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Stovickova L, Hansikova H, Hanzalova J, Musova Z, Semjonov V, Stovicek P, Hadzic H, Novotna L, Simcik M, Strnad P, Serbina A, Karamazovova S, Schwabova Paulasova J, Vyhnalek M, Krsek P, Zumrova A. Exploring mitochondrial biomarkers for Friedreich's ataxia: a multifaceted approach. J Neurol 2024; 271:3439-3454. [PMID: 38520521 PMCID: PMC11136723 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12223-5] [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: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
This study presents an in-depth analysis of mitochondrial enzyme activities in Friedreich's ataxia (FA) patients, focusing on the Electron Transport Chain complexes I, II, and IV, the Krebs Cycle enzyme Citrate Synthase, and Coenzyme Q10 levels. It examines a cohort of 34 FA patients, comparing their mitochondrial enzyme activities and clinical parameters, including disease duration and cardiac markers, with those of 17 healthy controls. The findings reveal marked reductions in complexes II and, specifically, IV, highlighting mitochondrial impairment in FA. Additionally, elevated Neurofilament Light Chain levels and cardiomarkers were observed in FA patients. This research enhances our understanding of FA pathophysiology and suggests potential biomarkers for monitoring disease progression. The study underscores the need for further clinical trials to validate these findings, emphasizing the critical role of mitochondrial dysfunction in FA assessment and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Stovickova
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Motol University Hospital, V Uvalu 84, 15006, Prague 5, Czech Republic.
- Centre of Hereditary Ataxias, Second Faculty of Medicine, An Official EFACTS Site, a Member of European Reference Network for Rare Neurological Diseases (ERN-RND), Charles University, Motol University Hospital, Prague 5, Czech Republic.
| | - Hana Hansikova
- Department of Paediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Medical Faculty, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Jitka Hanzalova
- Department of Immunology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Motol University Hospital, Prague 5, Czech Republic
| | - Zuzana Musova
- Department of Biology and Medical Genetics, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Motol University Hospital, Prague 5, Czech Republic
- Centre of Hereditary Ataxias, Second Faculty of Medicine, An Official EFACTS Site, a Member of European Reference Network for Rare Neurological Diseases (ERN-RND), Charles University, Motol University Hospital, Prague 5, Czech Republic
| | - Valerij Semjonov
- Department of Paediatrics, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | - Haris Hadzic
- Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague 5, Czech Republic
| | - Ludmila Novotna
- Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague 5, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Simcik
- Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague 5, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Strnad
- Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague 5, Czech Republic
| | - Anastaziia Serbina
- Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague 5, Czech Republic
| | - Simona Karamazovova
- Department of Neurology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Motol University Hospital, Prague 5, Czech Republic
- Centre of Hereditary Ataxias, Second Faculty of Medicine, An Official EFACTS Site, a Member of European Reference Network for Rare Neurological Diseases (ERN-RND), Charles University, Motol University Hospital, Prague 5, Czech Republic
| | - Jaroslava Schwabova Paulasova
- Department of Neurology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Motol University Hospital, Prague 5, Czech Republic
- Centre of Hereditary Ataxias, Second Faculty of Medicine, An Official EFACTS Site, a Member of European Reference Network for Rare Neurological Diseases (ERN-RND), Charles University, Motol University Hospital, Prague 5, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Vyhnalek
- Department of Neurology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Motol University Hospital, Prague 5, Czech Republic
- Centre of Hereditary Ataxias, Second Faculty of Medicine, An Official EFACTS Site, a Member of European Reference Network for Rare Neurological Diseases (ERN-RND), Charles University, Motol University Hospital, Prague 5, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Krsek
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Motol University Hospital, V Uvalu 84, 15006, Prague 5, Czech Republic
| | - Alena Zumrova
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Motol University Hospital, V Uvalu 84, 15006, Prague 5, Czech Republic
- Centre of Hereditary Ataxias, Second Faculty of Medicine, An Official EFACTS Site, a Member of European Reference Network for Rare Neurological Diseases (ERN-RND), Charles University, Motol University Hospital, Prague 5, Czech Republic
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Salinas M, Salinas VH, McGurn M, Hernandez N, Louis ED. Serum Neurofilament Light-Chain Concentrations in Essential Tremor: a Case-Control Study. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 23:951-956. [PMID: 37466893 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-023-01583-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Essential tremor (ET) is a common neurological disorder, with clinical and pathophysiological links to the cerebellum. Inquiries into the etiology, pathophysiology, and nosology of ET stand to benefit from the identification of disease biomarkers. Serum neurofilament light chain (NfL) has emerged as a novel signature of conditions in which neuronal injury reflects an outcome of the ongoing disease process. We sought to investigate the concentrations of NfL in ET patients and healthy controls. In this case-control study, our powered study population of 41 ET patients and 40 age-matched healthy controls underwent clinical assessments and measurement of serum NfL concentration using Simoa technology. Serum NfL was elevated in ET patients - mean log-transformed serum NfL concentration = 1.23 ± 0.19 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.17-1.29) vs. 1.08 ± 0.15 (95% CI = 1.03-1.13), p = 0.0002. This difference persisted after accounting for age, sex and Montreal Cognitive Assessment score in a multiple linear regression model (p = 0.002) and in an age-matched sample subset of 35 ET cases and 35 controls (p = 0.006). There was no association between tremor severity and serum NfL levels (p = 0.73). In this sample of ET patients and controls, serum NfL concentrations were significantly higher in ET. Studies in additional cohorts of ET cases would be of value in attempting to replicate these results and assessing diagnostic utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meagen Salinas
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.
