Quantification of neurofilament light chain in blood emerges as a leading prognostic and disease-progression biomarker in ALS.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a uniformly fatal neurodegenerative disease for which we currently lack any real effective therapy. The absence of suitable biomarkers is perceived as a significant roadblock to therapy development. As neuron-specific structural components of motor axons, neurofilaments are potential markers of neurodegeneration, particularly phosphorylated neurofilament heavy chain and neurofilament light (NfL) chain in blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Investigators now report the first longitudinal assessment of NfL, in the blood and CSF of two sizable cohorts totaling 167 ALS patients and 106 healthy controls.
The authors made three important observations. First, NfL levels were elevated in ALS patients compared …
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DisclosuresGrant / Research supportNIH NeuroBioBank; ALS Association; NIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke; NIH/National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences; FDA; Department of Defense
Editorial boardsCochrane Collaboration
Leadership positions in professional societiesMuscle Study Group Executive Committee
DisclosuresGrant / Research supportNIH NeuroBioBank; ALS Association; NIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke; NIH/National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences; FDA; Department of Defense
Editorial boardsCochrane Collaboration
Leadership positions in professional societiesMuscle Study Group Executive Committee