Plasma Neurofilament Light Chain and TNF-α Correlate with Motor Features in Isolated REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biomarker Research
• Inflammation Studies

Background:

• Isolated REM sleep behavior disorder (iRBD) is an early indicator of synucleinopathies like Parkinson's disease.
• Understanding early disease processes is crucial for timely intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate peripheral inflammation and axonal damage biomarkers in iRBD patients.
• To correlate these biomarkers with disease progression and motor function.

Main Methods:

• Plasma samples from 27 iRBD patients and 25 controls were analyzed.
• Inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1β) and neurofilament light chain (NfL) were measured.
• Meso Scale Discovery platform was utilized for analysis.

Main Results:

• iRBD patients exhibited elevated plasma TNF-α and IL-6 levels.
• Plasma NfL correlated with objective motor tests, including Timed Up and Go and 10-m walk.
• Plasma TNF-α was associated with the Timed Up and Go test performance.

Conclusions:

• Evidence suggests peripheral inflammation in early synuclein-related disorders.
• Plasma NfL and TNF-α are associated with motor dysfunction in iRBD.
• These findings may indicate an increased risk of phenoconversion in iRBD patients.