- Neurology Section, VA North Texas Health Care System, Dallas, TX, USA.
| | - Victor H Salinas
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- Neurology Section, VA North Texas Health Care System, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Maisie McGurn
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Nora Hernandez
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Elan D Louis
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
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Vrillon A, Ashton NJ, Karikari TK, Götze K, Cognat E, Dumurgier J, Lilamand M, Zetterberg H, Blennow K, Paquet C. Comparison of CSF and plasma NfL and pNfH for Alzheimer's disease diagnosis: a memory clinic study. J Neurol 2024; 271:1297-1310. [PMID: 37950758 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-12066-6] [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: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/13/2023]
Abstract
Plasma neurofilament light chain (NfL) is a promising biomarker of axonal damage for the diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases. Phosphorylated neurofilament heavy chain (pNfH) has demonstrated its value in motor neuron diseases diagnosis, but has less been explored for dementia diagnosis. In a cross-sectional study, we compared cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma NfL and pNfH levels in n = 188 patients from Lariboisière Hospital, Paris, France, including AD patients at mild cognitive impairment stage (AD-MCI, n = 36) and dementia stage (n = 64), non-AD MCI (n = 38), non-AD dementia (n = 28) patients and control subjects (n = 22). Plasma NfL, plasma and CSF pNfH levels were measured using Simoa and CSF NfL using ELISA. The correlation between CSF and plasma levels was stronger for NfL than pNfH (rho = 0.77 and rho = 0.52, respectively). All neurofilament markers were increased in AD-MCI, AD dementia and non-AD dementia groups compared with controls. CSF NfL, CSF pNfH and plasma NfL showed high performance to discriminate AD at both MCI and dementia stages from control subjects [AUC (area under the curve) = 0.82-0.91]. Plasma pNfH displayed overall lower AUCs for discrimination between groups compared with CSF pNfH. Neurofilament markers showed similar moderate association with cognition. NfL levels displayed significant association with mediotemporal lobe atrophy and white matter lesions in the AD group. Our results suggest that CSF NfL and pNfH as well as plasma NfL levels display equivalent performance in both positive and differential AD diagnosis in memory clinic settings. In contrast to motoneuron disorders, plasma pNfH did not demonstrate added value as compared with plasma NfL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agathe Vrillon
- Cognitive Neurology Center, Lariboisière Fernand Widal Hospital, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France.
- INSERM U1144, Therapeutic Optimization in Neuropsychopharmacology, Paris, France.
