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Abstract #2013

Neuroinflammation in Chronic Sports-Related Repetitive Brain Trauma

Alexander Peter Lin 1 , Molly Charney 1 , Huijun Vicky Liao 1 , Sai K Merugumala 1 , Christine Baugh 2 , and Robert A Stern 2

1 Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States, 2 Center for Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a neurodegenerative condition that can result from sports-related repetitive brain trauma. It is characterized by the deposition of tau proteins which may induce neuroinflammation. The goal of this study is to measure neuroinflammation in retired NFL athletes at high risk for CTE by measuring glutathione levels using magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Our results show that glutathione levels are reduced in NFL players when compared to age-matched professional athlete controls with no history of head injury. As GSH is utilized by the brain to neutralize reactive oxidative species, the reduction is reflective of neuroinflammation.

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