This study analyzed MRI and serum samples from 30 participants across two groups to explore the relationship between protein levels and MRI scans in post return-to-play collegiate athletes following concussion.

Recently, there has been an increase in concussion research on their effects on different protein levels in serum (a derived portion of blood) between concussed and control groups.

Recent research examining serum biomarkers in concussion have found elevated levels of many proteins, but overall have mixed results in correlation with MRI. However, these studies have not focused on the lingering effects that exist in post return-to-play.

The first group (n = 15) consisted of recently cleared to return-to-play collegiate athletes after experiencing a sports-related concussion. The second group (n = 15) was collegiate athlete controls matched on age, sex, and sport. Serum samples were collected to assess the levels of proteins following post return-to-play. These proteins were evaluated using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay kits (ELIASA).

An overall BDNF effect was observed between groups (p < .05), the concussed group exhibited significantly higher levels of serum BDNF compared to the control group. A positive association between BDNF and gray matter volume (GMV) was observed at a 250 voxel cluster level in both the right (p_FDR = .015) and left cerebellum region (p_FDR = .045) across groups. A negative association between BDNF and GMV in both groups was observed in the brainstem (p = .029) and the precuneus (p = .017) areas. A differential relationship between group and BDNF on GMV was observed (p = .022) in the prefrontal cortex.

Previous research has not examined the post return-to-play effects in neuroplasticity specific proteins, nor the time frame of injury in comparison to controls with MRI. Serum-based biomarkers and MRI grant a better depiction of what is occurring during post return-to-play.