| | - Nicholas J Ashton
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
- Maurice Wohl Institute Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Mental Health and Biomedical Research Unit for Dementia at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation, London, UK
- Centre for Age-Related Medicine, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Thomas K Karikari
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Karl Götze
- INSERM U1144, Therapeutic Optimization in Neuropsychopharmacology, Paris, France
| | - Emmanuel Cognat
- Cognitive Neurology Center, Lariboisière Fernand Widal Hospital, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- INSERM U1144, Therapeutic Optimization in Neuropsychopharmacology, Paris, France
| | - Julien Dumurgier
- Cognitive Neurology Center, Lariboisière Fernand Widal Hospital, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Matthieu Lilamand
- Cognitive Neurology Center, Lariboisière Fernand Widal Hospital, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
- Maurice Wohl Institute Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
- 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, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Kaj Blennow
- 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
| | - Claire Paquet
- Cognitive Neurology Center, Lariboisière Fernand Widal Hospital, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- INSERM U1144, Therapeutic Optimization in Neuropsychopharmacology, Paris, France
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Johnsson M, Zetterberg H, Blennow K, Lindberg C. Clinical stage and plasma neurofilament concentration in adults with Friedreich ataxia. Heliyon 2024; 10:e23347. [PMID: 38163227 PMCID: PMC10755300 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives Friedreich Ataxia (FRDA) is the most common recessive ataxia disorder. Yet, little is known of the prevalence in Sweden. In the future, there may be effective disease-modifying therapies, and use of clinical rating scales as well as possible biomarkers in serum or cerebrospinal fluid may be of importance. We evaluated the axonal protein neurofilament light in plasma (p-NfL) as a possible biomarker for disease severity in FRDA. Materials & methods We searched for all possible genetically confirmed FRDA cases in the Västra Götaland Region (VGR) of Sweden, and investigated each patient clinically and obtained blood sample for analysis of p-NfL. Results We found eight patients corresponding to 1/170.000 adults in the VGR, and 5 of these participated in the study. Three out of the five FRDA patients displayed a small or moderate increase in the p-NfL value, compared to the age-adjusted cut-offs for p-NfL established in the Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory at our hospital. The two others were the oldest and most severely affected, displayed normal values according the cut-off values. The cohort is too small to make any statistically significant correlation between the five p-NfL values with regard to disease severity. Conclusions FRDA is less prevalent in our region of Sweden than could be assumed. In concordance with previous studies from other authors, we find that p-NfL may be increased in patients with FRDA, but less so in older more clinically affected patients. Thus, we conclude that on an individual basis, p-NFL is of uncertain clinical value as a suitable biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magnus Johnsson
- Department of Neurology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - 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, 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
| | - Kaj Blennow
- 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
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Kessler C, Ruschil C, Abdelhak A, Wilke C, Maleska A, Kuhle J, Krumbholz M, Kowarik MC, Schüle R. Serum Neurofilament Light Chain and Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein as Biomarkers in Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis and Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia Type 4. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13466. [PMID: 36362248 PMCID: PMC9657281 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In patients with slowly progressive spastic paraparesis, the differential diagnosis of primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) and hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) can be challenging. Serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (sGFAP) are promising fluid biomarkers to support the diagnostic workup. Serum NfL is a marker of neuroaxonal decay sensitive to temporal changes, while elevated sGFAP levels may reflect astrocytal involvement in PPMS. We assessed sNfL and sGFAP levels in 25 patients with PPMS, 25 patients with SPG4 (the most common type of HSP) and 60 controls, using the highly sensitive single-molecule array (Simoa) platform. Patients were matched in age, sex, age at onset, disease duration and disease severity. Serum NfL levels were significantly increased in PPMS compared to SPG4 (p = 0.041, partial η² = 0.088), and there was a trend toward relatively higher sGFAP levels in PPMS (p = 0.097). However, due to overlapping biomarker values in both groups, we did not find sNfL and sGFAP to be useful as differential biomarkers in our cohort. The temporal dynamics indicate sNfL and sGFAP levels are most markedly elevated in PPMS in earlier disease stages, supporting their investigation in this group most in need of a diagnostic biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Kessler
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Str. 3, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Str. 27, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Otfried-Müller-Str. 23, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Christoph Ruschil
- Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Str. 27, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Neurology and Stroke, University of Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Str. 3, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ahmed Abdelhak
- Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), 675 Nelson Rising Lane, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Carlo Wilke
- Division Translational Genomics of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Str. 27, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Aleksandra Maleska
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital and University of Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre and Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience (RC2NB), Departments of Biomedicine and Clinical Research, University Hospital and University of Basel, Spitalstr. 2, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jens Kuhle
