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O'Connell GC, Smothers CG, Wang J, Ruksakulpiwat S, Armentrout BL. Brain Expression Levels of Commonly Measured Blood Biomarkers of Neurological Damage Differ with Respect to Sex, Race, and Age. Neuroscience 2024; 551:79-93. [PMID: 38762083 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2024.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
It is increasingly evident that blood biomarkers have potential to improve the diagnosis and management of both acute and chronic neurological conditions. The most well-studied candidates, and arguably those with the broadest utility, are proteins that are highly enriched in neural tissues and released into circulation upon cellular damage. It is currently unknown how the brain expression levels of these proteins is influenced by demographic factors such as sex, race, and age. Given that source tissue abundance is likely a key determinant of the levels observed in the blood during neurological pathology, understanding such influences is important in terms of identifying potential clinical scenarios that could produce diagnostic bias. In this study, we leveraged existing mRNA sequencing data originating from 2,642 normal brain specimens harvested from 382 human donors to examine potential demographic variability in the expression levels of genes which code for 28 candidate blood biomarkers of neurological damage. Existing mass spectrometry data originating from 26 additional normal brain specimens harvested from 26 separate human donors was subsequently used to tentatively assess whether observed transcriptional variance was likely to produce corresponding variance in terms of protein abundance. Genes associated with several well-studied or emerging candidate biomarkers including neurofilament light chain (NfL), ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase isozyme L1 (UCH-L1), neuron-specific enolase (NSE), and synaptosomal-associated protein 25 (SNAP-25) exhibited significant differences in expression with respect to sex, race, and age. In many instances, these differences in brain expression align well with and provide a mechanistic explanation for previously reported differences in blood levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant C O'Connell
- Molecular Biomarker Core, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA; School of Nursing, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| | | | - Jing Wang
- Molecular Biomarker Core, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA; School of Nursing, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Skarstein I, Ulvestad E, Solheim AM, Vedeler C, Ljøstad U, Mygland Å, Eikeland R, Reiso H, Lorentzen ÅR, Bos SD. Serum neurofilament light chain associates with symptom burden in Lyme neuroborreliosis patients: a longitudinal cohort study from Norway. J Neurol 2024; 271:2768-2775. [PMID: 38407594 PMCID: PMC11055709 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12237-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL), an indicator of neuronal damage, is increasingly recognized as a potential biomarker for disease activity in neurodegenerative disorders. In this study, we wanted to investigate sNfL as a prognostic marker in a large, well-defined population of 90 patients with Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB). In addition, we sought to explore associations between symptoms and sNfL levels during the acute phase of LNB. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients diagnosed with definite or possible LNB were recruited from a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, multi-center trial, in which the participants were randomly assigned to 2 or 6 weeks of oral doxycycline treatment. The sNfL levels were measured using a single molecule array assay at both diagnosis and 6-month follow-up, and analysed against clinical parameters, variations in symptom burden and long-term complaints as assessed by a composite clinical score. RESULTS At the time of diagnosis, approximately 60% of the patients had elevated sNfL levels adjusted for age. Notably, mean sNfL levels were significantly higher at diagnosis (52 pg/ml) compared to 6 months after treatment (12 pg/ml, p < 0.001), when sNfL levels had normalized in the majority of patients. Patients with objective signs of spinal radiculitis had significantly higher baseline sNfL levels compared to patients without spinal radiculitis (p = 0.033). CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that sNfL can serve as a biomarker for peripheral nerve tissue involvement in the acute phase of LNB. As found in an earlier study, we confirm normalization of sNfL levels in blood after treatment. We found no prognostic value of acute-phase sNfL levels on patient outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingerid Skarstein
- Department of Microbiology, Haukeland University Hospital, Post Box 1400, 5021, Bergen, Norway.
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Elling Ulvestad
- Department of Microbiology, Haukeland University Hospital, Post Box 1400, 5021, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Anne Marit Solheim
- Department of Neurology, Sørlandet Hospital Trust, Kristiansand, Norway
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Christian Vedeler
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Unn Ljøstad
- Department of Neurology, Sørlandet Hospital Trust, Kristiansand, Norway
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Åse Mygland
- Department of Neurology, Sørlandet Hospital Trust, Kristiansand, Norway
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Section of Habilitation, Sørlandet Hospital Trust, Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Randi Eikeland
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Tick-Borne Diseases, Sørlandet Hospital Trust, Kristiansand, Norway
- Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Agder, Grimstad, Norway
| | - Harald Reiso
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Tick-Borne Diseases, Sørlandet Hospital Trust, Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Åslaug Rudjord Lorentzen
- Department of Neurology, Sørlandet Hospital Trust, Kristiansand, Norway
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Tick-Borne Diseases, Sørlandet Hospital Trust, Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Steffan Daniel Bos
- Department of Microbiology, Haukeland University Hospital, Post Box 1400, 5021, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Neurology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Cancer Registry of Norway, The Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
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Khalil M, Teunissen CE, Lehmann S, Otto M, Piehl F, Ziemssen T, Bittner S, Sormani MP, Gattringer T, Abu-Rumeileh S, Thebault S, Abdelhak A, Green A, Benkert P, Kappos L, Comabella M, Tumani H, Freedman MS, Petzold A, Blennow K, Zetterberg H, Leppert D, Kuhle J. Neurofilaments as biomarkers in neurological disorders - towards clinical application. Nat Rev Neurol 2024; 20:269-287. [PMID: 38609644 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-024-00955-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Neurofilament proteins have been validated as specific body fluid biomarkers of neuro-axonal injury. The advent of highly sensitive analytical platforms that enable reliable quantification of neurofilaments in blood samples and simplify longitudinal follow-up has paved the way for the development of neurofilaments as a biomarker in clinical practice. Potential applications include assessment of disease activity, monitoring of treatment responses, and determining prognosis in many acute and chronic neurological disorders as well as their use as an outcome measure in trials of novel therapies. Progress has now moved the measurement of neurofilaments to the doorstep of routine clinical practice for the evaluation of individuals. In this Review, we first outline current knowledge on the structure and function of neurofilaments. We then discuss analytical and statistical approaches and challenges in determining neurofilament levels in different clinical contexts and assess the implications of neurofilament light chain (NfL) levels in normal ageing and the confounding factors that need to be considered when interpreting NfL measures. In addition, we summarize the current value and potential clinical applications of neurofilaments as a biomarker of neuro-axonal damage in a range of neurological disorders, including multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer disease, frontotemporal dementia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, stroke and cerebrovascular disease, traumatic brain injury, and Parkinson disease. We also consider the steps needed to complete the translation of neurofilaments from the laboratory to the management of neurological diseases in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Khalil
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
| | - Charlotte E Teunissen
- Neurochemistry Laboratory Department of Laboratory Medicine, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sylvain Lehmann
- LBPC-PPC, Université de Montpellier, INM INSERM, IRMB CHU de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Markus Otto
- Department of Neurology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Fredrik Piehl
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tjalf Ziemssen
- Center of Clinical Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Stefan Bittner
- Department of Neurology, Focus Program Translational Neuroscience (FTN), and Immunotherapy (FZI), Rhine-Main Neuroscience Network (rmn2), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Maria Pia Sormani
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Thomas Gattringer
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Division of Neuroradiology, Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Samir Abu-Rumeileh
- Department of Neurology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Simon Thebault
