1
|
Johnsson M, Stenberg YT, Farman HH, Blennow K, Zetterberg H, Malmeström C, Sandgren S, Rosenstein I, Lycke J, Axelsson M, Novakova L. Serum neurofilament light for detecting disease activity in individual patients in multiple sclerosis: A 48-week prospective single-center study. Mult Scler 2024; 30:664-673. [PMID: 38481083 PMCID: PMC11071597 DOI: 10.1177/13524585241237388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Serum neurofilament light (sNfL) reflects neuroaxonal damage and is now used as an outcome in treatment trials of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). However, the diagnostic properties of sNfL for monitoring disease activity in individual patients warrant further investigations. METHOD Patients with suspected relapse and/or contrast-enhancing lesions (CELs) were consecutively included and performed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain at baseline and weeks 28 and 48. Serum was obtained at baseline and 2, 4, 8, 16, 24, and 48 weeks. Neurofilament light concentration was measured using Single molecule array technology. RESULTS We included 44 patients, 40 with RRMS and 4 with clinically isolated syndrome. The median sNfL level peaked at 2 weeks post-baseline (14.6 ng/L, interquartile range (IQR); 9.3-31.6) and reached nadir at 48 weeks (9.1 ng/L, IQR; 5.5-15.0), equivalent to the median sNfL of controls (9.1 ng/L, IQR; 7.4-12). A baseline Z-score of more than 1.1 (area under the curve; 0.78, p < 0.0001) had a sensitivity of 81% and specificity of 70% to detect disease activity. CONCLUSION One out of five patients with relapse and/or CELs did not change significantly in post-baseline sNfL levels. The utility of repeated sNfL measurements to monitor disease activity is complementary rather than a substitute for clinical and MRI measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Johnsson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Neurology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital and Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - YT Stenberg
- Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - HH Farman
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - K Blennow
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - H Zetterberg
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University College London, 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
| | - C Malmeström
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Neurology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital and Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Laboratory for Clinical Immunology, Department of Neurology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - S Sandgren
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Neurology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital and Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - I Rosenstein
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Neurology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital and Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - J Lycke
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Neurology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital and Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - M Axelsson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Neurology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital and Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - L Novakova
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Neurology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital and Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Arroyo Pereiro P, Muñoz-Vendrell A, León Moreno I, Bau L, Matas E, Romero-Pinel L, Martínez Yélamos A, Martínez Yélamos S, Andrés-Benito P. Baseline serum neurofilament light chain levels differentiate aggressive from benign forms of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: a 20-year follow-up cohort. J Neurol 2024; 271:1599-1609. [PMID: 38085343 PMCID: PMC10973070 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-12135-w] [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: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Serum biomarkers are emerging as useful prognostic tools for multiple sclerosis (MS); however, long-term studies are lacking. We aimed to evaluate the long-term prognostic value of the serum levels of neurofilament light chain (NfL), total tau, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and chitinase 3-like-1 (CHI3L1) measured close to the time of MS onset. METHODS In this retrospective, exploratory, observational, case and controls study, patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) with available baseline serum samples and prospectively follow-up in our MS unit for a long time were selected based on their clinical evolution to form two groups: (1) a benign RRMS (bRRMS) group, defined as patients with an Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score of ≤ 3 at ≥ 10 years of follow-up; (2) an aggressive RRMS (aRRMS) group, defined as patients with an EDSS score of ≥ 6 at ≤ 15 years of follow-up. An age-matched healthy control (HC) group was selected. NfL, total tau, and GFAP serum levels were quantified using a single-molecule array (SIMOA), and CHI3L1 was quantified using ELISA. RESULTS Thirty-one patients with bRRMS, 19 with aRRMS, and 10 HC were included. The median follow-up time from sample collection was 17.74 years (interquartile range, 14.60-20.37). Bivariate and multivariate analyses revealed significantly higher NfL and GFAP levels in the aRRMS group than in the bRRMS group. A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis identified serum NfL level as the most efficient marker for distinguishing aRRMS from bRRMS. DISCUSSION This proof-of-concept study comparing benign and aggressive RRMS groups reinforces the potential role of baseline NfL serum levels as a promising long-term disability prognostic marker. In contrast, serum GFAP, total tau, and CHI3L1 levels demonstrated a lower or no ability to differentiate between the long-term outcomes of RRMS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Arroyo Pereiro
- Neurologic Diseases and Neurogenetics Group, Institute of Biomedical Research (IDIBELL), Avinguda de la Gran Via de L'Hospitalet, 199, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08907, Barcelona, Spain
- Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Department of Neurology, Bellvitge University Hospital, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08907, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Albert Muñoz-Vendrell
- Neurologic Diseases and Neurogenetics Group, Institute of Biomedical Research (IDIBELL), Avinguda de la Gran Via de L'Hospitalet, 199, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08907, Barcelona, Spain
- Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Department of Neurology, Bellvitge University Hospital, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08907, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Isabel León Moreno
- Neurologic Diseases and Neurogenetics Group, Institute of Biomedical Research (IDIBELL), Avinguda de la Gran Via de L'Hospitalet, 199, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08907, Barcelona, Spain
- Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Department of Neurology, Bellvitge University Hospital, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08907, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Bau
- Neurologic Diseases and Neurogenetics Group, Institute of Biomedical Research (IDIBELL), Avinguda de la Gran Via de L'Hospitalet, 199, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08907, Barcelona, Spain
- Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Department of Neurology, Bellvitge University Hospital, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08907, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elisabet Matas
- Neurologic Diseases and Neurogenetics Group, Institute of Biomedical Research (IDIBELL), Avinguda de la Gran Via de L'Hospitalet, 199, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08907, Barcelona, Spain
- Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Department of Neurology, Bellvitge University Hospital, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08907, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lucía Romero-Pinel
- Neurologic Diseases and Neurogenetics Group, Institute of Biomedical Research (IDIBELL), Avinguda de la Gran Via de L'Hospitalet, 199, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08907, Barcelona, Spain
- Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Department of Neurology, Bellvitge University Hospital, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08907, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antonio Martínez Yélamos
- Neurologic Diseases and Neurogenetics Group, Institute of Biomedical Research (IDIBELL), Avinguda de la Gran Via de L'Hospitalet, 199, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08907, Barcelona, Spain
- Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Department of Neurology, Bellvitge University Hospital, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08907, Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Ciències Clíniques, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sergio Martínez Yélamos
- Neurologic Diseases and Neurogenetics Group, Institute of Biomedical Research (IDIBELL), Avinguda de la Gran Via de L'Hospitalet, 199, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08907, Barcelona, Spain
- Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Department of Neurology, Bellvitge University Hospital, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08907, Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Ciències Clíniques, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pol Andrés-Benito
- Neurologic Diseases and Neurogenetics Group, Institute of Biomedical Research (IDIBELL), Avinguda de la Gran Via de L'Hospitalet, 199, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08907, Barcelona, Spain.
- Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Department of Neurology, Bellvitge University Hospital, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08907, Barcelona, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Freedman MS, Gnanapavan S, Booth RA, Calabresi PA, Khalil M, Kuhle J, Lycke J, Olsson T. Guidance for use of neurofilament light chain as a cerebrospinal fluid and blood biomarker in multiple sclerosis management. EBioMedicine 2024; 101:104970. [PMID: 38354532 PMCID: PMC10875256 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2024.104970] [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: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurofilament light chain (NfL) is a long-awaited blood biomarker that can provide clinically useful information about prognosis and therapeutic efficacy in multiple sclerosis (MS). There is now substantial evidence for this biomarker to be used alongside magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and clinical measures of disease progression as a decision-making tool for the management of patients with MS. Serum NfL (sNfL) has certain advantages over traditional measures of MS disease progression such as MRI because it is relatively noninvasive, inexpensive, and can be repeated frequently to monitor activity and treatment efficacy. sNfL levels can be monitored regularly in patients with MS to determine change from baseline and predict subclinical disease activity, relapse risk, and the development of gadolinium-enhancing (Gd+) lesions. sNfL does not replace MRI, which provides information related to spatial localisation and lesion stage. Laboratory platforms are starting to be made available for clinical application of sNfL in several countries. Further work is needed to resolve issues around comparisons across testing platforms (absolute values) and normalisation (reference ranges) in order to guide interpretation of the results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark S Freedman
- Department of Medicine (Neurology), University of Ottawa, and the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ontario, Canada.
| | | | - Ronald A Booth
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Ottawa, The Ottawa Hospital & Eastern Ontario Regional Laboratory Association, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peter A Calabresi
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Michael Khalil
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Jens Kuhle
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Neurology, Departments of Head, Spine and Neuromedicine, Biomedicine and Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jan Lycke
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Tomas Olsson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Solna, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Solís-Tarazona L, Raket LL, Cabello-Murgui J, Reddam S, Navarro-Quevedo S, Gil-Perotin S. Predictive value of individual serum neurofilament light chain levels in short-term disease activity in relapsing multiple sclerosis. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1354431. [PMID: 38426169 PMCID: PMC10903281 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1354431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The assessment of serum neurofilament light chain (sNFL) has emerged as a diagnostic and prognostic tool in monitoring multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the application of periodic measurement in daily practice remains unclear. Objective To evaluate the predictive value of individual sNFL levels in determining disease activity in patients with relapsing MS (RMS). Methods In this two-year prospective study, 129 RMS patients underwent quarterly sNFL assessments and annual MRI scans. The study analyzed the correlation between individual NFL levels and past, current, and future disease activity. Group-level Z-scores were employed as a comparative measure. Results Among the 37 participants, a total of 61 episodes of disease activity were observed. sNFL levels proved valuable in distinct ways; they were confirmatory of previous and current clinical and/or radiological activity and demonstrated a high negative predictive value for future 90 days activity. Interestingly, Z-scores marginally outperformed sNFL levels in terms of predictive accuracy, indicating the potential for alternative approaches in disease activity assessment. In our cohort, sNFL cut-offs of 10.8 pg./mL (sensitivity 27%, specificity 90%) and 14.3 pg./mL (sensitivity 15%, specificity 95%) correctly identified 7 and 4 out of 26 cases of radiological activity within 90 days, respectively, with 14 and 15% false negatives. When using lower cut-off values, individuals with sNFL levels below 5 pg/mL (with a sensitivity of 92%, specificity of 25%, and negative predictive value of 94%) were less likely to experience radiological activity within the next 3 months. Conclusion Individual sNFL levels may potentially confirm prior or current disease activity and predict short-term future radiological activity in RMS. These findings underscore its periodic measurement as a valuable tool in RMS management and decision-making, enhancing the precision of clinical evaluation in routine practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luis Solís-Tarazona
- Research Group in Immunotherapy and Biomodels for Autoimmunity, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Lars Lau Raket
- Clinical Memory Research Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Javier Cabello-Murgui
- Research Group in Immunotherapy and Biomodels for Autoimmunity, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Salma Reddam
- Research Group in Immunotherapy and Biomodels for Autoimmunity, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Sara Gil-Perotin