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital and University of Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre and Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience (RC2NB), Departments of Biomedicine and Clinical Research, University Hospital and University of Basel, Spitalstr. 2, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Markus Krumbholz
- Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Str. 27, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Neurology and Stroke, University of Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Str. 3, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Neurology and Pain Treatment, Immanuel Klinik Rüdersdorf, University Hospital of the Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, 15562 Rüdersdorf bei Berlin, Germany
| | - Markus C. Kowarik
- Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Str. 27, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Neurology and Stroke, University of Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Str. 3, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Technische Universität München, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Rebecca Schüle
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Str. 3, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Str. 27, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Otfried-Müller-Str. 23, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
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Petzold A. The 2022 Lady Estelle Wolfson lectureship on neurofilaments. J Neurochem 2022; 163:179-219. [PMID: 35950263 PMCID: PMC9826399 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Neurofilament proteins (Nf) have been validated and established as a reliable body fluid biomarker for neurodegenerative pathology. This review covers seven Nf isoforms, Nf light (NfL), two splicing variants of Nf medium (NfM), two splicing variants of Nf heavy (NfH), α -internexin (INA) and peripherin (PRPH). The genetic and epigenetic aspects of Nf are discussed as relevant for neurodegenerative diseases and oncology. The comprehensive list of mutations for all Nf isoforms covers Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Charcot-Marie Tooth disease, Spinal muscular atrophy, Parkinson Disease and Lewy Body Dementia. Next, emphasis is given to the expanding field of post-translational modifications (PTM) of the Nf amino acid residues. Protein structural aspects are reviewed alongside PTMs causing neurodegenerative pathology and human autoimmunity. Molecular visualisations of NF PTMs, assembly and stoichiometry make use of Alphafold2 modelling. The implications for Nf function on the cellular level and axonal transport are discussed. Neurofilament aggregate formation and proteolytic breakdown are reviewed as relevant for biomarker tests and disease. Likewise, Nf stoichiometry is reviewed with regard to in vitro experiments and as a compensatory mechanism in neurodegeneration. The review of Nf across a spectrum of 87 diseases from all parts of medicine is followed by a critical appraisal of 33 meta-analyses on Nf body fluid levels. The review concludes with considerations for clinical trial design and an outlook for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axel Petzold
- Department of NeurodegenerationQueen Square Insitute of Neurology, UCLLondonUK
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Eisenstein SA, Boodram RS, Sutphen CL, Lugar HM, Gordon BA, Marshall BA, Urano F, Fagan AM, Hershey T. Plasma Neurofilament Light Chain Levels Are Elevated in Children and Young Adults With Wolfram Syndrome. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:795317. [PMID: 35495027 PMCID: PMC9039397 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.795317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Wolfram syndrome is a rare disease caused by pathogenic variants in the WFS1 gene with progressive neurodegeneration. As an easily accessible biomarker of progression of neurodegeneration has not yet been found, accurate tracking of the neurodegenerative process over time requires assessment by costly and time-consuming clinical measures and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A blood-based measure of neurodegeneration, neurofilament light chain (NfL), is relatively inexpensive and can be repeatedly measured at remote sites, standardized, and measured in individuals with MRI contraindications. To determine whether NfL levels may be of use in disease monitoring and reflect disease activity in Wolfram syndrome, plasma NfL levels were compared between children and young adults with Wolfram syndrome (n = 38) and controls composed of their siblings and parents (n = 35) and related to clinical severity and selected brain region volumes within the Wolfram group. NfL levels were higher in the Wolfram group [median (interquartile range) NfL = 11.3 (7.8-13.9) pg/mL] relative to controls [5.6 (4.5-7.4) pg/mL]. Within the Wolfram group, higher NfL levels related to worse visual acuity, color vision and smell identification, smaller brainstem and thalamic volumes, and faster annual rate of decrease in thalamic volume over time. Our findings suggest that plasma NfL levels can be a powerful tool to non-invasively assess underlying neurodegenerative processes in children, adolescents and young adults with Wolfram syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A. Eisenstein
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Raveena S. Boodram
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Courtney L. Sutphen
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Heather M. Lugar
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Brian A. Gordon
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Charles F. and Joanne Knight Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Bess A. Marshall
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Department of Cell Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Fumihiko Urano
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Lipid Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Anne M. Fagan
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Charles F. and Joanne Knight Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Tamara Hershey
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