- Multiple Sclerosis Division, Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ahmed Abdelhak
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ari Green
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Pascal Benkert
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre and Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience (RC2NB), Departments of Biomedicine and Clinical Research, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ludwig Kappos
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre and Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience (RC2NB), Departments of Biomedicine and Clinical Research, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Comabella
- Neurology Department, Multiple Sclerosis Centre of Catalonia, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Hayrettin Tumani
- Department of Neurology, CSF Laboratory, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, Germany
| | - Mark S Freedman
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Axel Petzold
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Neurology, MS Centre and Neuro-ophthalmology Expertise Centre Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery and the Queen Square Institute of Neurology, UCL, London, UK
| | - Kaj Blennow
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
- Paris Brain Institute, ICM, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
- Neurodegenerative Disorder Research Center, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, and Department of Neurology, Institute on Aging and Brain Disorders, University of Science and Technology of China and First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, UK
- Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hong Kong, China
- Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - David Leppert
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre and Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience (RC2NB), Departments of Biomedicine and Clinical Research, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jens Kuhle
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre and Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience (RC2NB), Departments of Biomedicine and Clinical Research, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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Catalano AA, Yoon J, Fertuzinhos S, Reisert H, Walsh H, Kosana P, Wilson M, Gisslen M, Zetterberg H, Marra CM, Farhadian SF. Neurosyphilis is characterized by a compartmentalized and robust neuroimmune response but not by neuronal injury. MED 2024; 5:321-334.e3. [PMID: 38513660 DOI: 10.1016/j.medj.2024.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurosyphilis is increasing in prevalence but its pathophysiology remains incompletely understood. This study assessed for CNS-specific immune responses during neurosyphilis compared to syphilis without neurosyphilis and compared these immune profiles to those observed in other neuroinflammatory diseases. METHODS Participants with syphilis were categorized as having neurosyphilis if their cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL) test was reactive and as having syphilis without neurosyphilis if they had a non-reactive CSF-VDRL test and a white blood cell count <5/μL. Neurosyphilis and syphilis without neurosyphilis participants were matched by rapid plasma reagin titer and HIV status. CSF and plasma were assayed for markers of neuronal injury and glial and immune cell activation. Bulk RNA sequencing was performed on CSF cells, with results stratified by the presence of neurological symptoms. FINDINGS CSF neopterin and five CSF chemokines had levels significantly higher in individuals with neurosyphilis compared to those with syphilis without neurosyphilis, but no markers of neuronal injury or astrocyte activation were significantly elevated. The CSF transcriptome in neurosyphilis was characterized by genes involved in microglial activation and lipid metabolism and did not differ in asymptomatic versus symptomatic neurosyphilis cases. CONCLUSIONS The CNS immune response observed in neurosyphilis was comparable to other neuroinflammatory diseases and was present in individuals with neurosyphilis regardless of neurological symptoms, yet there was minimal evidence for neuronal or astrocyte injury. These findings support the need for larger studies of the CSF inflammatory response in asymptomatic neurosyphilis. FUNDING This work was funded by the National Institutes of Health, grants K23MH118999 (S.F.F.) and R01NS082120 (C.M.M.).
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison A Catalano
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jennifer Yoon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Sofia Fertuzinhos
- Bioinformatics Support Hub, Cushing/Whitney Library, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Hailey Reisert
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Hannah Walsh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Priya Kosana
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Michael Wilson
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Magnus Gisslen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Christina M Marra
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Shelli F Farhadian
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
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Suchy‐Dicey AM, Longstreth WT, Rhoads K, Umans J, Buchwald D, Grabowski T, Blennow K, Reiman E, Zetterberg H. Plasma biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias in American Indians: The Strong Heart Study. Alzheimers Dement 2024; 20:2072-2079. [PMID: 38215191 PMCID: PMC10984473 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Identification of Alzheimer's disease (AD) needs inexpensive, noninvasive biomarkers, with validation in all populations. METHODS We collected plasma markers in older American Indian individuals: phosphorylated-tau181 (pTau181); amyloid-beta (Aβ) 40,42; glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP); and neurofilament light chain (NfL). Plasma markers were analyzed for discriminant properties with cognitive status and etiology using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. RESULTS PTau181, GFAP, NfL plasma values were significantly associated with cognition, but Aβ were not. Discriminant performance was moderate for individual markers, with pTau181, GFAP, NfL performing best, but an empirically selected panel of markers (age, sex, education, pTau181, GFAP, NfL, Aβ4240 ratio) had excellent discriminant performance (AUC > 0.8). DISCUSSION In American Indian individuals, pTau181 and Aβ values suggested more common pathology than in majority populations. Aβ was less informative than in other populations; however, all four markers were needed for a best-performing dementia diagnostic model. These data validate utility of AD plasma markers, while suggesting population-specific diagnostic characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astrid M. Suchy‐Dicey
- Washington State University Elson S Floyd College of MedicineSpokaneWashingtonUSA
- Huntington Medical Research InstitutesPasadenaCaliforniaUSA
- Washington State University Institute for Research and Education to Address Community HealthSeattleWashingtonUSA
- University of Washington Alzheimer's Disease Research CenterSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - W. T. Longstreth
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Kristoffer Rhoads
- University of Washington Alzheimer's Disease Research CenterSeattleWashingtonUSA
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Jason Umans
- MedStar Health Research InstituteHyattsvilleMarylandUSA
| | - Dedra Buchwald
- Washington State University Institute for Research and Education to Address Community HealthSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Thomas Grabowski
- University of Washington Alzheimer's Disease Research CenterSeattleWashingtonUSA
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Kaj Blennow
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiologythe Sahlgrenska Academy at University of GothenburgMölndalSweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry LaboratorySahlgrenska University HospitalMölndalSweden
| | - Eric Reiman
- Banner Alzheimer's InstitutePhoenixArizonaUSA
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiologythe Sahlgrenska Academy at University of GothenburgMölndalSweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry LaboratorySahlgrenska University HospitalMölndalSweden
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Bhalala OG, Watson R, Yassi N. Multi-Omic Blood Biomarkers as Dynamic Risk Predictors in Late-Onset Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1231. [PMID: 38279230 PMCID: PMC10816901 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Late-onset Alzheimer's disease is the leading cause of dementia worldwide, accounting for a growing burden of morbidity and mortality. Diagnosing Alzheimer's disease before symptoms are established is clinically challenging, but would provide therapeutic windows for disease-modifying interventions. Blood biomarkers, including genetics, proteins and metabolites, are emerging as powerful predictors of Alzheimer's disease at various timepoints within the disease course, including at the preclinical stage. In this review, we discuss recent advances in such blood biomarkers for determining disease risk. We highlight how leveraging polygenic risk scores, based on genome-wide association studies, can help stratify individuals along their risk profile. We summarize studies analyzing protein biomarkers, as well as report on recent proteomic- and metabolomic-based prediction models. Finally, we discuss how a combination of multi-omic blood biomarkers can potentially be used in memory clinics for diagnosis and to assess the dynamic risk an individual has for developing Alzheimer's disease dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oneil G. Bhalala
- Population Health and Immunity Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville 3052, Australia; (R.W.); (N.Y.)
