Long-term effects of concussions, particularly in contact sport athletes, have been linked to changes in neuronal health. Lipid dysregulation has emerged as a potential contributor to neuronal injury and may serve as a measurable biomarker of brain pathology. This study investigated cognitive scores and serum lipid biomarkers in retired rugby players with a history of concussion to assess their association with concussion exposure. Serum levels of 24-hydroxycholesterol (24-HC), 25-HC, 27-HC, total triglycerides, and ceramide were compared between retired rugby players with a history of repeated concussions (n = 26) and non-contact sport controls (n = 19). ELISA-based quantification and statistical analyses identified significant group differences. Concussed athletes exhibited significantly lower serum 24-HC and significantly higher levels of 27-HC, triglycerides, and ceramide compared to controls, while no significant difference was observed for 25-HC. These findings indicate that repeated concussion is associated with reductions in cognitive performance and persistent alterations in serum lipid profiles. The observed lipid changes, particularly in 24-HC, 27-HC, ceramide, and triglycerides, may serve as measurable biomarkers of concussion-related biochemical alterations, providing a foundation for future studies aimed at monitoring neurological health in at-risk populations.

Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) have been associated with long-term effects of concussions, particularly in contact sport athletes. Lipid dysregulation has emerged as a potential contributor to neuronal damage and could serve as an early biomarker of brain pathology. This study aimed to investigate serum lipid biomarkers in retired rugby players with a history of concussion to explore their diagnostic relevance and potential link to neurodegenerative disease risk. A comparative analysis was conducted comparing serum levels of ApoE4, 24-hydroxycholesterol (24-HC), 25-HC, 27-HC, total triglycerides, and ceramide between concussed retired rugby players and non-contact healthy controls. ELISA-based quantification and statistical comparisons were used to identify significant group differences. Retired rugby players exhibited significantly lower serum 24-HC and significantly higher levels of ApoE4, 27-HC, triglycerides, and ceramide compared to controls. No significant difference was found in 25-HC, though some concussed individuals showed elevated levels. These findings align with previous reports in AD, PD, and ALS populations, supporting lipid dysregulation as a hallmark of neurodegenerative progression. Alterations in lipid profiles among concussed athletes suggest potential roles for ApoE4, 24-HC, 27-HC, ceramide, and triglycerides as early biomarkers for concussion-induced neurodegeneration. These findings may guide future diagnostics and post-care strategies for at-risk populations.