- Research Group in Immunotherapy and Biomodels for Autoimmunity, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain
- Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Neurology, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Valencia, Spain
- Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (CIBER), CB06/05/1131, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ghezzi A, Neuteboom RF. Neurofilament Light Chain in Adult and Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis: A Promising Biomarker to Better Characterize Disease Activity and Personalize MS Treatment. Neurol Ther 2023; 12:1867-1881. [PMID: 37682513 PMCID: PMC10630260 DOI: 10.1007/s40120-023-00535-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Many biological markers have been explored in multiple sclerosis (MS) to better quantify disease burden and better evaluate response to treatments, beyond clinical and MRI data. Among these, neurofilament light chain (Nf-L), although non-specific for this disease and found to be increased in other neurological conditions, has been shown to be the most promising biomarker for assessing axonal damage in MS, with a definite role in predicting the development of MS in patients at the first neurological episode suggestive of MS, and also in a preclinical phase. There is strong evidence that Nf-L levels are increased more in relapsing versus stable MS patients, and that they predict future disease evolution (relapses, progression, MRI measures of activity/progression) in MS patients, providing information on response to therapy, helping to anticipate clinical decisions in patients with an apparently stable evolution, and identifying patient non-responders to disease-modifying treatments. Moreover, Nf-L can contribute to the better understanding of the mechanisms of demyelination and axonal damage in adult and pediatric MS. A fundamental requirement for its clinical use is the accurate standardization of normal values, corrected for confounding factors, in particular age, sex, body mass index, and presence of comorbidities. In this review, a guide is provided to update clinicians on the use of Nf-L in clinical activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Ghezzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università Piemonte Orientale A. Avogadro, Via Solaroli 17, 28100, Novara, Italy.
| | - R F Neuteboom
- Department of Neurology, ErasMS Center, Erasmus MC, PO Box 2040, 3000, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Huppke B, Reinert MC, Hummel-Abmeier H, Stark W, Gärtner J, Huppke P. Pretreatment Neurofilament Light Chain Serum Levels, Early Disease Severity, and Treatment Response in Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis. Neurology 2023; 101:e1873-e1883. [PMID: 37748882 PMCID: PMC10663003 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000207791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES High disease activity and frequent therapy failure in pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS) make prognostic biomarkers urgently needed. We investigated whether serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) levels in treatment-naive pediatric patients with MS are associated with early disease severity and indicate treatment outcomes. METHODS A retrospective cohort study of patients seen in the Göttingen Center for MS in Childhood and Adolescence, Germany. Inclusion criteria were MS diagnosis according to the McDonald criteria, MS onset <18 years, and available pretreatment serum sample. sNfL levels were analyzed using a single-molecule array assay. Associations with clinical and MRI evidence of disease severity at sampling were evaluated using the Spearman correlations and nonparametric tests for group comparisons. Correlations between pretreatment sNfL and annualized relapse and new T2 lesion rate on first-line therapy, and odd ratios for switch to high-efficacy therapy were assessed. RESULTS A total of 178 patients (116 women [65%]) with a mean sampling age of 14.3 years were included in the study. Pretreatment sNfL levels were above the ≥90th percentile reported for healthy controls in 80% of patients (median 21.1 pg/mL) and correlated negatively with age, but no correlation was seen with sex, oligoclonal band status, or body mass index. High pretreatment sNfL levels correlated significantly with a high number of preceding relapses, a shorter first interattack interval, a high T2 lesion count, and recent gadolinium-enhancing lesions. Of interest, sNfL levels reflected more strongly MRI activity rather than clinical activity. Pretreatment sNfL levels also correlated significantly with the relapse rate and occurrence of new/enlarging T2 lesions while on first-line injectable therapy. Odds of future therapy escalation increased from 0.14 for sNfL below 7.5 pg/mL to 6.38 for sNfL above 15 pg/mL. In patients with a recent relapse, higher sNfL levels were associated with poorer recovery 3 months after attack. DISCUSSION The results of this study have 3 important implications: First, pretreatment sNfL levels are a valuable biomarker for underlying disease activity in pediatric patients with MS. Second, pretreatment sNfL levels in pediatric patients with MS have a predictive value for the response to first-line therapy and the necessity of future therapy escalation. Third, high sNfL levels during a relapse are associated with poor recovery in this age group.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brenda Huppke
- From the Department of Pediatric Neurology (B.H.), University Hospital Jena; Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine (M.-C.R., H.H.-A., W.S., J.G.), Pediatric Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg August University Göttingen; and Department of Neuropediatrics (P.H.), University Hospital Jena, Germany.
