A - 26 AMPAR as a Sports Concussion Biomarker and Its Relationship to Neurocognitive Functioning in Collegiate Athletes

Abstract

Abstract Objective This prospective controlled observational cohort pilot study investigated a potential blood-based biomarker [α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR)] and relationship to neurocognitive testing in collegiate athletes. Methods A multisport sample of 60 collegiate athletes (53% female; 44 contact, 16 non-contact controls) completed ImPACT testing and provided blood samples at a pre-season baseline and within 4 weeks post-season. Plasma and serum samples were processed for AMPAR peptides and antibodies. Twelve athletes did not complete all procedures and were excluded from the final analysis (final n = 48; 36 contact; 12 controls). Results Contact athletes demonstrated greater increases in serum AMPAR antibodies compared to controls (t(46) = 3.24;p < 0.01). On neurocognitive testing, controls had a faster reaction time than contact athletes at baseline (p < 0.05); however, this increased post season (p < 0.01), with the mean change in reaction time (contact: M = 0.06, SD = 0.19; control: M = 0.00, SD = 0.04) approaching significance (t(37.23) = 1.54; p < 0.15). Additionally, ImPACT reaction time was correlated (r = 0.37;p < 0.05) with serum AMPAR antibodies, with slowed reaction time related to increased AMPAR in contact athletes only and only post-season. Conclusions Serum AMPAR antibody levels significantly increased in the contact group and were correlated with reaction time on contact athlete neurocognitive testing at post-season only, with contact athletes showing both slower reaction time and increased levels of AMPAR antibodies compared to controls. No findings were identified in plasma AMPAR peptides, possibly related to sample processing which could not be done immediately in this pilot study. Future research and replication is needed; however, AMPAR may represent a blood-based concussion biomarker, with potential for clinical utility in athletes.