Value of Neurofilament Light Chain as a Biomarker in Peripheral Neuropathy

Abstract

Neurofilament light chain (NfL) has been identified as a biomarker of axonal injury in a variety of central nervous system diseases. The value of NfL as a biomarker in peripheral neuropathy has gained increasing attention. We reviewed the relationships of serum NfL with and the dynamics of axonal injury in various immune-mediated peripheral neuropathies (such as Guillain-Barre syndrome and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy), hereditary peripheral neuropathy, drug-induced peripheral neuropathies and diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and drew a conclusion after a comprehensive analysis: the quantified NfL may be used as a promising biomarker to monitor disease activity, assess short- and long-term prognosis, and also as a potential biomarker for clinical trials and monitoring treatment response.

Keywords

• peripheral nervous system diseases|neurofilament proteins|neurofilament light protein|markers, clinical|central nervous system|nervous system