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Updated: Jul 16, 2025
Basics of Multivariate Analysis in Neuroimaging Data
Published on: July 24, 2010
SIMOA-based analysis of plasma NFL levels in MCI and AD patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Hadi Sahrai1, Ali Norouzi1, Sina Hamzehzadeh1
1Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
Background:
The single-molecule array assay (SIMOA)-based detection of neurofilament light (NFL) chain could be useful in diagnosing mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the circulating concentration of NFL in AD and MCI patients compared with healthy controls using the SIMOA technique.
Methods:
To this end, Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the reference lists of relevant articles were systematically searched for studies reporting serum NFL chain levels in healthy controls, MCI, and AD patients. Appropriate statistical methods were employed to achieve the study purpose.
Results:
Fifteen eligible studies including 3086 patients were pooled out of a total of 347 publications. Fixed effect model analysis showed that NFL chain level was significantly higher in the serum of patients with MCI (0.361 SMD, 95% CI, 0.286-0.435, p = 0.000, I2 = 49.179) and AD (0.808 SMD, 95% CI, 0.727-0.888, p = 0.000, I2 = 39.433) compared with healthy individuals. The analysis also showed that the NFL chain levels in plasma were significantly different between patients with MCI and AD (0.436 SMD, 95% CI, 0.359-0.513, p = 0.000, I2 = 37.44). The overall heterogeneity of the studies was modest.
Conclusions:
This study highlights the potential of serum NFL chain detected using SIMOA in differentiating MCI, AD, and healthy controls.
Insights
Neurofilament light chain (NFL) levels detected by SIMOA are significantly elevated in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Biomarkers
- Neurodegenerative Diseases
Background:
- The single-molecule array assay (SIMOA) offers a sensitive method for detecting neurofilament light (NFL) chain.
- Elevated NFL levels are implicated in neurodegenerative conditions like mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD).
- This meta-analysis investigates the diagnostic utility of serum NFL concentrations in distinguishing MCI and AD patients from healthy controls.
Approach:
- A systematic literature search was conducted across major databases (Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science) and reference lists.
- Studies reporting serum NFL levels in healthy individuals, MCI patients, and AD patients were included.
- Statistical meta-analysis methods were applied to aggregate and analyze the data from eligible studies.
Key Points:
- Fifteen studies comprising 3086 participants were analyzed.
- Significantly higher serum NFL levels were observed in both MCI and AD patients compared to healthy controls.
- Plasma NFL levels also showed significant differences between MCI and AD patient groups, indicating distinct disease progression.
Conclusions:
- Serum NFL detection via SIMOA demonstrates strong potential as a biomarker for differentiating MCI, AD, and healthy individuals.
- This finding supports the use of SIMOA-based NFL measurement in the clinical diagnosis and management of cognitive decline.
