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Serum neurofilament light levels in normal aging and their association with morphologic brain changes

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  • Michael Khalil

    (Medical University of Graz)

  • Lukas Pirpamer

    (Medical University of Graz)

  • Edith Hofer

    (Medical University of Graz
    Medical University of Graz)

  • Margarete M. Voortman

    (Medical University of Graz)

  • Christian Barro

    (University of Basel)

  • David Leppert

    (University of Basel)

  • Pascal Benkert

    (University of Basel)

  • Stefan Ropele

    (Medical University of Graz)

  • Christian Enzinger

    (Medical University of Graz
    Medical University of Graz)

  • Franz Fazekas

    (Medical University of Graz)

  • Reinhold Schmidt

    (Medical University of Graz)

  • Jens Kuhle

    (University of Basel)

Abstract

Neurofilament light (NfL) protein is a marker of neuro-axonal damage and can be measured not only in cerebrospinal fluid but also in serum, which allows for repeated assessments. There is still limited knowledge regarding the association of serum NfL (sNfL) with age and subclinical morphologic brain changes and their dynamics in the normal population. We measured sNfL by a single molecule array (Simoa) assay in 335 individuals participating in a population-based cohort study and after a mean follow-up time of 5.9 years (n = 103). Detailed clinical examination, cognitive testing and 3T brain MRI were performed to assess subclinical brain damage. We show that rising and more variable sNfL in individuals >60 years indicate an acceleration of neuronal injury at higher age, which may be driven by subclinical comorbid pathologies. This is supported by a close association of sNfL with brain volume changes in a cross-sectional and especially longitudinal manner.

Suggested Citation

  • Michael Khalil & Lukas Pirpamer & Edith Hofer & Margarete M. Voortman & Christian Barro & David Leppert & Pascal Benkert & Stefan Ropele & Christian Enzinger & Franz Fazekas & Reinhold Schmidt & Jens , 2020. "Serum neurofilament light levels in normal aging and their association with morphologic brain changes," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 11(1), pages 1-9, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:11:y:2020:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-020-14612-6
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-14612-6
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