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Circulating neurofilament is linked with morbid obesity, renal function, and brain density
Eleni Rebelos1,2, Eero Rissanen3,4, Marco Bucci3,5,6
1Turku PET Centre, University of Turku, Turku, Finland. eleni.rebelos@utu.fi.
Scientific Reports
|May 13, 2022
Summary
Obesity is linked to lower neurofilament light chain (NfL) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) levels, which increase after weight loss. NfL may indicate brain health, but kidney function impacts measurements.
Area of Science:
- Biomarkers and Neurodegeneration
- Metabolic Disorders and Neurological Health
Background:
- Neurofilament light chain (NfL) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) are biomarkers for neuroaxonal damage and astrocytic activation, respectively.
- Obesity is an established risk factor for neurodegenerative disorders, prompting investigation into its impact on these neurological biomarkers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether circulating NfL and GFAP levels reflect neuronal damage in morbidly obese individuals.
- To assess changes in NfL and GFAP levels following bariatric surgery-induced weight loss.
- To explore the relationship between these biomarkers, brain structure, and renal function.
Main Methods:
- Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) MRI was used to assess gray and white matter densities in 28 obese and 18 lean subjects.
- Serum NfL and GFAP levels were quantified using single-molecule array technology.
- Obese subjects were re-evaluated 6 months after bariatric surgery.
Main Results:
- Morbidly obese subjects exhibited lower baseline NfL and GFAP levels compared to lean individuals.
- Bariatric surgery-induced weight loss led to an increase in both NfL and GFAP levels.
- Both NfL and GFAP levels correlated inversely with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at baseline and post-surgery.
- Circulating NfL levels showed an inverse correlation with gray matter density, independent of age and eGFR.
Conclusions:
- Circulating NfL and GFAP levels are altered in obesity and change with weight loss, suggesting a link between metabolic status and neuroaxonal/glial integrity.
- Renal function (eGFR) significantly influences NfL and GFAP measurements, necessitating concurrent measurement.
- Despite potential confounding by renal function, NfL may serve as a feasible biomarker for cerebral function, even in neurologically healthy individuals.
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