| Abstract [eng] |
Detection of Neurofilament Light Chains in Cerebrospinal Fluid as a Diagnostic Tool in Multiple Sclerosis. Background: multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease of the central nervous system, the leading cause of non-traumatic neurologic disability in young adults. The disease is characterized by inflammation, demyelination and axonal degeneration. Neurofilament light chains (NF-L) are detected in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) as a result of axonal loss. It is a promising biomarker for monitoring the disease activity and progression. The aim of the study was to analyze whether NF-L levels in MS patients could be useful CSF biomarker for early diagnosis of the demyelinating disease in routine clinical practice. Objectives: 1. To measure NF-L concentration in CSF, evaluating the course of demyelination in early MS. 2. To evaluate changes in CSF NF-L concentration and other commonly used CSF biomarkers among MS patients, as well as determining the relationship between those biomarkers. 3. To evaluate the association between NF-L concentration in CSF and demographic characteristics of study participants (gender, age). Materials and methods: levels of NF-L were determined in CSF of 49 patients with newly diagnosed MS. Patients were divided into three age groups: younger than 30 years old, 30-39 years old, 40 years of age and older. The analysis was performed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technology. Results and Conclusions: NF-L were detected in all MS patients, the median NF-L concentration was 587.6 pg/ml. 63.3% of study participants showed increased NF-L concentrations. There was no significant impact of IgG ratio, total protein or IgG concentrations, as well as albumin ratio on NF-L concentration. The NF-L concentration was lower in patients with negative oligoclonal bands, it may suggest a better long-term prognosis. NF-L levels were higher in young adults compared middle-aged patients. However, no significant influence of age or gender on NF-L levels was found, suggesting that determination of NF-L levels may be suitable for all patients. These results support the value of NF-L as a clinically significant CSF biomarker for early axonal damage detection, though further investigations are needed. |
