Genetic variation shown to have impact on risk of concussion

The authors of a three year study evaluating the link between the risk of concussion in college sports and 8 genetic variations from 4 genes related to structural neuronal integrity and release of pro inflammatory signals, have concluded that athletes with variaton IL-6R CC were associated with a three times greater concussion risk, whilst APOE4 variation athletes saw a 40% lower risk.

1056 college athletes were included in the study, and during the three years 133 athletes sustained a concussion.

Previous studies had found APOE4 variation to be linked with an increased risk of suffering from Alzheimer’s.

Link to study here, further reporting here.