| | - Marie-Christine Reinert
- From the Department of Pediatric Neurology (B.H.), University Hospital Jena; Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine (M.-C.R., H.H.-A., W.S., J.G.), Pediatric Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg August University Göttingen; and Department of Neuropediatrics (P.H.), University Hospital Jena, Germany
| | - Hannah Hummel-Abmeier
- From the Department of Pediatric Neurology (B.H.), University Hospital Jena; Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine (M.-C.R., H.H.-A., W.S., J.G.), Pediatric Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg August University Göttingen; and Department of Neuropediatrics (P.H.), University Hospital Jena, Germany
| | - Wiebke Stark
- From the Department of Pediatric Neurology (B.H.), University Hospital Jena; Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine (M.-C.R., H.H.-A., W.S., J.G.), Pediatric Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg August University Göttingen; and Department of Neuropediatrics (P.H.), University Hospital Jena, Germany
| | - Jutta Gärtner
- From the Department of Pediatric Neurology (B.H.), University Hospital Jena; Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine (M.-C.R., H.H.-A., W.S., J.G.), Pediatric Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg August University Göttingen; and Department of Neuropediatrics (P.H.), University Hospital Jena, Germany
| | - Peter Huppke
- From the Department of Pediatric Neurology (B.H.), University Hospital Jena; Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine (M.-C.R., H.H.-A., W.S., J.G.), Pediatric Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg August University Göttingen; and Department of Neuropediatrics (P.H.), University Hospital Jena, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Cutter G, Rudick RA, de Moor C, Singh CM, Fisher E, Koster T, Lublin FD, Wolinsky JS, McFarland H, Jacobson S, Naylor ML. Serum neurofilament light-chain levels and long-term treatment outcomes in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients: A post hoc analysis of the randomized CombiRx trial. Mult Scler J Exp Transl Clin 2023; 9:20552173231169463. [PMID: 37139460 PMCID: PMC10150429 DOI: 10.1177/20552173231169463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background CombiRx was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial in treatment-naive relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients randomized to intramuscular interferon beta-1a (IM IFN beta-1a), glatiramer acetate (GA), or both therapies. Objective This analysis investigated changes in serum neurofilament light-chain (sNfL) levels in response to treatment and assessed baseline sNfL as a predictor of relapse. Methods RRMS patients treated with IM IFN beta-1a 30 µg weekly + placebo (n = 159), GA 20 mg/mL daily + placebo (n = 172), or IM IFN beta-1a + GA (n = 344) were included. A linear mixed model compared sNfL values over time. Cox regression models analyzed baseline sNfL and gadolinium-enhancing (Gd+) lesions as predictors of relapse. Results In all treatment arms, the proportion of patients with sNfL ≥16 pg/mL decreased significantly from baseline to 6 months and was maintained at 36 months. A significantly higher percentage of patients with both baseline sNfL ≥16 pg/mL and ≥1 Gd+ lesion experienced relapses within 90 days compared to patients with sNfL <16 pg/mL and/or no Gd+ lesions. Conclusion sNfL levels were reduced within 6 months and remained low at 36 months. Results suggest that the combination of lesion activity and sNfL was a stronger predictor of relapse than either factor alone.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gary Cutter
- Gary Cutter, Department of Biostatistics,
The University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1665 University Boulevard, Birmingham,
AL 35233, USA.
| | - Richard A Rudick
- Department of Neurology, Biogen Inc, Cambridge, MA, USA, at the time of these analyses
| | - Carl de Moor
- Biostatistics, Biogen Inc, Cambridge, MA, USA, at the time of these analyses
| | - Carol M Singh
- Biogen Digital Health, Biogen Inc, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Elizabeth Fisher
- Value Based Medicine, Biogen Inc, Cambridge, MA, USA, at the time of these analyses
| | - Thijs Koster
- Global Medical, Biogen Inc, Cambridge, MA, USA, at the time of these analyses
| | - Fred D Lublin
- Department of Neurology, Corinne Goldsmith
Dickinson Center for Multiple Sclerosis, New York, NY, USA and Friedman
Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount
Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jerry S Wolinsky
- McGovern Medical School, The University of
Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA
| | - Henry McFarland
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders
and Stroke, National Institutes of
Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Steven Jacobson
- Viral Immunology Section, National Institute
of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of
Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Maria L Naylor
- Global Medical, Biogen Inc, Cambridge, MA, USA, at the time of these analyses
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Buchmann A, Pirpamer L, Pinter D, Voortman M, Helmlinger B, Pichler A, Maceski AM, Benkert P, Bachmaier G, Ropele S, Reindl M, Leppert D, Kuhle J, Enzinger C, Khalil M. High serum neurofilament light chain levels correlate with brain atrophy and physical disability in multiple sclerosis. Eur J Neurol 2023; 30:1389-1399. [PMID: 36779855 DOI: 10.1111/ene.15742] [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: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) is a promising biomarker of neuroaxonal damage in persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). In cross-sectional studies, sNfL has been associated with disease activity and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) changes; however, it is still unclear to what extent in particular high sNfL levels impact on subsequent disease evolution. METHODS sNfL was quantified by an ultrasensitive single molecule array (Simoa) in 199 pwMS (median age = 34.2 years, 64.3% female) and 49 controls. All pwMS underwent 3-T MRI to assess global and compartmental normalized brain volumes, T2-lesion load, and cortical mean thickness. Follow-up data and serum samples were available in 144 pwMS (median follow-up time = 3.8 years). Linear and binary logistic models were used to estimate the independent contribution of sNfL for changes in MRI and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). Age-corrected sNfL z-scores from a normative database of healthy controls were used for sensitivity analyses. RESULTS High sNfL levels at baseline were associated with atrophy measures of the whole brain (standardized beta coefficient βj = -0.352, p < 0.001), white matter (βj = -0.229, p = 0.007), thalamus (βj = -0.372, p = 0.004), and putamen (βj = -1.687, p = 0.012). pwMS with high levels of sNfL at baseline and follow-up had a greater risk of EDSS worsening (p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS Already single time point elevation of sNfL has a distinct effect on brain volume changes over a short-term period, and repeated high levels of sNfL indicate accumulating physical disability. Serial assessment of sNfL may provide added value in the clinical management of pwMS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Lukas Pirpamer