- Department of Neurology, Melbourne Brain Centre at The Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3050, Australia
| | - Rosie Watson
- Population Health and Immunity Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville 3052, Australia; (R.W.); (N.Y.)
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3050, Australia
| | - Nawaf Yassi
- Population Health and Immunity Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville 3052, Australia; (R.W.); (N.Y.)
- Department of Neurology, Melbourne Brain Centre at The Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3050, Australia
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3050, Australia
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Kagerer SM, Awasthi S, Ripke S, Maceski A, Benkert P, Fall AB, Riederer P, Fischer P, Walitza S, Grünblatt E, Kuhle J, Unschuld PG. Polygenic risk for Alzheimer's disease is associated with neuroaxonal damage before onset of clinical symptoms. ALZHEIMER'S & DEMENTIA (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2024; 16:e12504. [PMID: 38213949 PMCID: PMC10776830 DOI: 10.1002/dad2.12504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Establishing valid diagnostic strategies is a precondition for successful therapeutic intervention in Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHODS One hundred forty-four healthy 75-year-old participants from the Vienna-Transdanube-Aging longitudinal cohort study were tested for neuroaxonal damage by single molecular array (Simoa) plasma neurofilament light chain (NfL) levels at baseline, 30, 60, and 90 months, and onset of AD dementia. Individual risk for sporadic AD was estimated by continuous shrinkage polygenic risk score (PRS-CS, genome-wide association study). RESULTS Nineteen participants developed AD after a median of 60 months (interquartile range 30). In participants with AD, baseline NfL plasma levels correlated with PRS-CS (r = 0.75, p < 0.001; difference to controls: Fisher's r-to-z: z = 3.89, p < 0.001). PRS-CS combined with baseline plasma NfL predicted onset of AD (p < 0.01). DISCUSSION Our data suggest that polygenic risk for AD and plasma NfL closely interact years before onset of clinical symptoms. Peripheral NfL may serve as a diagnostic measure supporting early therapeutic intervention and secondary prevention in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja M. Kagerer
- Department of Geriatric PsychiatryPsychiatric University Hospital Zurich (PUK)ZurichSwitzerland
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine (IREM)University of ZurichSchlierenSwitzerland
| | - Swapnil Awasthi
- Department of Psychiatry and PsychotherapyCharité‐UniversitätsmedizinBerlinGermany
| | - Stephan Ripke
- Department of Psychiatry and PsychotherapyCharité‐UniversitätsmedizinBerlinGermany
- Analytic and Translational Genetics UnitMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric ResearchBroad Institute of MIT and HarvardCambridgeMassachusettsUSA
| | - Aleksandra Maceski
- Department of NeurologyUniversity Hospital and University of BaselBaselSwitzerland
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre and Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience (RC2NB)Departments of Biomedicine and Clinical ResearchUniversity Hospital and University of BaselBaselSwitzerland
| | - Pascal Benkert
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre and Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience (RC2NB)Departments of Biomedicine and Clinical ResearchUniversity Hospital and University of BaselBaselSwitzerland
- Departments of Clinical ResearchUniversity Hospital and University of BaselBaselSwitzerland
| | - Aïda B. Fall
- Geriatric Psychiatry ServiceUniversity Hospitals of Geneva (HUG)ThônexSwitzerland
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of Geneva (UniGE)GenevaSwitzerland
| | - Peter Riederer
- Center of Mental HealthClinic and Policlinic of PsychiatryPsychosomatics and PsychotherapyUniversity Hospital of WürzburgWürzburgGermany
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of Southern Denmark OdenseOdenseDenmark
| | - Peter Fischer
- Department of PsychiatrySocial Medicine Center East‐DonauspitalViennaAustria
| | - Susanne Walitza
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and PsychotherapyPsychiatric University Hospital ZurichUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
- Zurich Center for Integrative Human PhysiologyUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
- Neuroscience Center ZurichSwiss Federal Institute of Technology and University of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Edna Grünblatt
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and PsychotherapyPsychiatric University Hospital ZurichUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
- Zurich Center for Integrative Human PhysiologyUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
- Neuroscience Center ZurichSwiss Federal Institute of Technology and University of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Jens Kuhle
- Department of NeurologyUniversity Hospital and University of BaselBaselSwitzerland
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre and Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience (RC2NB)Departments of Biomedicine and Clinical ResearchUniversity Hospital and University of BaselBaselSwitzerland
| | - Paul G. Unschuld
- Geriatric Psychiatry ServiceUniversity Hospitals of Geneva (HUG)ThônexSwitzerland
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of Geneva (UniGE)GenevaSwitzerland
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Novobilský R, Bartova P, Lichá K, Bar M, Stejskal D, Kusnierova P. Serum neurofilament light chain levels in patients with cognitive deficits and movement disorders: comparison of cerebrospinal and serum neurofilament light chain levels with other biomarkers. Front Hum Neurosci 2023; 17:1284416. [PMID: 38164192 PMCID: PMC10757912 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2023.1284416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Serum neurofilament light chain (S NfL) is a non-specific marker of neuronal damage, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). We aimed to verify the reference interval (RI) of serum NfL using a highly sensitive ELISA, and to estimate the optimal cut-off value for neuronal damage. Our second objective was to compare NfL in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum (S) with the routine neurodegeneration biomarkers used in AD, and to assess their concentrations relative to the degree of cognitive deficit. Methods Samples from 124 healthy volunteers were used to estimate the S NfL RI. For the comparison study, we used CSF and S samples from 112 patients with cognitive disorders. Cognitive functions were assessed using the mini-mental state examination. ELISA assays were used to determine the CSF and S NfL levels, CSF β-amyloid peptide42 (Aβ42), CSF β-amyloid peptide40 (Aβ40), CSF total tau protein (tTau), CSF phosphorylated tau protein (pTau), and CSF alpha-synuclein (αS). Results The estimated RI of S NfL were 2.25-9.19 ng.L-1. The cut-off value of S NfL for assessing the degree of neuronal impairment was 10.5 ng.L-1. We found a moderate statistically significant correlation between S NfL and CSF Aβ42 in the group with movement disorders, without dementia (rs = 0.631; p = 0.016); between S NfL and CSF Aβ40 in the group with movement disorder plus dementia (rs = -0.750; p = 0.052); between S NfL and CSF tTau in the control group (rs = 0.689; p = 0.009); and between S NfL and CSF pTau in the control group (rs = 0.749; p = 0.003). The non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test revealed statistically significant differences between S NfL, CSF NfL, CSF Aβ42, CSF tTau, and CSF pTau and diagnosis within groups. The highest kappa coefficients were found between the concentrations of S NfL and CSF NfL (κ = 0.480) and between CSF NfL and CSF tTau (κ = 0.351). Conclusion Our results suggested that NfL and tTau in CSF of patients with cognitive decline could be replaced by the less-invasive determination of S NfL using a highly sensitive ELISA method. S NfL reflected the severity of cognitive deficits assessed by mini-mental state examination (MMSE). However, S NfL is not specific to AD and does not appear to be a suitable biomarker for early diagnosis of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Novobilský
