Individuals who possess a gene that is linked to dyslexia may be less susceptible to sustaining concussions, according to a study published in the Journal of Neurotrama.
Here are six insights:
1. Researchers from Hershey, Pa.-based Penn State Medicine and Chicago-based Northwestern Medicine analyzed data from 87 varsity Penn State football players from 2015 to 2017.
2. In addition to taking a swab of each player’s inner cheek for genetic analysis, players reported their concussion history, which was confirmed through the team physician’s medical evaluation and record of observable concussion signs.
3. Researchers analyzed a variety of candidate genes for the study, but they chose to further explore the KIAA0319 gene because of its lack of analysis in previous concussion studies.
4. The gene could have an effect on neuron response and/or repair to head impacts after an injury due to its role in neuron migration and cell adhesion
5. Results showed the genotype predicted the number of previously diagnosed concussions in the players. Everyone has the KIAA0319 gene in one of the following genotypes:
· CC
· CT
· TT
6. The CC genotype has been associated with dyslexia in other studies, and in the results of this study, there was a direct increase in concussion diagnosis as one went from CC to CT to TT individuals.
Researchers concluded that while results showed athletes with the CC genotype were less likely to have concussion injuries, the study needs to be replicated and further researched to determine whether dyslexia may be neuroprotective.
More articles on sports medicine:
DOD awards U of Kentucky Sports Medicine Research Institute $4M
Cleveland Clinic's head-impact monitoring system business acquires X2Biosystems' technology: 5 notes
WellSpan Health opens new sports medicine practice: 5 notes