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Daniela Pinter
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | | | | | | | - Aleksandra Maleska Maceski
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Multiple Sclerosis Center and Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience (RC2NB), Departments of Biomedicine and Clinical Research, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Pascal Benkert
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Multiple Sclerosis Center and Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience (RC2NB), Departments of Biomedicine and Clinical Research, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Gerhard Bachmaier
- Institute for Medical Informatics, Statistics and Documentation, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Stefan Ropele
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Markus Reindl
- Clinical Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - David Leppert
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Multiple Sclerosis Center and Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience (RC2NB), Departments of Biomedicine and Clinical Research, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jens Kuhle
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Multiple Sclerosis Center and Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience (RC2NB), Departments of Biomedicine and Clinical Research, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christian Enzinger
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.,Division of Neuroradiology, Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Michael Khalil
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Foley J, Xiong K, Hoyt T, Singh CM, Riddle E, de Moor C, Plavina T, Campbell N. Serum neurofilament light levels in natalizumab-treated patients with multiple sclerosis who switch to extended interval dosing from every-4-week dosing in real-world clinical practice. Mult Scler 2023; 29:196-205. [PMID: 36377744 DOI: 10.1177/13524585221130949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Serum levels of neurofilament light chain (sNfL) are a potentially useful biomarker for assessing the efficacy of multiple sclerosis (MS) treatments. OBJECTIVE To compare levels of sNfL in patients with MS who switched from natalizumab every 4 weeks (Q4W) to extended interval dosing (EID) and patients who remained on Q4W dosing in real-world clinical practice. METHODS This was a retrospective analysis of samples from patients treated with natalizumab from 2010 to 2015 at a single center in the United States. Levels of sNfL were compared in patients who stayed on Q4W dosing or who switched to EID (parallel-arm analyses) and during Q4W and EID periods in patients who switched to EID (pre- and post-switch analyses). RESULTS The analysis included 139 patients (Q4W: n = 79; EID: n = 60). After adjustment, levels of sNfL did not significantly differ between patients who remained on Q4W dosing and those who switched to EID in parallel-arm analyses (adjusted Q4W-EID difference = 0.51 pg/mL; p = 0.60) or pre- and post-switch analyses (adjusted difference = 0.96 pg/mL; p = 0.10). CONCLUSION These sNfL biomarker results suggest that the effectiveness of natalizumab is maintained in patients who switch from Q4W dosing to EID.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John Foley
- Rocky Mountain Multiple Sclerosis Clinic, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | | | - Tammy Hoyt
- Rocky Mountain Multiple Sclerosis Clinic, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
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: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Fitzgerald KC, Sotirchos ES, Smith MD, Lord HN, DuVal A, Mowry EM, Calabresi PA. Contributors to Serum NfL Levels in People without Neurologic Disease. Ann Neurol 2022; 92:688-698. [PMID: 35730070 PMCID: PMC9489658 DOI: 10.1002/ana.26446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the effects of demographics, lifestyle factors, and comorbidities on serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) levels in people without neurologic disease and establish demographic-specific reference ranges of sNfL. METHODS The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) is a representative sample of the US population in which detailed information on demographic, lifestyle, routine laboratory tests, and overall health status are systematically collected. From stored serum samples, we measured sNfL levels using a novel high-throughput immunoassay (Siemens Healthineers). We evaluated the predictive capacity of 52 demographic, lifestyle, comorbidity, anthropometric, or laboratory characteristics in explaining variability in sNfL levels. Predictive performance was assessed using cross-validated R2 (R2 cv ) and forward selection was used to obtain a set of best predictors of sNfL levels. Adjusted reference ranges were derived incorporating characteristics using generalized additive models for location, scale, and shape. RESULTS We included 1,706 NHANES participants (average age: 43.6 ± 14.8 y; 50.6% male, 35% non-white) without neurological disorders. In univariate models, age explained the most variability in sNfL (R2 cv = 26.8%). Multivariable prediction models for sNfL contained three covariates (in order of their selection): age, creatinine, and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (standardized β-age: 0.46, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.43, 0.50; creatinine: 0.18, 95% CI: 0.13, 0.22; HbA1c: 0.09, 95% CI: 0.06, 0.11). Adjusted centile curves were derived incorporating identified predictors. We provide an interactive R Shiny application to translate our findings and allow other investigators to use the derived centile curves. INTERPRETATION Results will help to guide interpretation of sNfL levels as they relate to neurologic conditions. ANN NEUROL 2022;92:688-698.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn C Fitzgerald
- Division of Neuroimmunology and Neurological Infections, Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Elias S Sotirchos
- Division of Neuroimmunology and Neurological Infections, Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Matthew D Smith
- Division of Neuroimmunology and Neurological Infections, Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Hannah-Noelle Lord
- Division of Neuroimmunology and Neurological Infections, Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Anna DuVal