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Anad A, Barker MK, Katanga JA, Arfanakis K, Bridges LR, Esiri MM, Isaacs JD, Prpar Mihevc S, Pereira AC, Schneider JA, Hainsworth AH. Vasculocentric Axonal NfH in Small Vessel Disease. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2022; 81:182-192. [PMID: 35086142 PMCID: PMC8922195 DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nlab134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) causes lacunar stroke and vascular cognitive impairment in older people. The pathogenic pathways from vessel pathology to parenchymal damage in SVD are unknown. Neurofilaments are axonal structural proteins. Neurofilament-light (NfL) is an emerging biomarker for neurological disease. Here, we examined the high molecular weight form neurofilament-heavy (NfH) and quantified a characteristic pattern of peri-arterial (vasculocentric) NfH labeling. Subcortical frontal and parietal white matter from young adult controls, aged controls, and older people with SVD or severe Alzheimer disease (n = 52) was immunohistochemically labeled for hyperphosphorylated NfH (pNfH). The extent of pNfH immunolabeling and the degree of vasculocentric axonal pNfH were quantified. Axonal pNfH immunolabeling was sparse in young adults but a common finding in older persons (controls, SVD, or AD). Axonal pNfH was often markedly concentrated around small penetrating arteries. This vasculocentric feature was more common in older people with SVD than in those with severe AD (p = 0.004). We conclude that axonal pNfH is a feature of subcortical white matter in aged brains. Vasculocentric axonal pNfH is a novel parenchymal lesion that is co-located with SVD arteriopathy and could be a consequence of vessel pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Anad
- From the Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George’s University of London, London, UK (AA, MKB, JAK, LRB, JDI, ACP, AHH)
| | - Miriam K Barker
- Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA (KA, JAS)
| | - Jessica A Katanga
- From the Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George’s University of London, London, UK (AA, MKB, JAK, LRB, JDI, ACP, AHH)
| | - Konstantinos Arfanakis
- Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA (KA, JAS)
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, Illinois, USA (KA)
| | - Leslie R Bridges
- From the Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George’s University of London, London, UK (AA, MKB, JAK, LRB, JDI, ACP, AHH)
- Department of Cellular Pathology, St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK (LRB)
| | - Margaret M Esiri
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Oxford University, Oxford, UK (MME)
| | - Jeremy D Isaacs
- From the Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George’s University of London, London, UK (AA, MKB, JAK, LRB, JDI, ACP, AHH)
- Department of Neurology, St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK (JDI, ACP, AHH)
| | - Sonja Prpar Mihevc
- Institute for Preclinical Sciences, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia (SPM)
| | - Anthony C Pereira
- From the Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George’s University of London, London, UK (AA, MKB, JAK, LRB, JDI, ACP, AHH)
- Department of Neurology, St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK (JDI, ACP, AHH)
| | - Julie A Schneider
- From the Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George’s University of London, London, UK (AA, MKB, JAK, LRB, JDI, ACP, AHH)
| | - Atticus H Hainsworth
- From the Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George’s University of London, London, UK (AA, MKB, JAK, LRB, JDI, ACP, AHH)
- Department of Neurology, St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK (JDI, ACP, AHH)
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9
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Kessler C, Serna-Higuita LM, Wilke C, Rattay TW, Hengel H, Reichbauer J, Stransky E, Leyva-Gutiérrez A, Mengel D, Synofzik M, Schöls L, Martus P, Schüle R. Characteristics of serum neurofilament light chain as a biomarker in hereditary spastic paraplegia type 4. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2022; 9:326-338. [PMID: 35171517 PMCID: PMC8935322 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective While the anticipated rise of disease‐modifying therapies calls for reliable trial outcome parameters, fluid biomarkers are lacking in spastic paraplegia type 4 (SPG4), the most prevalent form of hereditary spastic paraplegia. We therefore investigated serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) as a potential therapy response, diagnostic, monitoring, and prognostic biomarker in SPG4. Methods: We assessed sNfL levels in 93 patients with SPG4 and 60 healthy controls. The longitudinal study of sNfL levels in SPG4 patients covered a baseline, 1‐year follow‐up and 2‐year follow‐up visit. Results Levels of sNfL were significantly increased in patients with genetically confirmed SPG4 compared to healthy controls matched in age and sex (p = 0.013, r = 0.2). Our cross‐sectional analysis revealed a greater difference in sNfL levels between patients and controls in younger ages with decreasing fold change of patient sNfL elevation at older ages. Over our observational period of 2 years, sNfL levels remained stable in SPG4 patients. Disease severity and progression did not correlate with sNfL levels. Interpretation: Our longitudinal data indicate a stable turnover of sNfL in manifest SPG4; therefore, sNfL levels are not suitable to monitor disease progression in SPG4. However, sNfL may be valuable as a therapy response biomarker, since its turnover could be modified by interventions. As the course of sNfL levels appears to be most dynamic around the onset of SPG4, the ability to detect a therapy response appears to be especially promising in younger patients, matching the need to initiate treatment in early disease stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Kessler
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center of Neurology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Lina Maria Serna-Higuita
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Applied Biostatistics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Carlo Wilke
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center of Neurology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Tim W Rattay
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center of Neurology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Holger Hengel
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center of Neurology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jennifer Reichbauer
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center of Neurology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Elke Stransky
- Center of Neurology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Alejandra Leyva-Gutiérrez
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center of Neurology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany
| | - David Mengel
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center of Neurology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Matthis Synofzik
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center of Neurology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ludger Schöls
