Neurofilament light chain concentration in an aging population

Area of Science:

• Biomarkers in Aging Research
• Neurology and Neurodegeneration

Background:

• Neurofilament light chain (NF-L) is a biomarker for neurological conditions, but its role in normal aging is understudied.
• Identifying factors influencing NF-L in the elderly is critical for understanding aging-related neurological changes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the factors affecting Neurofilament light chain (NF-L) concentration in community-dwelling adults over 65 years.
• To establish reference ranges for NF-L in different age groups and renal function statuses.

Main Methods:

• Assessed serum NF-L levels in 409 adults aged over 65.
• Analyzed associations between NF-L and physiological factors, comorbidities, lifestyle, cognitive function (MMSE), and depression (GDS).
• Utilized cystatin C and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) to assess kidney function.

Main Results:

• NF-L concentration strongly correlated with cystatin C and eGFR, indicating a significant impact of kidney function.
• NF-L levels were associated with age and body mass index (BMI), but not sex.
• Neurological disorders were linked to higher NF-L in multivariate analysis; cognitive decline (low MMSE) also showed an association.

Conclusions:

• NF-L levels in aging individuals are mainly determined by kidney function, not the number of comorbidities or depression.
• Caution is advised when interpreting NF-L concentrations in patients with impaired renal function.
• Provided age-specific reference ranges for NF-L, stratified by renal function status.