Fig. 15
From: DNA repair deficiency and senescence in concussed professional athletes involved in contact sports
Proposed pathophysiological mechanism of mTBI-related brain dysfunction. mTBI causes the accumulation of DNA damage, which may either be efficiently repaired by DNA repair enzymes or, in some individuals who have inefficient DNA repair mechanisms, may accumulate and cause the acquisition of cellular senescence. Accumulation of senescent cells in the brain drives the persistent symptoms of mTBI and may drive the development of neurodegenerative conditions and cognitive decline later in life associated with mTBI