- Division of Neuroimmunology and Neurological Infections, Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ellen M Mowry
- Division of Neuroimmunology and Neurological Infections, Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Peter A Calabresi
- Division of Neuroimmunology and Neurological Infections, Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
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: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Lee S, Plavina T, Singh CM, Xiong K, Qiu X, Rudick RA, Calabresi PA, Stevenson L, Graham D, Raitcheva D, Green C, Matias M, Uzgiris AJ. Development of a Highly Sensitive Neurofilament Light Chain Assay on an Automated Immunoassay Platform. Front Neurol 2022; 13:935382. [PMID: 35959400 PMCID: PMC9359312 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.935382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Neurofilament light chain (NfL) is an axonal cytoskeletal protein that is released into the extracellular space following neuronal or axonal injury associated with neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and other diseases. NfL is detectable in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood. Numerous studies on MS have demonstrated that NfL is correlated with disease activity, predicts disease progression, and is reduced by treatment with MS disease-modifying drugs, making NfL an attractive candidate to supplement existing clinical and imaging measures in MS. However, for NfL to achieve its potential as a clinically useful biomarker for clinical decision-making or drug development, a standardized, practical, and widely accessible assay is needed. Our objective was to develop a novel NfL assay on an automated, globally available immunoassay platform and validate its performance. Methods A prototype NfL assay was first developed and evaluated on the ADVIA Centaur® XP immunoassay system from Siemens Healthineers. The lower limit of quantitation (LLoQ), within-lab precision, assay range, cross-reactivity with neurofilament medium and heavy chains, and effect of interfering substances were determined. NfL assay values in serum and CSF were compared with radiological and clinical disease activity measures in patients with MS and ALS, respectively. This assay was further optimized to utilize serum, plasma, and CSF sample types on the Atellica® IM system and transferred to Siemens' CLIA laboratory where it was analytically validated as a laboratory-developed test (LDT). Results In this study, an LLoQ of 1.85 pg/mL, within-lab precision <6%, and an assay range of up to 646 pg/mL were demonstrated with the serum prototype assay. Cross-reactivity of <0.7% with the neurofilament medium and heavy chains was observed. Serum and CSF NfL assay values were associated with radiological and clinical disease activity measures in patients with MS and ALS, respectively. The optimized version of the NfL assay demonstrated specimen equivalence with additional plasma tube types and was analytically validated as an LDT. Conclusion The analytical performance of the NfL assay fulfilled all acceptance criteria; therefore, we suggest that the assay is acceptable for use in both research and clinical practice settings to determine elevated NfL levels in patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Lee
- Siemens Healthcare Laboratory, LLC, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | | | | | | | - Xiaolei Qiu
- Siemens Healthcare Laboratory, LLC, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | | | - Peter A. Calabresi
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Johnsson M, Farman HH, Blennow K, Zetterberg H, Malmeström C, Axelsson M, Lycke J. No increase of serum neurofilament light in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients switching from standard to extended-interval dosing of natalizumab. Mult Scler 2022; 28:2070-2080. [PMID: 35856574 PMCID: PMC9574231 DOI: 10.1177/13524585221108080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background: Accumulating evidence supports the efficacy of administering natalizumab (NZ) with extended-interval dosing (EID) in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Objectives: We switched NZ dosing from 4-week to 6-week intervals in patients with RRMS, and investigated the effect on serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) concentrations. Methods: We included two cohorts of patients with RRMS treated with NZ: one received the standard-interval dosing (4 weeks) at baseline, and were switched to 6-week intervals (EID4–6, N = 45). The other cohort received EID (5- or 6-week intervals) both at baseline and during follow-up (EID5/6, N = 25). Serum samples were collected in the EID4–6 cohort at every NZ infusion, for 12 months. The primary outcome was the change in sNfL concentrations after switching to EID. Results: The baseline mean sNfL concentration in the EID4–6 cohort was 10.5 ng/L (standard deviation (SD) = 6.1), and it remained unchanged at 12 months. Moreover, individual sNfL concentrations did not change significantly after extending the NZ dosing intervals. In addition, the EID4–6 and EID5/6 cohorts had similar baseline sNfL concentrations. Conclusion: We concluded that extending the NZ dosing interval did not increase axonal damage, as determined with sNfL, in patients with RRMS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Magnus Johnsson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden/Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Helen H Farman
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Kaj Blennow
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden/Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden/Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden/Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK/UK Dementia Research Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - Clas Malmeström
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Markus Axelsson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jan Lycke
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Liu N, Sun M, Zhang W, Sun J, Gong P, Wang H, Wang M. Prognostic value of neurofilament light chain in natalizumab therapy for different phases of multiple sclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Clin Neurosci 2022; 101:198-203. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2022.04.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|
16
|