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia
| | - Petra Bartova
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia
| | - Karin Lichá
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia
| | - Michal Bar
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia
| | - David Stejskal
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia
| | - Pavlína Kusnierova
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia
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9
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Keddie S, Smyth D, Keh RYS, Chou MKL, Grant D, Surana S, Heslegrave A, Zetterberg H, Wieske L, Michael M, Eftimov F, Bellanti R, Rinaldi S, Hart MS, Petzold A, Lunn MP. Peripherin is a biomarker of axonal damage in peripheral nervous system disease. Brain 2023; 146:4562-4573. [PMID: 37435933 PMCID: PMC10629771 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awad234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Valid, responsive blood biomarkers specific to peripheral nerve damage would improve management of peripheral nervous system (PNS) diseases. Neurofilament light chain (NfL) is sensitive for detecting axonal pathology but is not specific to PNS damage, as it is expressed throughout the PNS and CNS. Peripherin, another intermediate filament protein, is almost exclusively expressed in peripheral nerve axons. We postulated that peripherin would be a promising blood biomarker of PNS axonal damage. We demonstrated that peripherin is distributed in sciatic nerve, and to a lesser extent spinal cord tissue lysates, but not in brain or extra-neural tissues. In the spinal cord, anti-peripherin antibody bound only to the primary cells of the periphery (anterior horn cells, motor axons and primary afferent sensory axons). In vitro models of antibody-mediated axonal and demyelinating nerve injury showed marked elevation of peripherin levels only in axonal damage and only a minimal rise in demyelination. We developed an immunoassay using single molecule array technology for the detection of serum peripherin as a biomarker for PNS axonal damage. We examined longitudinal serum peripherin and NfL concentrations in individuals with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS, n = 45, 179 time points), chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP, n = 35, 70 time points), multiple sclerosis (n = 30), dementia (as non-inflammatory CNS controls, n = 30) and healthy individuals (n = 24). Peak peripherin levels were higher in GBS than all other groups (median 18.75 pg/ml versus < 6.98 pg/ml, P < 0.0001). Peak NfL was highest in GBS (median 220.8 pg/ml) and lowest in healthy controls (median 5.6 pg/ml), but NfL did not distinguish between CIDP (17.3 pg/ml), multiple sclerosis (21.5 pg/ml) and dementia (29.9 pg/ml). While peak NfL levels were higher with older age (rho = +0.39, P < 0.0001), peak peripherin levels did not vary with age. In GBS, local regression analysis of serial peripherin in the majority of individuals with three or more time points of data (16/25) displayed a rise-and-fall pattern with the highest value within the first week of initial assessment. Similar analysis of serial NfL concentrations showed a later peak at 16 days. Group analysis of serum peripherin and NfL levels in GBS and CIDP patients were not significantly associated with clinical data, but in some individuals with GBS, peripherin levels appeared to better reflect clinical outcome measure improvement. Serum peripherin is a promising new, dynamic and specific biomarker of acute PNS axonal damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Keddie
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Barts Health NHS Trust, London E1 1BB, UK
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
- Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Duncan Smyth
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
- Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Ryan Y S Keh
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
- Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Michael K L Chou
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
- NHS Neuroimmunology and CSF Laboratory, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Donna Grant
- NHS Neuroimmunology and CSF Laboratory, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK
- Department of Neuroinflammation, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Sunaina Surana
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Amanda Heslegrave
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK
- Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hong Kong, China
- Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53792, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal 431 41, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal 431 41, Sweden
| | - Luuk Wieske
- Department of Neurology and Neurophysiology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Milou Michael
- Department of Neurology and Neurophysiology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Filip Eftimov
- Department of Neurology and Neurophysiology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Roberto Bellanti
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Simon Rinaldi
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Melanie S Hart
- NHS Neuroimmunology and CSF Laboratory, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK
- Department of Neuroinflammation, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Axel Petzold
- Department of Neurology and Neurophysiology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- UCL Clinical and Movement Neurosciences Department, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, UCL Institute of Neurology, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Michael P Lunn
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
- Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London WC1N 3BG, UK
- NHS Neuroimmunology and CSF Laboratory, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK
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10
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Niculae AŞ, Niculae LE, Văcăraş C, Văcăraş V. Serum levels of neurofilament light chains in pediatric multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Neurol 2023; 270:4753-4762. [PMID: 37394516 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-11841-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple sclerosis is a neuro-inflammatory disease that affects adults and children and causes somatic and cognitive symptoms. Diagnosis after the first clinical symptoms is challenging, involves laboratory and magnetic resonance imaging work-up and is often inconclusive unless subsequent clinical attacks occur. Neurofilament light chains are structural proteins within neurons. Levels of this marker in cerebrospinal fluid, plasma and serum are consistently higher in patients with an initial clinical demyelinating attack that later go on to develop multiple sclerosis. Evidence concerning serum levels of this biomarker in children with multiple sclerosis is scarce. Our aim is to review and analyze the evidence available for patients with multiple sclerosis, under the age of 18. METHODS We conducted a systematic search of PubMed/Medline, Embase, Cochrane Database, and ProQuest. Human studies that provided data on serum levels of Neurofilament light chains in pediatric patients with MS, measured at the time of the first demyelinating attack and before treatment were included in meta-analysis. RESULTS Three studies satisfied the inclusion criteria. 157 pediatric patients with multiple sclerosis and 270 hospital-based controls that did not present with this condition were included in the analysis. A fixed effects meta-analysis showed that the standardized mean difference between patients and controls is 1.82, with a 95% confidence interval of [1.56-2.08]. CONCLUSION Pediatric patients with multiple sclerosis show higher levels of serum neurofilament light chains at their first clinical demyelinating attack compared to pediatric hospital-based controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandru-Ştefan Niculae
