Gut and saliva microbiome in collegiate football athletes

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) or concussion, and repetitive strokes (below the concussion threshold) affect 10%-20% of athletes in contact sports. The pathophysiology of sports-related concussion involves numerous mechanisms outside the brain, including peripheral inflammation and the massive release of neurotransmitters and metabolites by the intestine. A total of 33 male college football players with no history of neurological conditions were recruited for this study. Saliva, stool, and blood samples were collected at three-time points throughout the sports season (mid-season, post-season, and off-season), and after any concussion that required medical attention. This study's results may contribute to establishing a specific concussion microbiome profile that could be used as a biomarker for better diagnosis and potentially contribute to the development of new therapeutic approaches.