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center of Neurology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Peter Martus
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Applied Biostatistics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Rebecca Schüle
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center of Neurology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany
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10
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Liu L, Lai Y, Zhan Z, Fu Q, Jiang Y. Downregulation of Three Immune-Specific Core Genes and the Regulatory Pathways in Children and Adult Friedreich's Ataxia: A Comprehensive Analysis Based on Microarray. Front Neurol 2022; 12:816393. [PMID: 35237223 PMCID: PMC8884172 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.816393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA) is a familial hereditary disorder that lacks available therapy. Therefore, the identification of novel biomarkers and key mechanisms related to FRDA progression is urgently required. Methods We identified the up-regulated and down-regulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in children and adult FRDA from the GSE11204 dataset and intersected them to determine the co-expressed DEGs (co-DEGs). Enrichment analysis was conducted and a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed to identify key pathways and hub genes. The potential diagnostic biomarkers were validated using the GSE30933 dataset. Cytoscape was applied to construct interaction and competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks. Results Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) indicated that the genes in both the child and adult samples were primarily enriched in their immune-related functions. We identified 88 co-DEGs between child and adult FRDA samples. Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and Reactome enrichment analysis suggested that these co-DEGs were primarily enriched in immune response, inflammatory reaction, and necroptosis. Immune infiltration analysis showed remarkable differences in the proportions of immune cell subtype between FRDA and healthy samples. In addition, ten core genes and one gene cluster module were screened out based on the PPI network. We verified eight immune-specific core genes using a validation dataset and found CD28, FAS, and ITIF5 have high diagnostic significance in FRDA. Finally, NEAT1-hsa-miR-24-3p-CD28 was identified as a key regulatory pathway of child and adult FRDA. Conclusions Downregulation of three immune-specific hub genes, CD28, FAS, and IFIT5, may be associated with the progression of child and adult FRDA. Furthermore, NEAT1-hsa-miR-24-3p-CD28 may be the potential RNA regulatory pathway related to the pathogenesis of child and adult FRDA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lichun Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Fujian Children's Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yongxing Lai
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhidong Zhan
- Department of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Fujian Children's Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Qingxian Fu
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Fujian Children's Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yuelian Jiang
- Department of Pharmacy, Fujian Children's Hospital, Fuzhou, China
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11
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Peng L, Wang S, Chen Z, Peng Y, Wang C, Long Z, Peng H, Shi Y, Hou X, Lei L, Wan L, Liu M, Zou G, Shen L, Xia K, Qiu R, Tang B, Ashizawa T, Klockgether T, Jiang H. Blood Neurofilament Light Chain in Genetic Ataxia: A Meta-Analysis. Mov Disord 2021; 37:171-181. [PMID: 34519102 DOI: 10.1002/mds.28783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND No comprehensive meta-analysis has ever been performed to assess the value of neurofilament light chain (NfL) as a biomarker in genetic ataxia. OBJECTIVE We conducted a meta-analysis to summarize NfL concentration and evaluate its utility as a biomarker in genetic ataxia. METHODS Studies were included if they reported NfL concentration of genetic ataxia. We used log (mean ± SD) NfL to describe mean raw value of NfL. The effect size of NfL between genetic ataxia and healthy controls (HC) was expressed by mean difference. Correlation between NfL and disease severity was calculated. RESULTS We identified 11 studies of 624 HC and 1006 patients, here referred to as spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA1, 2, 3, 6, and 7), Friedreich ataxia (FRDA), and ataxia telangiectasia (A-T). The concentration of blood NfL (bNfL) elevated with proximity to expected onset, and progressively increased from asymptomatic to preclinical to clinical stage in SCA3. Compared with HC, bNfL levels were significantly higher in SCA1, 2, 3, and 7, FRDA, as well as A-T, and the difference increased with the advancing disease in SCA3. bNfL levels correlated with disease severity in SCA3. There was a significant correlation between bNfL and longitudinal progression in SCA3. Additionally, bNfL increased with age in HC, yet this is probably masked by higher disease-related effects on bNfL in genetic ataxia. CONCLUSIONS bNfL can be used as a potential biomarker to predict disease onset, severity, and progression of genetic ataxia. Reference-value setting of bNfL should be divided according to age. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linliu Peng
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shang Wang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhao Chen
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Neurodegenerative and Neurogenetic Diseases, Changsha, China
| | - Yun Peng
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chunrong Wang
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhe Long
- Department of Neurology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Huirong Peng
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yuting Shi
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xuan Hou
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lijing Lei
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Linlin Wan
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Mingjie Liu
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Guangdong Zou
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lu Shen
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Neurodegenerative and Neurogenetic Diseases, Changsha, China
| | - Kun Xia
- Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Rong Qiu
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Beisha Tang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Neurodegenerative and Neurogenetic Diseases, Changsha, China
| | - Tetsuo Ashizawa
