#AI reads Urine#Neuronal and Glial Biomarkers in Urine of Athletes with Different Risks of Head Trauma to Monitor Sports-Related Concussions
Published 18 February, 2026
This study aimed to explore a non-invasive method for monitoring sports-related concussions through neuronal and glial biomarkers in urine. A total of 48 athletes were recruited, including those engaged in boxing (high risk), American football, soccer (moderate risk), and endurance sports (low risk). A total of 112 urine samples were collected from the athletes before and after competitions. Four biomarkers—glial fibrillary acidic protein, ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase-L1, tau protein, and neurofilament light chain—were detected, and their concentrations were adjusted using the creatinine ratio to account for urine dilution. The results showed that the ratios of tau protein and ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase-L1 in boxers were significantly higher than those in athletes participating in moderate and low-risk sports. No significant increase in these biomarker ratios was observed within 72 hours after the occurrence of sports-related concussions. However, when all samples collected after concussions were analyzed collectively, the ratios of the two biomarkers were significantly higher than those before the concussions. Nevertheless, this study had limitations, such as a small number of concussion cases and the inclusion of only male athletes. Overall, the findings indicate that tau protein and ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase-L1 in urine may be used for the long-term monitoring of cumulative head injuries in athletes involved in high-risk sports, but they are not suitable for the early rapid diagnosis of concussions.
Mol Neurobiol. 2025 Dec 20;63(1):314. doi: 10.1007/s12035-025-05507-y.
Youhe Gao
Statement: During the preparation of this work the author(s) used Doubao / AI reading for summarizing the content. After using this tool/service, the author(s) reviewed and edited the content as needed and take(s) full responsibility for the content of the published article.
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