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Neurological Biomarker Profiles in Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Pilots and Aircrew
Shawn G Rhind1,2, Maria Y Shiu1, Oshin Vartanian1,3
1Defence Research and Development-Toronto Research Centre, Toronto, ON M3K 2C9, Canada.
Brain Sciences
|January 8, 2025
Summary
Military aviators show higher levels of brain injury biomarkers, indicating increased risk for neurodegeneration. This highlights the need for monitoring and research into long-term brain health impacts.
Area of Science:
- Aerospace Medicine
- Neuroscience
- Biomarker Research
Background:
- Military aviators face extreme physiological stressors like G-forces and hypoxia.
- These stressors may lead to neurobiological dysfunction and long-term brain injury.
- Assessing neurological biomarkers is crucial for understanding risks in aviators.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate neurological biomarker levels in military aviators.
- To assess the potential risk of long-term brain injury and neurodegeneration.
- To compare biomarker levels between aviators and non-aviator controls.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 48 Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) aviators and 48 controls.
- Plasma samples analyzed for biomarkers: GFAP, NF-L, pNF-H, PRDX-6, T-tau, S100b, NSE, UCHL-1.
- Biomarker concentrations quantified using multiplexed immunoassays.
Main Results:
- Aviators had significantly higher GFAP, NF-L, PRDX-6, and T-tau levels (p < 0.001).
- Elevated biomarkers indicate increased glial activation, axonal injury, and oxidative stress.
- Trends for S100b, NSE, and UCHL-1 were observed but not statistically significant.
Conclusions:
- Military aviators face elevated risks of neurobiological injury, including glial/axonal damage and oxidative stress.
- Findings suggest potential for early neurodegeneration in this population.
- Proactive monitoring and research are vital for mitigating cognitive decline and neurodegenerative risks.
