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Updated: Apr 18, 2026
In Vivo Protocol of Controlled Subconcussive Head Impacts for the Validation of Field Study Data
Published on: April 18, 2019
Cumulative increases in circulating mtDNA as a potential biomarker of brain injury in rugby union: a pilot study
Valentina Selleri1, Marco Bazo2, Giorgia Sinigaglia3
1Department of Surgical, Medical, Dental and Morphological Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy.
Objectives:
Rugby is a high contact sport that can lead to head contact events, especially in forward players, triggering inflammatory processes. Mitochondrial DNA, released during injury, may act as a proinflammatory signal. This study aimed to assess levels of three mitochondrial DNA forms-mitochondrial (Fraction 1), protein bound (Fraction 2), and naked (Fraction 3) - across a rugby season and correlate them with neuroinflammatory markers, blood parameters, and head impact exposure.
Design:
Observational, longitudinal.
Methods:
Thirteen male professional rugby players were monitored across two matches in the 2023-24 season. Blood samples were collected before (T0, T2), immediately after (T1, T3) each match, and one month post season (T4). Mitochondrial DNA levels and integrity were quantified, along with neuroinflammatory markers and pro-inflammatory cytokines, hematochemical parameters, immune receptor expression and monocyte distribution.
Results:
Mitochondrial DNA levels increased progressively from T0 to T4, particularly in forward players. Post-match, Fraction 2 and 3 mitochondrial DNA levels were elevated, with a peak at T4. Interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 rose after both matches, while tumor necrosis factor-alpha increased only at T3. Neurofilament light chain levels spiked post-match but normalized afterward. Baseline mitochondrial DNA correlated with several hematological and metabolic markers, and immune cell subsets. Global Positioning System data linked mitochondrial DNA levels with high powered actions and contact intensity, especially in forward players.
Conclusions:
Repeated head impacts in rugby lead to sustained mitochondrial DNA elevation, suggesting its potential as an early biomarker of cell damage and neuroinflammation. This may aid in preventing sports- related neurodegeneration.
Insights
Repeated head impacts in rugby increase mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) levels, particularly in forwards. Elevated mtDNA suggests potential as an early biomarker for cell damage and neuroinflammation in athletes.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Cellular Biology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Rugby involves frequent head contact, potentially causing cellular damage and inflammation.
- Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) released from damaged cells may act as a pro-inflammatory signal.
- Understanding mtDNA dynamics is crucial for assessing injury impact in contact sports.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess levels of three mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) fractions across a rugby season.
- To correlate mtDNA levels with neuroinflammatory markers and blood parameters.
- To investigate the relationship between head impact exposure and mtDNA changes in rugby players.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal observational study of 13 professional rugby players over the 2023-24 season.
- Blood samples collected pre- and post-match, and one month post-season.
- Quantification of mtDNA fractions, neuroinflammatory markers, cytokines, hematochemical parameters, and immune cell distribution.
Main Results:
- Progressive increase in mtDNA levels throughout the season, especially in forward players.
- Post-match elevations in protein-bound and naked mtDNA fractions, peaking one month post-season.
- Correlation of baseline mtDNA with hematological, metabolic, and immune markers; linked to high-impact actions and contact intensity.
Conclusions:
- Sustained elevation of mtDNA following repeated head impacts in rugby.
- mtDNA shows potential as an early biomarker for cell damage and neuroinflammation.
- This research may contribute to preventing sports-related neurodegeneration.
