From Bench to Bedside: Neurofilament Light Chain as a Biomarker in Ischemic Stroke

Neurofilaments (NFs) are protein structures that form part of the neuronal cytoskeleton, providing structural support and facilitating axonal transport. Neurofilament light chain (NFL) has emerged as a promising biomarker for various neurological conditions, as it is released into the bloodstream following neuronal damage. The ability of NFL to differentiate between types of injury and enhance the accuracy of clinical prediction models makes it an asset in both clinical practice and research. Studies suggest that NFL can be employed to diagnose and monitor disease progression and aid in the prognosis of various neurological conditions, including ischemic stroke (IS). In IS, NFL serves as a predictor of severity, functional recovery, and the risk of complications. This review therefore synthesizes current preclinical and clinical studies on the use of NFL as a biomarker for prognosis, monitoring, and treatment in IS.