- Second Department of Pediatrics, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Lucia-Elena Niculae
- Department of Neonatology, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Cristiana Văcăraş
- Faculty of Medicine, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Vitalie Văcăraş
- Second Department of Neurology, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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11
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Doganyigit Z, Eroglu E, Okan A. Intermediate filament proteins are reliable immunohistological biomarkers to help diagnose multiple tissue-specific diseases. Anat Histol Embryol 2023; 52:655-672. [PMID: 37329162 DOI: 10.1111/ahe.12937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Cytoskeletal networks are proteins that effectively maintain cell integrity and provide mechanical support to cells by actively transmitting mechanical signals. Intermediate filaments, which are from the cytoskeleton family and are 10 nanometres in diameter, are unlike actin and microtubules, which are highly dynamic cytoskeletal elements. Intermediate filaments are flexible at low strain, harden at high strain and resist breaking. For this reason, these filaments fulfil structural functions by providing mechanical support to the cells through their different strain-hardening properties. Intermediate filaments are suitable in that cells both cope with mechanical forces and modulate signal transmission. These filaments are composed of fibrous proteins that exhibit a central α-helical rod domain with a conserved substructure. Intermediate filament proteins are divided into six groups. Type I and type II include acidic and basic keratins, type III, vimentin, desmin, peripheralin and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), respectively. Type IV intermediate filament group includes neurofilament proteins and a fourth neurofilament subunit, α-internexin proteins. Type V consists of lamins located in the nucleus, and the type VI group consists of lens-specific intermediate filaments, CP49/phakinin and filen. Intermediate filament proteins show specific immunoreactivity in differentiating cells and mature cells of various types. Various carcinomas such as colorectal, urothelial and ovarian, diseases such as chronic pancreatitis, cirrhosis, hepatitis and cataract have been associated with intermediate filaments. Accordingly, this section reviews available immunohistochemical antibodies to intermediate filament proteins. Identification of intermediate filament proteins by methodological methods may contribute to the understanding of complex diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuleyha Doganyigit
- Faculty of Medicine, Histology and Embryology, Yozgat Bozok University, Yozgat, Turkey
| | - Ece Eroglu
- Faculty of Medicine, Yozgat Bozok University, Yozgat, Turkey
| | - Aslı Okan
- Faculty of Medicine, Histology and Embryology, Yozgat Bozok University, Yozgat, Turkey
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12
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Fridman V, Sillau S, Ritchie A, Bockhorst J, Coughlan C, Araya P, Espinosa JM, Smith K, Lange EM, Lange LA, El Ghormli L, Drews KL, Zeitler P, Reusch JEB. Plasma neurofilament light chain concentrations are elevated in youth-onset type 2 diabetes and associated with neuropathy. J Peripher Nerv Syst 2023; 28:460-470. [PMID: 37341347 PMCID: PMC10529877 DOI: 10.1111/jns.12575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The lack of easily measurable biomarkers remains a challenge in executing clinical trials for diabetic neuropathy (DN). Plasma Neurofilament light chain (NFL) concentration is a promising biomarker in immune-mediated neuropathies. Longitudinal studies evaluating NFL in DN have not been performed. METHODS A nested case-control study was performed on participants with youth-onset type 2 diabetes enrolled in the prospective Treatment Options for Type 2 Diabetes in Adolescents and Youth (TODAY) study. Plasma NFL concentrations were measured at 4-year intervals from 2008 to 2020 in 50 participants who developed DN and 50 participants with type 2 diabetes who did not develop DN. RESULTS NFL concentrations were similar in the DN and no DN groups at the first assessment. Concentrations were higher in DN participants at all subsequent assessment periods (all p < .01). NFL concentrations increased over time in both groups, with higher degrees of change in DN participants (interaction p = .045). A doubling of the NFL value at Assessment 2 in those without DN increased the odds of ultimate DN outcome by an estimated ratio of 2.86 (95% CI: [1.30, 6.33], p = .0046). At the final study visit, positive Spearman correlations (controlled for age, sex, diabetes duration, and BMI) were observed between NFL and HbA1c (0.48, p < .0001), total cholesterol (0.25, p = .018), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL (0.30, p = .0037)). Negative correlations were observed with measures of heart rate variability (-0.42 to -0.46, p = <.0001). INTERPRETATION The findings that NFL concentrations are elevated in individuals with youth-onset type 2 diabetes, and increase more rapidly in those who develop DN, suggest that NFL could be a valuable biomarker for DN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Fridman
- University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine
| | | | | | | | | | - Paula Araya
- University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine
| | | | - Keith Smith
- University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine
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13
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Xie L, Li W, Ye WM, Xiao Y, Ke WJ, Niu JJ, Yang TC. Serum Ubiquitin C-Terminal Hydrolase-L1, Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein, and Neurofilament Light Chain Are Good Entry Points and Biomarker Candidates for Neurosyphilis Diagnosis Among Patients Without Human Immunodeficiency Virus to Avoid Lumbar Puncture. Clin Infect Dis 2023; 77:472-479. [PMID: 36929815 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciad158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Laboratory tests to diagnose neurosyphilis using cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are currently disadvantageous as a lumbar puncture is required, which may result in patients with neurosyphilis missing an opportunity for early diagnosis. Thus, blood biomarker candidates that are more convenient and minimally invasive to collect for diagnosing neurosyphilis is urgently needed. METHODS This observational study aimed to analyze serum ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase-L1 (UCH-L1), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and neurofilament light chain (NF-L) levels in 153 patients without human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and to evaluate their diagnostic performance in neurosyphilis compared with CSF. RESULTS Serum UCH-L1, GFAP, and NF-L levels were significantly higher in patients with neurosyphilis compared with patients with uncomplicated syphilis or non-syphilis. For the diagnosis of neurosyphilis, serum UCH-L1, GFAP, and NF-L revealed sensitivities of 90.20%, 80.40%, and 88.24%, and specificities of 92.16%, 78.43%, and 80.39%, respectively, at cutoff levels of 814.50 pg/mL, 442.70 pg/mL, and 45.19 pg/mL, respectively. In patients with syphilis, serum UCH-L1, GFAP, and NF-L levels correlated strongly or moderately with those in the CSF, with similar or better diagnostic performance than those in the CSF. The testing algorithms' sensitivity and specificity increased to 98.04% and 96.08%, respectively, when subjected to parallel and combination testing, respectively. CONCLUSIONS To avoid lumbar puncture, each serum UCH-L1, GFAP, and NF-L is a good entry point and biomarker candidate for the diagnosis of neurosyphilis among patients without HIV. These proteins used in concerto can further improve the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Xie
- Center of Clinical Laboratory, Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Wei Li
- Center of Clinical Laboratory, Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Wei-Ming Ye
- Center of Clinical Laboratory, Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yao Xiao
- Department of Hospital Infection Management, School of Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Wu-Jian Ke
- Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian-Jun Niu
- Center of Clinical Laboratory, Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Institute of Infectious Disease, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Tian-Ci Yang
- Center of Clinical Laboratory, Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Institute of Infectious Disease, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Xiamen Clinical Laboratory Quality Control Center, Xiamen, China
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14
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Bar-Or A, Thanei GA, Harp C, Bernasconi C, Bonati U, Cross AH, Fischer S, Gaetano L, Hauser SL, Hendricks R, Kappos L, Kuhle J, Leppert D, Model F, Sauter A, Koendgen H, Jia X, Herman AE. Blood neurofilament light levels predict non-relapsing progression following anti-CD20 therapy in relapsing and primary progressive multiple sclerosis: findings from the ocrelizumab randomised, double-blind phase 3 clinical trials. EBioMedicine 2023; 93:104662. [PMID: 37354600 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurofilament light chain (NfL), a neuronal cytoskeletal protein that is released upon neuroaxonal injury, is associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) relapsing activity and has demonstrated some prognostic ability for future relapse-related disease progression, yet its value in assessing non-relapsing disease progression remains unclear. METHODS We examined baseline and longitudinal blood NfL levels in 1421 persons with relapsing MS (RMS) and 596 persons with primary progressive MS (PPMS) from the pivotal ocrelizumab MS trials. NfL treatment-response and risk for disease worsening (including disability progression into the open-label extension period and slowly expanding lesions [SELs] on brain MRI) at baseline and following treatment with ocrelizumab were evaluated using time-to-event analysis and linear regression models. FINDINGS In persons from the RMS control arms without acute disease activity and in the entire PPMS control arm, higher baseline NfL was prognostic for greater whole brain and thalamic atrophy, greater volume expansion of SELs, and clinical progression. Ocrelizumab reduced NfL levels vs. controls in persons with RMS and those with PPMS, and abrogated the prognostic value of baseline NfL on disability progression. Following effective suppression of relapse activity by ocrelizumab, NfL levels at weeks 24 and 48 were significantly associated with long-term risk for disability progression, including up to 9 years of observation in RMS and PPMS. INTERPRETATION Highly elevated NfL from acute MS disease activity may mask a more subtle NfL abnormality that reflects underlying non-relapsing progressive biology. Ocrelizumab significantly reduced NfL levels, consistent with its effects on acute disease activity and disability progression. Persistently elevated NfL levels, observed in a subgroup of persons under ocrelizumab treatment, demonstrate potential clinical utility as a predictive biomarker of increased risk for clinical progression. Suppression of relapsing biology with high-efficacy immunotherapy provides a window into the relationship between NfL levels and future non-relapsing progression. FUNDING F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Bar-Or
- Center for Neuroinflammation and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | - Anne H Cross
- Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Ludwig Kappos
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Neurology, Departments of Head, Spine and Neuromedicine, Biomedicine and Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience (RC2NB), University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jens Kuhle
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Neurology, Departments of Head, Spine and Neuromedicine, Biomedicine and Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience (RC2NB), University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Switzerland
| | - David Leppert
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Neurology, Departments of Head, Spine and Neuromedicine, Biomedicine and Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience (RC2NB), University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Switzerland
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15
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Abdelhak A, Barba L, Romoli M, Benkert P, Conversi F, D'Anna L, Masvekar RR, Bielekova B, Prudencio M, Petrucelli L, Meschia JF, Erben Y, Furlan R, De Lorenzo R, Mandelli A, Sutter R, Hert L, Epple V, Marastoni D, Sellner J, Steinacker P, Aamodt AH, Heggelund L, Dyrhol-Riise AM, Virhammar J, Fällmar D, Rostami E, Kumlien E, Blennow K, Zetterberg H, Tumani H, Sacco S, Green AJ, Otto M, Kuhle J, Ornello R, Foschi M, Abu-Rumeileh S. Prognostic performance of blood neurofilament light chain protein in hospitalized COVID-19 patients without major central nervous system manifestations: an individual participant data meta-analysis. J Neurol 2023:10.1007/s00415-023-11768-1. [PMID: 37184659 PMCID: PMC10183689 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-11768-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS To investigate the prognostic value of blood neurofilament light chain protein (NfL) levels in the acute phase of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). METHODS We conducted an individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis after screening on MEDLINE and Scopus to May 23rd 2022. We included studies with hospitalized adult COVID-19 patients without major COVID-19-associated central nervous system (CNS) manifestations and with a measurement of blood NfL in the acute phase as well as data regarding at least one clinical outcome including intensive care unit (ICU) admission, need of mechanical ventilation (MV) and death. We derived the age-adjusted measures NfL Z scores and conducted mixed-effects modelling to test associations between NfL Z scores and other variables, encompassing clinical outcomes. Summary receiver operating characteristic curves (SROCs) were used to calculate the area under the curve (AUC) for blood NfL. RESULTS We identified 382 records, of which 7 studies were included with a total of 669 hospitalized COVID-19 cases (mean age 66.2 ± 15.0 years, 68.1% males). Median NfL Z score at admission was elevated compared to the age-corrected reference population (2.37, IQR: 1.13-3.06, referring to 99th percentile in healthy controls). NfL Z scores were significantly associated with disease duration and severity. Higher NfL Z scores were associated with a higher likelihood of ICU admission, need of MV, and death. SROCs revealed AUCs of 0.74, 0.80 and 0.71 for mortality, need of MV and ICU admission, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Blood NfL levels were elevated in the acute phase of COVID-19 patients without major CNS manifestations and associated with clinical severity and poor outcome. The marker might ameliorate the performance of prognostic multivariable algorithms in COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Abdelhak
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, USA
| | - Lorenzo Barba
- Department of Neurology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Michele Romoli
- Department of Neuroscience, Neurology Unit, Maurizio Bufalini Hospital, AUSL Romagna, Cesena, Italy
| | - Pascal Benkert
- Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Francesco Conversi
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Lucio D'Anna
- Department of Stroke and Neuroscience, Charing Cross Hospital, Imperial College London NHS Healthcare Trust, London, UK
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Ruturaj R Masvekar
- Neuroimmunological Diseases Section, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Bibiana Bielekova
- Neuroimmunological Diseases Section, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Mercedes Prudencio
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Leonard Petrucelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - James F Meschia
