About This Project

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a progressive, neurodegenerative condition resulting from exposure to repetitive head impacts (concussions). It is not fully understood how the condition results in accelerated aging of the brain, and therapy development is only beginning. This project will examine the effects of five neuroprotective compounds on clinical, cellular, and molecular health in rats that have artificially induced CTE, to investigate disease mechanisms and treatments.

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 3.8 million concussions occur each year in the United States. A significant link has been identified between concussion injuries and CTE in the aging brain. CTE patients display dementia-like mood, cognitive, behavior and memory dysfunction, and are at significantly higher risk for developing other severe neurodegenerative conditions. At present there are no pharmacological or non-pharmacological treatments for CTE. This investigation will build on the understanding of neurological damage following concussion, how it affects the brain in aging, and how protective anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents may be used to combat the underlying mechanisms.

What is the significance of this project?

This study will look at the behavior of genes and biomarkers in response to the administration of the chosen agents. It is hypothesized that interventions will promote favorable outcomes in antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective capacity of the brain.

This study will also aid in characterizing the behavior of important cellular and molecular markers to provide understanding of the underlying etiology. This project will assist clinicians in the diagnosis and treatment of patients where exposure to repetitive traumatic brain injury has occurred or is a frequent possibility (military personnel and contact sport participants). Individuals at risk of these injuries show significantly poorer outcomes in brain health as they age.

What are the goals of the project?

The project will compare the effects of intake and timing of intake of three anti-inflammatory supplements, one anti-inflammatory drug, and one antibiotic drug on concussion exposure. These have been chosen for their demonstrated protective role in other diseases of inflammation and oxidative stress. The study will commence in early 2017. Animals be divided into treatment groups with a control group, and will take the drug/supplement orally, as in humans. Animals will take the compound before and during a week of head injury administration designed to replicate the forces sustained by football athletes. Behavior will be assessed, and genetic, biochemical, and electron microscope analysis will be conducted on hippocampus and cortex tissue following the completion of all injury protocols.