WHITE MATTER MATTERS: New Approach to the Brain's Hidden Half Using Circulating Oligodendrocyte-Derived Extracellular Vesicles.

White matter, comprising 60% of the human brain, is formed by axonal fibers supported by oligodendrocytes. It is essential for brain communication, yet damage can accumulate silently leading to severe neurological problems. Current diagnostics detect changes only after symptoms appear. To enable earlier detection damage, we developed a blood test monitoring changes in oligodendrocyte-derived extracellular vesicles (ODEs) released from the brain into circulation. After validating the assay, we have shown that ODE levels vary from different individuals. However, ODE levels remain stable under mild head impacts in soccer heading practice (n = 15) and boxing/mixed martial arts (n = 10), whereas change markedly following neurological insults such as hemorrhagic (n = 7) and ischemic stroke (n = 14), or gynecological cancer after chemotherapy (n = 11). ODE measurement can potentially provide a minimally invasive window into white matter health and support early diagnosis, personalized assessment, and new insights into human brain biology.

Duke Scholars

Author Cina Sasannejad Neurology, Neurocritical Care

Author Michael Lucas James Anesthesiology, Neuroanesthesia