A Longitudinal Investigation of Blood Neurofilament Light Chain Levels in Chronic Cocaine Users.

ABSTRACT: The identification of a blood marker of brain pathology that is sensitive to substance-induced neurotoxicity and dynamically responds to longitudinal changes in substance intake would substantially improve clinical monitoring in the field of substance use and addiction. Here, we explored the hypothesis that plasma levels of neurofilament light chain (NfL), a promising marker of neuroaxonal pathology, are elevated in chronic cocaine users and longitudinally associated with changes in cocaine use. Plasma NfL levels were determined using single molecule array (SIMOA) technology at baseline and at a 4-month follow-up. Substance use was subjectively assessed with an extensive interview and objectively measured via toxicological analysis of urine and 4-month hair samples. In a generalized linear

SUBMITTER: Bavato F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10224834 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature