NfL

Abstract:
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) is a significant public health concern, with its diagnosis often hindered by subtle symptoms and limitations in traditional testing methods. Salivary biomarkers have emerged as a promising, non-invasive alternative for mTBI diagnosis. These biomarkers, including S100B protein, Neurofilament Light Chain (NfL), microRNAs (miRNAs), and extracellular vesicles (EVs), offer insights into neuroinflammatory processes and neuronal damage. Saliva’s accessibility and ease of collection position it as a cost-effective tool for early diagnosis and monitoring. Despite their potential, challenges such as standardization, biological complexity, and the need for validation persist. Advancements in research, technology, and integration with clinical tools could establish salivary biomarkers as a pivotal component in mTBI assessment, enabling more precise and personalized care.