Neurofilaments (NFL) are components of the neuronal cytoskeleton and are released into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) both as part of physiological degradation processes and in increased amounts in the event of neuronal damage. A study on the classification of NFL serum levels as biomarkers in multiple sclerosis.
Purpose: Neurofilaments (NFL) are components of the neuronal cytoskeleton and are released into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) during physiological degradation processes as well as during neuronal damage. Elevated CSF levels of neurofilaments can be measured in neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS, Alzheimer’s dementia, and also multiple sclerosis. In the presented study, normal values for neurofilament blood levels will be collected in healthy individuals. In addition, to investigate whether NFL serum concentrations correlate with NFL CSF concentrations, clinical and radiological disease activity, and future relapses in patients with multiple sclerosis.
PATIENTS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional cohort: 142 paired serum and CSF samples collected during MS diagnostic procedures at the Cantonal Hospital of Lugano were retrospectively analyzed. Long-term cohort: Serum samples from 246 MS patients from the Swiss Multiple Sclerosis Cohort Study were prospectively analyzed over a mean period of three years. Healthy controls: 254 healthy controls provided serum samples as part of the GeneMSA.
Results: NFL serum concentrations correlate with NFL CSF concentrations (approximately 42-fold higher there), radiological lesion burden (the more demyelinating foci, the higher), disability severity (the more severely affected, the higher), and future relapses/disability progression. In addition, a decrease in neurofilament levels was seen with continuous immunomodulatory therapy.
Authors’ conclusions: The detection of neurofilaments in serum proves to be a promising biomarker in multiple sclerosis. In particular, the importance as a prognostic tool for monitoring the success of therapy, but also to be able to predict the course of the disease, should be further substantiated in the context of larger studies.
InFo NEUROLOGY & PSYCHIATRY 2018; 16(2): 36.