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Young Erben
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Roberto Furlan
- Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, Vita e Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Rebecca De Lorenzo
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Mandelli
- Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Raoul Sutter
- Department of Acute Medical Care, Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lisa Hert
- Department of Acute Medical Care, Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Varenka Epple
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Damiano Marastoni
- Neurology B, Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Johann Sellner
- Department of Neurology, Landesklinikum Mistelbach-Gänserndorf, Mistelbach, Austria
| | - Petra Steinacker
- Department of Neurology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | | | - Lars Heggelund
- Department of Internal Medicine, Drammen Hospital, Vestre Viken Hospital Trust, Drammen, Norway
- Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Anne Margarita Dyrhol-Riise
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Johan Virhammar
- Department of Medical Sciences, Neurology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - David Fällmar
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Radiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Elham Rostami
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Neurosurgery,, Sweden
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eva Kumlien
- Department of Medical Sciences, Neurology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Kaj Blennow
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, UK
- Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
- Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | - Simona Sacco
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Ari J Green
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, USA
| | - Markus Otto
- Department of Neurology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Jens Kuhle
- Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience (RC2NB), Departments of Biomedicine and Clinical Research, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Neurology, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Raffaele Ornello
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Matteo Foschi
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy.
- Department of Neuroscience, Neurology Unit, S.Maria Delle Croci Hospital of Ravenna, AUSL Romagna, Ravenna, Italy.
| | - Samir Abu-Rumeileh
- Department of Neurology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany.
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16
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Abstract
Background: Lumbar puncture is recommended for individuals with syphilis who have neurological symptoms, however symptoms have poor sensitivity for predicting symptomatic neurosyphilis. Neurofilament light chain (NfL) is a marker for neuroaxonal injury; cerebrospinal fluid concentrations are higher in symptomatic neurosyphilis than in uncomplicated syphilis or asymptomatic neurosyphilis. Methods: Serum NfL was quantified in 20 individuals with uncomplicated syphilis, 10 with asymptomatic neurosyphilis and 10 with symptomatic neurosyphilis using an ultrasensitive single molecule array assay; it was repeated a median of 12.5 months after neurosyphilis therapy. Serum NfL concentration was age-adjusted using a published formula. Results: Age-adjusted serum NfL concentration was significantly higher in symptomatic neurosyphilis compared to each of the other two groups. It was above the highest value in uncomplicated syphilis in one of 10 participants with asymptomatic neurosyphilis and 3 of 10 with symptomatic neurosyphilis. Serum NfL concentration increased in one participant with asymptomatic neurosyphilis with possible treatment failure. Conclusions: If confirmed in a larger study, serum NfL may be a useful adjunct for identifying central nervous system infection by T. pallidum . Age-adjusted serum neurofilament light (NfL) concentration was elevated in one of 10 individuals with asymptomatic neurosyphilis, and in three of 10 with symptomatic neurosyphilis, suggesting neuroaxonal injury in these persons.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sharon K. Sahi
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Lauren C. Tantalo
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden; Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden; Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, UK; Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
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17
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Delaby C, Bousiges O, Bouvier D, Fillée C, Fourier A, Mondésert E, Nezry N, Omar S, Quadrio I, Rucheton B, Schraen-Maschke S, van Pesch V, Vicca S, Lehmann S, Bedel A. Neurofilaments contribution in clinic: state of the art. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:1034684. [PMID: 36389064 PMCID: PMC9664201 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.1034684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurological biomarkers are particularly valuable to clinicians as they can be used for diagnosis, prognosis, or response to treatment. This field of neurology has evolved considerably in recent years with the improvement of analytical methods, allowing the detection of biomarkers not only in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) but also in less invasive fluids like blood. These advances greatly facilitate the repeated quantification of biomarkers, including at asymptomatic stages of the disease. Among the various informative biomarkers of neurological disorders, neurofilaments (NfL) have proven to be of particular interest in many contexts, such as neurodegenerative diseases, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, stroke, and cancer. Here we discuss these different pathologies and the potential value of NfL assay in the management of these patients, both for diagnosis and prognosis. We also describe the added value of NfL compared to other biomarkers currently used to monitor the diseases described in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constance Delaby
- Université de Montpellier, IRMB, INM, INSERM, CHU de Montpellier, Laboratoire Biochimie-Protéomique clinique, Montpellier, France
- Sant Pau Memory Unit, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau—Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau—Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Olivier Bousiges
- Laboratoire de biochimie et biologie moléculaire (LBBM)—Pôle de biologie Hôpital de Hautepierre—CHU de Strasbourg, CNRS, laboratoire ICube UMR 7357 et FMTS (Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg), équipe IMIS, Strasbourg, France
| | - Damien Bouvier
- Service de Biochimie et Génétique Moléculaire, CHU de Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Catherine Fillée
- Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc UCLouvain, Service de Biochimie Médicale, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Anthony Fourier
- Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire—LBMMS, Unité de diagnostic des pathologies dégénératives, Centre de Biologie et Pathologie Est, Groupement Hospitalier Est, Lyon, France
| | - Etienne Mondésert
- Université de Montpellier, IRMB, INM, INSERM, CHU de Montpellier, Laboratoire Biochimie-Protéomique clinique, Montpellier, France
| | - Nicolas Nezry
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR-S-U1172, LiCEND, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, LabEx DISTALZ, Lille, France
| | - Souheil Omar
- Laboratoire de biologie médicale de l’Institut de Neurologie de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Isabelle Quadrio
- Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire—LBMMS, Unité de diagnostic des pathologies dégénératives, Centre de Biologie et Pathologie Est, Groupement Hospitalier Est, Lyon, France
| | - Benoit Rucheton
- Laboratoire de Biologie, Institut Bergonié, Bordeaux, France
| | - Susanna Schraen-Maschke