- Neuroscience Research Program, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, Texas, USA.,Stanley H. Appel Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medicine at Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Thomas Klockgether
- Department of Neurology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Hong Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Neurodegenerative and Neurogenetic Diseases, Changsha, China.,School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
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12
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Barro C, Zetterberg H. Neurological symptoms and blood neurofilament light levels. Acta Neurol Scand 2021; 144:13-20. [PMID: 33734429 DOI: 10.1111/ane.13415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Neurofilament light chain (NfL) is an incredibly specific marker of neuronal injury that is not specific for cause or location of the neuronal damage. NfL is increasingly considered as possible biomarker of disease activity in neurological conditions. Several works reviewed the utility of NfL in the different diseases. Nonetheless, NfL is a universal marker of neuronal damage, which interpretation spaces beyond the single disease. Because of this, the interpretation of NfL may benefit by also considering how neurological symptoms relate to its blood concentration. Here, we review how different neurological symptoms can be associated with blood NfL levels with a practical interpretation of it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Barro
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases Brigham and Women's Hospital Boston MA USA
- Department of Neurology Harvard Medical School Boston MA USA
| | - 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 NeurologyQueen Square London UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL London UK
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13
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Donath H, Woelke S, Schubert R, Kieslich M, Theis M, Auburger G, Duecker RP, Zielen S. Neurofilament Light Chain Is a Biomarker of Neurodegeneration in Ataxia Telangiectasia. THE CEREBELLUM 2021; 21:39-47. [PMID: 33893614 PMCID: PMC8885493 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-021-01257-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Ataxia telangiectasia (A-T) is a progressive and life-limiting disease associated with cerebellar ataxia due to progressive cerebellar degeneration. In addition to ataxia, which is described in detail, the presence of chorea, dystonia, oculomotor apraxia, athetosis, parkinsonism, and myoclonia are typical manifestations of the disease. The study aimed to evaluate the specificity and sensitivity of neurofilament light chain (NfL) as a biomarker of neurodegeneration in relation to SARA score. In this prospective trial, one visit of 42 A-T patients aged 1.3–25.6 years (mean 11.6 ± 7.3 years) was performed, in which NfL was determined from serum by ELISA. Additionally, a neurological examination of the patients was performed. Blood was collected from 19 healthy volunteers ≥ 12 years of age. We found significantly increased levels of NfL in patients with A-T compared to healthy controls (21.5 ± 3.6 pg/mL vs. 9.3 ± 0.49 pg/mL, p ≤ 0.01). There was a significant correlation of NfL with age, AFP, and SARA. NfL is a new potential progression biomarker in blood for neurodegeneration in A-T which increases with age.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Donath
- Division of Allergology, Pulmonology and Cystic Fibrosis, Department for Children and Adolescents, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany.
| | - S Woelke
- Division of Allergology, Pulmonology and Cystic Fibrosis, Department for Children and Adolescents, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - R Schubert
- Division of Allergology, Pulmonology and Cystic Fibrosis, Department for Children and Adolescents, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - M Kieslich
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department for Children and Adolescents, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - M Theis
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department for Children and Adolescents, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - G Auburger
- Experimental Neurology, Medical School, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - R P Duecker
- Division of Allergology, Pulmonology and Cystic Fibrosis, Department for Children and Adolescents, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - S Zielen
- Division of Allergology, Pulmonology and Cystic Fibrosis, Department for Children and Adolescents, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
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14
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Kessler C, Serna-Higuita LM, Rattay TW, Maetzler W, Wurster I, Hayer S, Wilke C, Hengel H, Reichbauer J, Armbruster M, Schöls L, Martus P, Schüle R. Neurofilament light chain is a cerebrospinal fluid biomarker in hereditary spastic paraplegia. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2021; 8:1122-1131. [PMID: 33819388 PMCID: PMC8108414 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Despite the need for diagnostics and research, data on fluid biomarkers in hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) are scarce. We, therefore, explore Neurofilament light chain (NfL) levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with hereditary spastic paraplegia and provide information on the influence of demographic factors. Methods The study recruited 59 HSP cases (33 genetically confirmed) and 59 controls matched in age and sex. Neurofilament light chain levels were assessed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The statistical analysis included the effects of age, sex, and genetic status (confirmed vs. not confirmed). Results Levels of CSF NfL were significantly increased in patients with hereditary spastic paraplegia compared to controls (median 741 pg/mL vs. 387 pg/mL, p < 0.001). Age (1.4% annual increase) and male sex (81% increase) impacted CSF NfL levels in patients. The age‐dependent increase of CSF NfL levels was steeper in controls (2.6% annual increase). Thus, the CSF NfL ratio of patients and matched controls—expressing patients’ fold increases in CSF NfL—declined considerably with age. Interpretation CSF NfL is a reliable cross‐sectional biomarker in hereditary spastic paraplegia. Sex is a relevant factor to consider, as male patients have remarkably higher CSF NfL levels. While levels also increase with age, the gap between patients and controls is narrowing in older subjects. This indicates distinct temporal dynamics of CSF NfL in patients with hereditary spastic paraplegia, with a rise around phenotypic conversion and comparatively static levels afterward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Kessler
