Extracellular Vesicle Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein as a Circulating Biomarker of Traumatic Brain Injury Severity

Abstract

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains a major global health challenge with a need for improved diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. This study aimed to evaluate the biomarker potential of extracellular vesicle (EV)-encapsulated glial fibrillary acidic protein (EV-GFAP), neurofilament light chain (EV-NfL), total tau (EV-T-Tau), and ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase L1 (EV-UCH-L1) in TBI. A cohort of 93 trauma patients (75 with TBI and 18 without TBI) was analyzed. Patients were sampled on admission, as well as 15 and 72 h post-injury. Following initial method validation, EVs were isolated from plasma using size exclusion chromatography (SEC), and plasma levels and EV cargo levels of biomarkers were measured using an ultra-sensitive Single Molecule Array. EV-GFAP levels were significantly elevated in TBI patients compared to non-TBI trauma patients at admission and 15 h. A positive head CT was associated with 2.85 (95% CI: 1.18–6.91) fold increased EV-GFAP, whereas EV-NfL, EV-T-Tau, and EV-UCH-L1 levels were not affected. None of the tested EV biomarkers were associated with 1-year mortality or 6–12 months’ functional outcome. Plasma-GFAP levels increased 3.4 (95% CI: 1.72–6.70) fold with a positive head CT but were not associated with outcomes. EV-GFAP shows potential as an early biomarker of TBI, but plasma-GFAP remains a practical and reliable alternative. Future studies should explore the potential complementary roles of EV-based biomarkers on alternative aspects of TBI pathophysiology and prediction of long-term outcomes. Studies should refine methods to enhance reproducibility and clinical applicability.