A test being developed by Cleveland Clinic researchers can detect increased serum levels of the protein S100B indicating blood-brain barrier disruption (BBBD) in football players who experience head hits below the diagnostic threshold for a concussion. Additionally, according to the study published online March 6 in PLOS One, there is evidence supporting a potential link between elevated S100B levels and future risk for cognitive changes. Sixty-seven volunteers from three college football teams were studied. None of the players experienced a concussion in the games analyzed. A review of filmed game footage and post-game interviews documented head hits. Complete season data were available for 15 players including blood samples drawn before and after five games. S100B serum levels and S100B auto-antibodies were measured with direct and reverse immunoassays. Multiple magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) scans and cognitive assessments were also performed in a subset of players. The researchers found that nine players experienced an above BBBD threshold post-game increase in serum S100B. The ceiling for changes indicative of BBBD on this test, the authors say, is 0.12 ng/ml. Transient, increases in serum S100B (post-game compared to baseline) were detected only in players experiencing the greatest number of subconcussive head […]