LoPresti P. Serum-Based Biomarkers in Neurodegeneration and Multiple Sclerosis. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10051077. [PMID: 35625814 PMCID: PMC9138270 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10051077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a debilitating disease with typical onset between 20 and 40 years of age, so the disability associated with this disease, unfortunately, occurs in the prime of life. At a very early stage of MS, the relapsing-remitting mobility impairment occurs in parallel with a progressive decline in cognition, which is subclinical. This stage of the disease is considered the beginning of progressive MS. Understanding where a patient is along such a subclinical phase could be critical for therapeutic efficacy and enrollment in clinical trials to test drugs targeted at neurodegeneration. Since the disease course is uneven among patients, biomarkers are needed to provide insights into pathogenesis, diagnosis, and prognosis of events that affect neurons during this subclinical phase that shapes neurodegeneration and disability. Thus, subclinical cognitive decline must be better understood. One approach to this problem is to follow known biomarkers of neurodegeneration over time. These biomarkers include Neurofilament, Tau and phosphotau protein, amyloid-peptide-β, Brl2 and Brl2-23, N-Acetylaspartate, and 14-3-3 family proteins. A composite set of these serum-based biomarkers of neurodegeneration might provide a distinct signature in early vs. late subclinical cognitive decline, thus offering additional diagnostic criteria for progressive neurodegeneration and response to treatment. Studies on serum-based biomarkers are described together with selective studies on CSF-based biomarkers and MRI-based biomarkers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia LoPresti
- Department of Psychology, The University of Illinois at Chicago, 1007 West Harrison Street, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Benkert P, Meier S, Schaedelin S, Manouchehrinia A, Yaldizli Ö, Maceski A, Oechtering J, Achtnichts L, Conen D, Derfuss T, Lalive PH, Mueller C, Müller S, Naegelin Y, Oksenberg JR, Pot C, Salmen A, Willemse E, Kockum I, Blennow K, Zetterberg H, Gobbi C, Kappos L, Wiendl H, Berger K, Sormani MP, Granziera C, Piehl F, Leppert D, Kuhle J, Aeschbacher S, Barakovic M, Buser A, Chan A, Disanto G, D'Souza M, Du Pasquier R, Findling O, Galbusera R, Hrusovsky K, Khalil M, Lorscheider J, Mathias A, Orleth A, Radue EW, Rahmanzadeh R, Sinnecker T, Subramaniam S, Vehoff J, Wellmann S, Wuerfel J, Zecca C. Serum neurofilament light chain for individual prognostication of disease activity in people with multiple sclerosis: a retrospective modelling and validation study. Lancet Neurol 2022; 21:246-257. [DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(22)00009-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
|
18
|
Calabresi PA, Kappos L, Giovannoni G, Plavina T, Koulinska I, Edwards MR, Kieseier B, de Moor C, Sotirchos ES, Fisher E, Rudick RA, Sandrock A. Measuring treatment response to advance precision medicine for multiple sclerosis. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2021; 8:2166-2173. [PMID: 34704393 PMCID: PMC8607451 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51471] [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: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To assess the independent contributions of clinical measures (relapses, Expanded Disability Status Scale [EDSS] scores, and neuroperformance measures) and nonclinical measures (new brain magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] activity and serum neurofilament light chain [sNfL] levels) for distinguishing natalizumab‐treated from placebo‐treated patients. Methods We conducted post hoc analyses using data from the AFFIRM trial of natalizumab for multiple sclerosis. We used multivariable regression analyses with predictors (EDSS progression, no relapse, new or enlarging MRI activity, brain atrophy, sNfL levels, and neuroperformance worsening) to identify measures that independently discriminated between treatment groups. Results The multivariable model that best distinguished natalizumab from placebo was no new or enlarging T2 or gadolinium‐enhancing activity on MRI (odds ratio; 95% confidence interval: 7.2; 4.7–10.9), year 2 sNfL levels <97.5th percentile (4.1; 2.6–6.2), and no relapses in years 0–2 (2.1; 1.5–3.0). The next best‐fitting model was a two‐component model that included no MRI activity and sNfL levels <97.5th percentile at year 2. There was little difference between the three‐ and two‐component models. Interpretation Nonclinical measures (new MRI activity and sNfL levels) discriminate between treatment and placebo groups similarly to or better than clinical outcomes composites and have implications for patient monitoring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter A Calabresi
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ludwig Kappos
- Neurologic Clinic and Policlinic, Departments of Medicine, Clinical Research, Biomedicine and Biomedical Engineering, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Gavin Giovannoni
- Blizzard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | | | | | | | - Bernd Kieseier
- Biogen, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Neurology, Heinrich Heine Universitat, Dusseldorf, Germany
| | | | - Elias S Sotirchos
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Uher T, Havrdova EK, Benkert P, Bergsland N, Krasensky J, Srpova B, Dwyer M, Tyblova M, Meier S, Vaneckova M, Horakova D, Zivadinov R, Leppert D, Kalincik T, Kuhle J. Measurement of neurofilaments improves stratification of future disease activity in early multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler 2021; 27:2001-2013. [PMID: 34612753 DOI: 10.1177/13524585211047977] [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] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The added value of neurofilament light chain levels in serum (sNfL) to the concept of no evidence of disease activity-3 (NEDA-3) has not yet been investigated in detail. OBJECTIVE To assess whether combination of sNfL with NEDA-3 status improves identification of patients at higher risk of disease activity during the following year. METHODS We analyzed 369 blood samples from 155 early relapsing-remitting MS patients on interferon beta-1a. We compared disease activity, including the rate of brain volume loss in subgroups defined by NEDA-3 status and high or low sNfL (> 90th or < 90th percentile). RESULTS In patients with disease activity (EDA-3), those with higher sNFL had higher odds of EDA-3 in the following year than those with low sNFL (86.5% vs 57.9%; OR = 4.25, 95% CI: [2.02, 8.95]; p = 0.0001) and greater whole brain volume loss during the following year (β = -0.36%; 95% CI = [-0.60, -0.13]; p = 0.002). Accordingly, NEDA-3 patients with high sNfL showed numerically higher disease activity (EDA-3) in the following year compared with those with low sNfL (57.1% vs 31.1%). CONCLUSION sNfL improves the ability to identify patients at higher risk of future disease activity, beyond their NEDA-3 status. Measurement of sNfL may assist clinicians in decision-making by providing more sensitive prognostic information.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomas Uher
- Department of Neurology and Center of Clinical Neuroscience, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, Katerinska 30, 120 00 Prague, Czech Republic.,Department of Neurology and Center of Clinical Neuroscience, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic/CORe, Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Eva Kubala Havrdova
