Several studies have demonstrated that elevated levels of S100B, GFAP, UCH-L1, and NFL correlate with the presence and severity of mTBI. S100B, a marker of astrocytic damage, has been shown to have high sensitivity but moderate specificity for mTBI. GFAP, another astrocytic marker, exhibits higher specificity and is particularly useful in differentiating mTBI from other conditions. UCH-L1, a marker of neuronal cell body injury, and NFL, indicative of axonal damage, both show promise in reflecting the extent of neuronal injury and predicting recovery outcomes. Additionally, combinations of these biomarkers may enhance diagnostic accuracy and provide more comprehensive insights into the injury mechanisms and prognosis.
The use of blood biomarkers in mTBI offers several advantages, including non-invasiveness, rapid turnaround time, and the potential for point-of-care testing. However, challenges such as variability in biomarker levels due to individual differences, the influence of extracranial injuries, and the need for standardized protocols must be addressed. Further research is required to validate these biomarkers in larger, diverse populations and to establish clear clinical guidelines for their use.