Quanterix’ Ultra-Sensitive Technology Creates Breakthroughs in Brain Health of Military and Veterans
New research advances the diagnosis of concussions and PTSD for those in the line of duty
According to the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, nearly 800,000 veterans have been diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) since 2000 and more than 80 percent are considered to be mild (mTBI). Previously, researchers lacked the sensitivity needed to examine mTBIs, which often do not present symptoms and frequently go undiagnosed, potentially leading to neurological complications later in life.
A recent study published in Brain Injury showed that elevated levels of exosomal tau, amyloid-beta (Aβ42) and IL-10, now measurable with the Simoa technology in blood, are associated with mTBIs and chronic symptoms in military personnel. The findings suggest that measuring these exosomal markers may provide a way to detect mTBIs prior to the onset of symptoms, and therefore allow a wider range of potential treatments. The study also advances our understanding of the relationship between mTBIs and PTSD, correlating inflammation of the brain following an mTBI with progression of chronic PTSD symptoms.
“The health and safety of our military personnel and veterans are a top
concern. These men and women risk their lives to protect our country and
we owe it to them to fight just as hard to protect their health,” said
Another study published in Brain Injury sought to examine plasma and exosomal levels of tau, phosphorylated tau (p-tau), Aβ42 and Aβ40 in veterans with historical mTBIs and chronic neuropsychological symptoms. The findings indicate that elevations of exosomal tau and exosomal p-tau significantly correlate with post-traumatic and post-concussive symptoms in veterans with repetitive mTBIs (rTBIs). The findings also suggest that blood-based exosomes may provide another reliable biomarker source for remote mTBIs and that rTBIs may contribute to chronic neuropsychological symptoms.
“These findings are pivotal to understanding biomarker pathology with
relation to mTBIs and post-concussive symptoms, which has never before
been possible to this degree,” said Dr.
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Source:
For Quanterix Corporation
Lindsay Poole, 617-502-4300
Pan.quanterix@pancomm.com