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR-S-U1172, LiCEND, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, LabEx DISTALZ, Lille, France
| | - Vincent van Pesch
- Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc UCLouvain, Service de Neurologie, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Stéphanie Vicca
- Hôpital Necker-Enfants malades, Paris, Laboratoire de Biochimie générale, DMU BioPhyGen, AP-HP.Centre—Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Sylvain Lehmann
- Université de Montpellier, IRMB, INM, INSERM, CHU de Montpellier, Laboratoire Biochimie-Protéomique clinique, Montpellier, France
| | - Aurelie Bedel
- Service de Biochimie, CHU Pellegrin, Bordeaux, France
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18
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Vermunt L, Otte M, Verberk IMW, Killestein J, Lemstra AW, van der Flier WM, Pijnenburg YAL, Vijverberg EGB, Bouwman FH, Gravesteijn G, van de Berg WDJ, Scheltens P, van Harten AC, Willemse EAJ, Teunissen CE. Age- and disease-specific reference values for neurofilament light presented in an online interactive support interface. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2022; 9:1832-1837. [PMID: 36196979 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Interpretation of axonal damage biomarker Neurofilament Light chain (NfL) concentrations is difficult due to the lack of age-specific and disease-specific reference values. We here developed an interactive interface to support interpretation of NfL results in human body fluids. We used NfL values of 1698 individuals without a neurological disorder, aged 19-85 years, and patients with MS and dementias. Percentile regression estimates per diagnosis populate interactive graphs, alongside NfL background information (available on: https://mybiomarkers.shinyapps.io/Neurofilament). This accessible interface provides reference for interpretation of the individual patient results for clinicians. It showcases an adaptable method to support interpretation of age-dependent biomarkers in neurology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Vermunt
- Neurochemistry Laboratory, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marco Otte
- Network Institute Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Inge M W Verberk
- Neurochemistry Laboratory, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joep Killestein
- MS Center Amsterdam, Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Afina W Lemstra
- Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wiesje M van der Flier
- Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Yolande A L Pijnenburg
- Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Everard G B Vijverberg
- Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Femke H Bouwman
- Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gido Gravesteijn
- Department of Clinical Genetics and Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Wilma D J van de Berg
- Clinical Neuroanatomy and Biobanking, department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Philip Scheltens
- Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Life Science Partners (LSP), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Argonde C van Harten
- Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eline A J Willemse
- Neurochemistry Laboratory, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Charlotte E Teunissen
- Neurochemistry Laboratory, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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19
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Ning L, Wang B. Neurofilament light chain in blood as a diagnostic and predictive biomarker for multiple sclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0274565. [PMID: 36103562 PMCID: PMC9473405 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Neurofilament light chain (NfL) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a biomarker of multiple sclerosis (MS). However, CSF sampling is invasive and has limited the clinical application. With the development of highly sensitive single-molecule assay, the accurate quantification of the very low NfL levels in blood become feasible. As evidence being accumulated, we performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the diagnostic and predictive value of blood NfL in MS patients.
Methods
We performed literature search on PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane Library from inception to May 31, 2022. The blood NfL differences between MS vs. controls, MS vs. clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), progressive MS (PMS) vs. relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), and MS in relapse vs. MS in remission were estimated by standard mean difference (SMD) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). Pooled hazard ratio (HR) and 95%CI were calculated to predict time to reach Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score≥4.0 and to relapse.
Results
A total of 28 studies comprising 6545 MS patients and 2477 controls were eligible for meta-analysis of diagnosis value, and 5 studies with 4444 patients were synthesized in analysis of predictive value. Blood NfL levels were significantly higher in MS patients vs. age-matched controls (SMD = 0.64, 95%CI 0.44–0.85, P<0.001), vs. non-matched controls (SMD = 0.76, 95%CI 0.56–0.96, P<0.001) and vs. CIS patients (SMD = 0.30, 95%CI 0.18–0.42, P<0.001), in PMS vs. RRMS (SMD = 0.56, 95%CI 0.27–0.85, P<0.001), and in relapsed patients vs. remitted patients (SMD = 0.54, 95%CI 0.16–0.92, P = 0.005). Patients with high blood NfL levels had shorter time to reach EDSS score≥4.0 (HR = 2.36, 95%CI 1.32–4.21, P = 0.004) but similar time to relapse (HR = 1.32, 95%CI 0.90–1.93, P = 0.155) compared to those with low NfL levels.
Conclusion
As far as we know, this is the first meta-analysis evaluating the diagnosis and predictive value of blood NfL in MS. The present study indicates blood NfL may be a useful biomarker in diagnosing MS, distinguishing MS subtypes and predicting disease worsening in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangxia Ning
- Department of Neurology, Yuncheng Central Hospital, The Eighth Shanxi Medical University, Yuncheng, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Neurology, Yuncheng Central Hospital, The Eighth Shanxi Medical University, Yuncheng, China
- * E-mail:
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20
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Mak G, Menon S, Lu JQ. Neurofilaments in neurologic disorders and beyond. J Neurol Sci 2022; 441:120380. [PMID: 36027641 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2022.120380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Many neurologic diseases can initially present as a diagnostic challenge and even when a diagnosis is made, monitoring of disease activity, progression and response to therapy may be limited with existing clinical and paraclinical assessments. As such, the identification of disease specific biomarkers provides a promising avenue by which diseases can be effectively diagnosed, monitored and used as a prognostic indicator for long-term outcomes. Neurofilaments are an integral component of the neuronal cytoskeleton, where assessment of neurofilaments in the blood, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and diseased tissue has been shown to have value in providing diagnostic clarity, monitoring disease activity, tracking progression and treatment efficacy, as well as lending prognostic insight into long-term outcomes. As such, this review attempts to provide a glimpse into the structure and function of neurofilaments, their role in various neurologic and non-neurologic disorders, including uncommon conditions with recent knowledge of neurofilament-related pathology, as well as their applicability in future clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Mak
- McMaster University, Department of Medicine, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Suresh Menon
- McMaster University, Department of Medicine, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jian-Qiang Lu
- McMaster University, Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
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