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Tübingen, Germany.,Center of Neurology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Lina M Serna-Higuita
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Applied Biostatistics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Tim W Rattay
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Tübingen, Germany.,Center of Neurology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Walter Maetzler
- Department of Neurology, Kiel University and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Isabel Wurster
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Tübingen, Germany.,Center of Neurology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stefanie Hayer
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Tübingen, Germany.,Center of Neurology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Carlo Wilke
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Tübingen, Germany.,Center of Neurology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Holger Hengel
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Tübingen, Germany.,Center of Neurology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jennifer Reichbauer
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Tübingen, Germany.,Center of Neurology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Ludger Schöls
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Tübingen, Germany.,Center of Neurology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Peter Martus
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Applied Biostatistics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Rebecca Schüle
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Tübingen, Germany.,Center of Neurology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany
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15
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Frempong B, Wilson RB, Schadt K, Lynch DR. The Role of Serum Levels of Neurofilament Light (NfL) Chain as a Biomarker in Friedreich Ataxia. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:653241. [PMID: 33737864 PMCID: PMC7960909 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.653241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Bernice Frempong
- Division of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Robert B Wilson
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Kimberly Schadt
- Division of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - David R Lynch
- Division of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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16
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Different Clinical Contexts of Use of Blood Neurofilament Light Chain Protein in the Spectrum of Neurodegenerative Diseases. Mol Neurobiol 2020; 57:4667-4691. [PMID: 32772223 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-020-02035-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
One of the most pressing challenges in the clinical research of neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) is the validation and standardization of pathophysiological biomarkers for different contexts of use (CoUs), such as early detection, diagnosis, prognosis, and prediction of treatment response. Neurofilament light chain (NFL) concentration is a particularly promising candidate, an indicator of axonal degeneration, which can be analyzed in peripheral blood with advanced ultrasensitive methods. Serum/plasma NFL concentration is closely correlated with cerebrospinal fluid NFL and directly reflects neurodegeneration within the central nervous system. Here, we provide an update on the feasible CoU of blood NFL in NDDs and translate recent findings to potentially valuable clinical practice applications. As NFL is not a disease-specific biomarker, however, blood NFL is an easily accessible biomarker with promising different clinical applications for several NDDs: (1) early detection and diagnosis (i.e., amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, atypical parkinsonisms, sporadic late-onset ataxias), (2) prognosis (Huntington's disease and Parkinson's disease), and (3) prediction of time to symptom onset (presymptomatic mutation carriers in genetic Alzheimer's disease and spinocerebellar ataxia type 3).
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17
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Clay A, Obrochta KM, Soon RK, Russell CB, Lynch DR. Neurofilament light chain as a potential biomarker of disease status in Friedreich ataxia. J Neurol 2020; 267:2594-2598. [PMID: 32385683 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-020-09868-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The present study evaluates serum neurofilament light chain (NfL) as a biomarker of disease features in Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA). METHODS NfL levels from serum of 117 subjects (85 FRDA patients, 13 carriers, and 19 controls) were assayed and correlated with disease features such as smaller GAA repeat length (GAA1), age, sex, and level of neurological dysfunction. RESULTS Mean serum NfL levels were higher in FRDA patients than in carriers or unaffected controls in two independent cohorts of subjects. In longitudinal samples from FRDA patients drawn monthly or 1 year apart, values changed minimally. No difference was noted between carriers and controls. NfL levels correlated positively with age in controls and carriers of similar age, (Rs = 0.72, p < 0.0005), whereas NfL levels inversely correlated with age in FRDA patients (Rs = - 0.63, p < 0.001). NfL levels were not associated with sex or GAA1 length in patients, and linear regression revealed a significant relationship between NfL levels in the cohort with age (coefficient = - 0.36, p < 0.001), but not sex (p = 0.64) or GAA1 (p = 0.13). CONCLUSION Because NfL is elevated in patients, but decreases with age and disease progression, our results suggest that age is the critical determinant of NfL in FRDA (rather than clinical or genetic severity).
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Clay
- Department of Pediatrics and Neurology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia; Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Kristin M Obrochta
- BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc, 770 Lindaro Street, San Rafael, CA, 94901, USA
| | - Russell K Soon
- BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc, 770 Lindaro Street, San Rafael, CA, 94901, USA
| | | | - David R Lynch
- Department of Pediatrics and Neurology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia; Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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