重复性脑撞击会引起神经元损失

Core Insights - A recent study published in Nature indicates that young athletes suffering repeated brain impacts may experience neuronal loss long before signs of neurodegenerative diseases appear [1][2] - Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), associated with repetitive brain impacts, is primarily diagnosed post-mortem through the detection of abnormal tau protein accumulation [1] - The study analyzed brain tissue from 28 individuals under 51 years old, revealing that all contact sport athletes exhibited higher levels of neuroinflammation, vascular damage, and neuronal loss compared to non-athlete controls [1] Group 1 - The study found that contact sport athletes had a 56% reduction in cortical layer neurons compared to age-matched individuals without brain injuries, indicating significant early neuronal loss [1] - This neuronal loss occurs independently of tau protein accumulation, suggesting it happens earlier and is not typical of CTE pathology [1] - The findings underscore the need for early identification and treatment of brain injuries in young athletes [2] Group 2 - The research highlights the importance of protecting young athletes and proposes new directions for potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets related to brain changes from repetitive impacts [2]