salivary biomarkers

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), particularly mild TBIs, present a complex diagnostic challenge due to their subtle manifestations and the broad spectrum of potential long-term consequences, including post-concussion syndrome (PCS) and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). The search for reliable diagnostic markers has led to the exploration of salivary biomarkers as a non-invasive, cost-effective means of detecting TBIs and assessing their severity. This review examines the role of salivary biomarkers—S100B, Neurofilament Light Chain (NfL), microRNAs (miRNAs), and Extracellular Vesicles (EVs)—in the diagnosis of TBIs and PCS. Elevated levels of S100B are associated with brain damage, suggesting its potential as an indicator of TBI. NfL, a marker of axonal injury, offers insights into the severity of neural damage. Altered miRNA profiles in saliva can reflect changes in gene expression related to neural injury, providing a molecular signature of TBI and PCS. Furthermore, EVs carry a cargo reflective of cellular and molecular changes post-injury, serving as a promising diagnostic tool. This review highlights the emerging significance of these salivary biomarkers in the early detection and management of TBIs, underscoring the need for further research to validate their clinical utility and integrate them into standard diagnostic protocols.