CSF Neurofilament light chain level predicts axonal damage in cerebral vasculitis

Background Neurofilament light chain (NF-L) levels reflect axonal damage in different conditions, including demyelinating disorders. Objectives We aimed to compare serum NF-L levels in patients with aquaporin-4 antibodies (AQP4-Ab), myelin oligodendrocyte antibodies (MOG-Ab) and seronegative cases with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders and related disorders. Methods We analysed AQP4-Ab and MOG-Ab with cell-based assay and NF-L with ultrasensitive electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Results Median NF-L levels were increased in 25 AQP4-Ab-positive patients (59 pg/ml) as compared with 22 MOG-Ab-positive cases (25 pg/ml), 52 seronegative patients (18 pg/ml), 25 multiple sclerosis patients (12 pg/ml) and 14 healthy controls (12 pg/ml). Conclusions Increased serum levels of NF-L in patients with AQP4-Ab or MOG-Ab might reflect an ongoing axonal damage and a more malignant disease course.

Download Full-text

Neurofilament light chain level is a weak risk factor for the development of MS

Neurology ◽

10.1212/wnl.0000000000003085 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 87 (11) ◽

pp. 1076-1084 ◽

Cited By ~ 43

Author(s):

Georgina Arrambide ◽

Carmen Espejo ◽

Herena Eixarch ◽

Luisa M. Villar ◽

José C. Alvarez-Cermeño ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factor ◽

Light Chain ◽

Neurofilament Light Chain ◽

Neurofilament Light ◽

Chain Level

Download Full-text

Renal function is associated with blood neurofilament light chain level in older adults

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-020-76990-7 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Shoshin Akamine ◽

Noriko Marutani ◽

Daisuke Kanayama ◽

Shiho Gotoh ◽

Riki Maruyama ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Diabetes Mellitus ◽

Older Adults ◽

Renal Function ◽

Light Chain ◽

Neurofilament Light Chain ◽

Neurofilament Light ◽

Precise Evaluation ◽

Patients With Diabetes ◽

Healthy Participants ◽

Chain Level

AbstractNeurofilament light chain (NfL) is a novel biomarker of neurodegenerative diseases. It is detectable in the peripheral blood, allowing low-invasive assessment of early signs of neurodegeneration. The level of NfL gradually increases with age; however, what other factors affect it remains unclear. The present study examined the association between blood NfL level and renal function among healthy participants undergoing a health check (n = 43, serum NfL) and patients with diabetes mellitus (n = 188, plasma NfL). All participants were 60 years of age or older; none were diagnosed with dementia. In each group, levels of blood NfL and serum creatinine significantly correlated (coefficient r = 0.50, 0.56). These associations remained statistically significant even after adjustment for age, sex, and body mass index. These findings indicate that blood NfL level might be partially affected by renal function. We recommend measuring renal function for a more precise evaluation of neuroaxonal damage, in particular, among older adults.

Download Full-text

Neurofilament light chain level is a weak risk factor for the development of MS

Neurology ◽

10.1212/wnl.0000000000003368 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 87 (19) ◽

pp. 2068.1-2068

Keyword(s):

Risk Factor ◽

Light Chain ◽

Neurofilament Light Chain ◽

Neurofilament Light ◽

Chain Level

Download Full-text

Serum neurofilament light chain level as a biomarker of neurodegeneration and predictor of white‐matter abnormality progression

European Journal of Neurology ◽

10.1111/ene.14389 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 27 (10) ◽

Author(s):

J. K. Murthy ◽

S. Das

Keyword(s):

White Matter ◽

Light Chain ◽

White Matter Abnormality ◽

Neurofilament Light Chain ◽

Neurofilament Light ◽

Chain Level

Download Full-text

Serum neurofilament light chain is a biomarker of acute and chronic neuronal damage in early multiple sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis Journal ◽

10.1177/1352458518765666 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 25 (5) ◽

pp. 678-686 ◽

Cited By ~ 62

Author(s):

Nelly Siller ◽

Jens Kuhle ◽

Muthuraman Muthuraman ◽

Christian Barro ◽

Timo Uphaus ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Single Molecule ◽

Light Chain ◽

Neuronal Damage ◽

Axonal Damage ◽

Lesion Volume ◽

Neurofilament Light Chain ◽

Neurofilament Light ◽

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mri ◽

Brain Parenchymal

Background: Monitoring neuronal injury remains one key challenge in early relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients. Upon axonal damage, neurofilament – a major component of the neuro-axonal cytoskeleton – is released into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and subsequently peripheral blood. Objective: To investigate the relevance of serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) for acute and chronic axonal damage in early RRMS. Methods: sNfL levels were determined in 74 patients (63 therapy-naive) with recently diagnosed clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) or RRMS using Single Molecule Array technology. Standardized 3 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed at baseline and 1–3 consecutive follow-ups (42 patients; range: 6–37 months). Results: Baseline sNfL correlated significantly with T2 lesion volume ( r = 0.555, p < 0.0001). There was no correlation between baseline sNfL and age, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score or other calculated MRI measures. However, T2 lesion volume increased ( r = 0.67, p < 0.0001) and brain parenchymal volume decreased more rapidly in patients with higher baseline sNfL ( r = −0.623, p = 0.0004). Gd-enhancing lesions correlated positively with sNfL levels. Initiation of disease-modifying treatment led to a significant decrease in sNfL levels. Conclusion: sNfL indicates acute inflammation as demonstrated by correlation with Gd+ lesions. It is a promising biomarker for neuro-axonal damage in early multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, since higher baseline sNfL levels predicted future brain atrophy within 2 years.

Download Full-text

Neurofilament light chain as a biomarker in neurological disorders

Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry ◽

10.1136/jnnp-2018-320106 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 90 (8) ◽

pp. 870-881 ◽

Cited By ~ 90

Author(s):

Lorenzo Gaetani ◽

Kaj Blennow ◽

Paolo Calabresi ◽

Massimiliano Di Filippo ◽

Lucilla Parnetti ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Light Chain ◽

Neurological Disorders ◽

Neurological Diseases ◽

Cerebrovascular Diseases ◽

Axonal Damage ◽

Neurofilament Light Chain ◽

Future Directions ◽

Neurofilament Light ◽

Prognostic Assessment ◽

Potential Applications

In the management of neurological diseases, the identification and quantification of axonal damage could allow for the improvement of diagnostic accuracy and prognostic assessment. Neurofilament light chain (NfL) is a neuronal cytoplasmic protein highly expressed in large calibre myelinated axons. Its levels increase in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood proportionally to the degree of axonal damage in a variety of neurological disorders, including inflammatory, neurodegenerative, traumatic and cerebrovascular diseases. New immunoassays able to detect biomarkers at ultralow levels have allowed for the measurement of NfL in blood, thus making it possible to easily and repeatedly measure NfL for monitoring diseases’ courses. Evidence that both CSF and blood NfL may serve as diagnostic, prognostic and monitoring biomarkers in neurological diseases is progressively increasing, and NfL is one of the most promising biomarkers to be used in clinical and research setting in the next future. Here we review the most important results on CSF and blood NfL and we discuss its potential applications and future directions.

Download Full-text