Plasma NfL and GFAP as biomarkers of spinal cord degeneration in adrenoleukodystrophy.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To explore the potential of neurofilament light (NfL) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) as biomarkers of spinal cord degeneration in adrenoleukodystrophy, as objective treatment-outcome parameters are needed.

Methods

Plasma NfL and GFAP levels were measured in 45 male and 47 female ALD patients and compared to a reference cohort of 73 healthy controls. For male patients, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples (n = 33) and 1-year (n = 39) and 2-year (n = 18) follow-up data were also collected. Severity of myelopathy was assessed with clinical parameters: Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), Severity Scoring system for Progressive Myelopathy (SSPROM), and timed up-and-go.

Results

NfL and GFAP levels were higher in male (P < 0.001, effect size (partial

SUBMITTER: van Ballegoij WJC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7664277 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature