etiology is not fully described, the effects of hydrocephalus in the neuronal network responsible for the control [...] Read more.
Hydrocephalus is characterized by enlargement of the cerebral ventricles, accompanied by distortion of the periventricular tissue. Patients with hydrocephalus usually experience urinary impairments. Although the underlying etiology is not fully described, the effects of hydrocephalus in the neuronal network responsible for the control of urination, which involves periventricular areas, including the periaqueductal gray (PAG) and the noradrenergic locus coeruleus (LC). In this study, we aimed to investigate the mechanisms behind urinary dysfunction in rats with kaolin-induced hydrocephalus. For that purpose, we used a validated model of hydrocephalus—the rat injected with kaolin in the cisterna magna—also presents urinary impairments in order to investigate the putative involvement of noradrenergic control from the brain to the spinal cord Onuf’s nucleus, a key area in the motor control of micturition. We first evaluated bladder contraction capacity using cystometry. Since our previous characterization of the LC in hydrocephalic animals showed increased levels of noradrenaline, we then evaluated the noradrenergic innervation of the spinal cord’s Onuf’s nucleus by measuring levels of dopamine β-hydroxylase (DBH). We also evaluated the expression of the c-Fos protooncogene, the most widely used marker of neuronal activation, in the ventrolateral PAG (vlPAG), an area that plays a major role in the control of urination by its indirect control of the LC via pontine micturition center. Hydrocephalic rats showed an increased frequency of bladder contractions and lower minimum pressure. These animals also presented increased DBH levels at the Onuf´s nucleus, along with decreased c-Fos expression in the vlPAG. The present findings suggest that impairments in urinary function during hydrocephalus may be due to alterations in descending noradrenergic modulation. We propose that the effects of hydrocephalus in the decrease of vlPAG neuronal activation lead to a decrease in the control over the LC. The increased availability of noradrenaline production at the LC probably causes an exaggerated micturition reflex due to the increased innervation of the Onuf´s nucleus, accounting for the urinary impairments detected in hydrocephalic animals. The results of the study provide new insights into the neuronal underlying mechanisms of urinary dysfunction in hydrocephalus. Further research is needed to fully evaluate the translational perspectives of the current findings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Brain Injury: New Insights into Mechanisms and Future Promising Treatments)
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12 pages, 253 KiB  
Article
The Association of Different Genetic Variants with the Development of Hypoxic–Ischemic Encephalopathy
by Vesna Pavlov, Anet Papazovska Cherepnalkovski, Marino Marcic, Ljiljana Marcic and Radenka Kuzmanic Samija
Biomedicines 2023, 11(10), 2795; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11102795 - 15 Oct 2023
Viewed by 1523
Abstract
The aim of this study is to investigate the frequency of six tag SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) within specific genes (F2, F5, F7, MTHFR, NOS2A, PAI 2-1, PAI 2-2, and PAI 3-3): F2 ( [...] Read more.
The aim of this study is to investigate the frequency of six tag SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) within specific genes (F2, F5, F7, MTHFR, NOS2A, PAI 2-1, PAI 2-2, and PAI 3-3): F2 (rs1799963), F5 (rs6025), F7 (rs6046), NOS 2 (rs1137933), PAI 2 (SERPINB2) (rs6103), MTHFR (rs1801133). The study also investigates their association with the development and severity of HIE. The genes F2, F5, and F7 code for proteins involved in blood clotting. MTHFR is a gene that plays a significant role in processing amino acids, the fundamental building blocks of proteins. NOS2A, PAI 2-1, PAI 2-2, and PAI 3-3 are genes involved in the regulation of various physiological processes, such as the relaxation of smooth muscle, regulation of central blood pressure, vasodilatation, and synaptic plasticity. Changes in these genes may be associated with brain injury. This retrospective study included 279 participants, of which 132 participants had Hypoxic–Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) and 147 subjects were in the control group. Our study found that certain genetic variants in the rs61103 and rs1137933 polymorphisms were associated with hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and the findings of the magnetic resonance imaging. There was a correlation between Apgar scores and the degree of damage according to the ultrasound findings. These results highlight the complex relationship between genetic factors, clinical parameters, and the severity of HIE. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Brain Injury: New Insights into Mechanisms and Future Promising Treatments)
14 pages, 3474 KiB  
Article
Novel Insights into Pathophysiology of Delayed Cerebral Ischemia: Effects of Current Rescue Therapy on Microvascular Perfusion Heterogeneity
by Björn B. Hofmann, Cihat Karadag, Christian Rubbert, Simon Schieferdecker, Milad Neyazi, Yousef Abusabha, Igor Fischer, Hieronymus D. Boogaarts, Sajjad Muhammad, Kerim Beseoglu, Daniel Hänggi, Bernd Turowski, Marcel A. Kamp and Jan F. Cornelius
Biomedicines 2023, 11(10), 2624; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11102624 - 24 Sep 2023
Viewed by 1545
Abstract
General microvascular perfusion and its heterogeneity are pathophysiological features of delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) that are gaining increasing attention. Recently, CT perfusion (CTP) imaging has made it possible to evaluate them radiologically using mean transit time (MTT) and its heterogeneity (measured by cvMTT). [...] Read more.
General microvascular perfusion and its heterogeneity are pathophysiological features of delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) that are gaining increasing attention. Recently, CT perfusion (CTP) imaging has made it possible to evaluate them radiologically using mean transit time (MTT) and its heterogeneity (measured by cvMTT). This study evaluates the effect of multimodal rescue therapy (intra-arterial nimodipine administration and elevation of blood pressure) on MTT and cvMTT during DCI in aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH) patients. A total of seventy-nine aSAH patients who underwent multimodal rescue therapy between May 2012 and December 2019 were retrospectively included in this study. CTP-based perfusion impairment (MTT and cvMTT) on the day of DCI diagnosis was compared with follow-up CTP after initiation of combined multimodal therapy. The mean MTT was significantly reduced in the follow-up CTP compared to the first CTP (3.7 ± 0.7 s vs. 3.3 ± 0.6 s; p < 0.0001). However, no significant reduction of cvMTT was observed (0.16 ± 0.06 vs. 0.15 ± 0.06; p = 0.44). Mean arterial pressure was significantly increased between follow-up and first CTP (98 ± 17 mmHg vs. 104 ± 15 mmHg; p < 0.0001). The combined multimodal rescue therapy was effective in addressing the general microvascular perfusion impairment but did not affect the mechanisms underlying microvascular perfusion heterogeneity. This highlights the need for research into new therapeutic approaches that also target these pathophysiological mechanisms of DCI. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Brain Injury: New Insights into Mechanisms and Future Promising Treatments)
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Review

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18 pages, 332 KiB  
Review
Exploring Symptom Overlaps: Post-COVID-19 Neurological Syndrome and Post-Concussion Syndrome in Athletes
by Ioannis Mavroudis, Foivos Petridis, Antoneta Dacia Petroaie, Alin Ciobica, Fatima Zahra Kamal, Cezar Honceriu, Alin Iordache, Cătălina Ionescu, Bogdan Novac and Otilia Novac
Biomedicines 2024, 12(7), 1587; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12071587 - 17 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1104
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced new challenges in managing neurological conditions, particularly among athletes. This paper explores the intersection of post-COVID-19 neurological syndrome (PCNS/PASC) and post-concussion syndrome (PCS), focusing on their implications in sports medicine. Our analysis covers the symptomatology, pathophysiology, and management [...] Read more.
The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced new challenges in managing neurological conditions, particularly among athletes. This paper explores the intersection of post-COVID-19 neurological syndrome (PCNS/PASC) and post-concussion syndrome (PCS), focusing on their implications in sports medicine. Our analysis covers the symptomatology, pathophysiology, and management strategies for PCNS/PASC and PPCS, with special attention paid to the unique challenges faced by athletes recovering from these conditions, including the risk of symptom exacerbation and prolonged recovery. Key findings reveal that both PCNS/PASC and PPCS present with overlapping symptoms such as cognitive difficulties, exercise intolerance, and mental health issues, but differ in specific manifestations like anosmia and ageusia, unique to COVID-19. Pathophysiological analysis reveals similarities in blood–brain barrier disruption (BBB) but differences in the extent of immune activation. Management strategies emphasize a gradual increase in physical activity, close symptom monitoring, and psychological support, with a tailored approach for athletes. Specific interventions include progressive aerobic exercises, resistance training, and cognitive rehabilitation. Furthermore, our study highlights the importance of integrating neurology, psychiatry, physical therapy, and sports medicine to develop comprehensive care strategies. Our findings underscore the dual challenge of COVID-19 and concussion in athletes, necessitating a nuanced, interdisciplinary approach to effective management. Future research should focus on the long-term neurological effects of both conditions and optimizing treatment protocols to improve patient outcomes. This comprehensive understanding is crucial for advancing the management of athletes affected by these overlapping conditions and ensuring their safe return to sports. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Brain Injury: New Insights into Mechanisms and Future Promising Treatments)
15 pages, 1939 KiB  
Review
Neurologic Injury-Related Predisposing Factors of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Critical Examination
by Wiley Gillam, Nikhil Godbole, Shourya Sangam, Alyssa DeTommaso, Marco Foreman and Brandon Lucke-Wold
Biomedicines 2023, 11(10), 2732; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11102732 - 9 Oct 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1934
Abstract
The present review aimed to identify the means through which neurologic injury can predispose individuals to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In recent years, comprehensive studies have helped to clarify which structures in the central nervous system can lead to distinct PTSD symptoms—namely, dissociative [...] Read more.
The present review aimed to identify the means through which neurologic injury can predispose individuals to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In recent years, comprehensive studies have helped to clarify which structures in the central nervous system can lead to distinct PTSD symptoms—namely, dissociative reactions or flashbacks—when damaged. Our review narrowed its focus to three common neurologic injuries, traumatic brain injury (TBI), subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and stroke. We found that in each of the three cases, individuals may be at an increased risk of developing PTSD symptoms. Beyond discussing the potential mechanisms by which neurotrauma may lead to PTSD, we summarized our current understanding of the pathophysiology of the disorder and discussed predicted associations between the limbic system and PTSD. In particular, the effect of noradrenergic neuromodulatory signaling on the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis as it pertains to fear memory recall needs to be further explored to better understand its effects on limbic structures in PTSD patients. At present, altered limbic activity can be found in both neurotrauma and PTSD patients, suggesting a potential causative link. Particularly, changes in the function of the limbic system may be associated with characteristic symptoms of PTSD such as intrusive memories and acute psychological distress. Despite evidence demonstrating the correlation between neurotrauma and PTSD, a lack of PTSD prognosis exists in TBI, SAH, and stroke patients who could benefit from early treatment. It should be noted that PTSD symptoms often compound with pre-existing issues, further deteriorating health outcomes for these patients. It is ultimately our goal to clarify the relationship between neurotrauma and PTSD so that earlier diagnoses and appropriate treatment are observed in clinic. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Brain Injury: New Insights into Mechanisms and Future Promising Treatments)
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