- Department of Neurology and Center of Clinical Neuroscience, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Pascal Benkert
- Clinical Trial Unit, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Niels Bergsland
- Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA/IRCCS, Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi ONLUS, Milan, Italy
| | - Jan Krasensky
- Department of Radiology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Barbora Srpova
- Department of Neurology and Center of Clinical Neuroscience, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Michael Dwyer
- Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Michaela Tyblova
- Department of Neurology and Center of Clinical Neuroscience, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Stephanie Meier
- Neurologic Clinic and Policlinic, MS Center and Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Manuela Vaneckova
- Department of Radiology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Dana Horakova
- Department of Neurology and Center of Clinical Neuroscience, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Robert Zivadinov
- Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA/Center for Biomedical Imaging, Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - David Leppert
- Neurologic Clinic and Policlinic, MS Center and Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tomas Kalincik
- CORe, Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Melbourne MS Centre, Department of Neurology, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jens Kuhle
- Neurologic Clinic and Policlinic, MS Center and Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Yuan A, Nixon RA. Neurofilament Proteins as Biomarkers to Monitor Neurological Diseases and the Efficacy of Therapies. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:689938. [PMID: 34646114 PMCID: PMC8503617 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.689938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomarkers of neurodegeneration and neuronal injury have the potential to improve diagnostic accuracy, disease monitoring, prognosis, and measure treatment efficacy. Neurofilament proteins (NfPs) are well suited as biomarkers in these contexts because they are major neuron-specific components that maintain structural integrity and are sensitive to neurodegeneration and neuronal injury across a wide range of neurologic diseases. Low levels of NfPs are constantly released from neurons into the extracellular space and ultimately reach the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood under physiological conditions throughout normal brain development, maturation, and aging. NfP levels in CSF and blood rise above normal in response to neuronal injury and neurodegeneration independently of cause. NfPs in CSF measured by lumbar puncture are about 40-fold more concentrated than in blood in healthy individuals. New ultra-sensitive methods now allow minimally invasive measurement of these low levels of NfPs in serum or plasma to track disease onset and progression in neurological disorders or nervous system injury and assess responses to therapeutic interventions. Any of the five Nf subunits - neurofilament light chain (NfL), neurofilament medium chain (NfM), neurofilament heavy chain (NfH), alpha-internexin (INA) and peripherin (PRPH) may be altered in a given neuropathological condition. In familial and sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD), plasma NfL levels may rise as early as 22 years before clinical onset in familial AD and 10 years before sporadic AD. The major determinants of elevated levels of NfPs and degradation fragments in CSF and blood are the magnitude of damaged or degenerating axons of fiber tracks, the affected axon caliber sizes and the rate of release of NfP and fragments at different stages of a given neurological disease or condition directly or indirectly affecting central nervous system (CNS) and/or peripheral nervous system (PNS). NfPs are rapidly emerging as transformative blood biomarkers in neurology providing novel insights into a wide range of neurological diseases and advancing clinical trials. Here we summarize the current understanding of intracellular NfP physiology, pathophysiology and extracellular kinetics of NfPs in biofluids and review the value and limitations of NfPs and degradation fragments as biomarkers of neurodegeneration and neuronal injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aidong Yuan
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute, Orangeburg, NY, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, NYU Neuroscience Institute, New York, NY, United States
| | - Ralph A. Nixon
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute, Orangeburg, NY, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, NYU Neuroscience Institute, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Cell Biology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, (NYU), Neuroscience Institute, New York, NY, United States
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Barro C, Zetterberg H. The blood biomarkers puzzle - A review of protein biomarkers in neurodegenerative diseases. J Neurosci Methods 2021; 361:109281. [PMID: 34237384 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2021.109281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are heterogeneous in their cause and clinical presentation making clinical assessment and disease monitoring challenging. Because of this, there is an urgent need for objective tools such as fluid biomarkers able to quantitate different aspects of the disease. In the last decade, technological improvements and awareness of the importance of biorepositories led to the discovery of an evolving number of fluid biomarkers covering the main characteristics of neurodegenerative diseases such as neurodegeneration, protein aggregates and inflammation. The ability to quantitate each aspect of the disease at a high definition enables a more precise stratification of the patients at inclusion in clinical trials, hence reducing the noise that may hamper the detection of therapeutical efficacy and allowing for smaller but likewise powered studies, which particularly improves the ability to start clinical trials for rare neurological diseases. Moreover, the use of fluid biomarkers has the potential to support a targeted therapeutical intervention, as it is now emerging for the treatment of amyloid-beta deposition in patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease. Here we review the knowledge that evolved from the measurement of fluid biomarker proteins in neurodegenerative conditions.
Collapse
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 Neurology, Queen Square, London, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, UK; Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hong Kong, China
| |
Collapse
|