SynthesisPloS one2022
Neurofilament light chain in blood as a diagnostic and predictive biomarker for multiple sclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Synthesis in PloS one, 2022. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 33 papers.
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Who cites it
33 citing papers in PubMed, 51 citations in OpenAlex.
- From Marginal to Central: Marginal Zone-like B Cells as Critical Targets in Cladribine-Treated Multiple Sclerosis.Annals of neurology · 2026Article
- Benefits of a Perceived High-Intensity Exercise Program with Immersive Virtual Reality Combined with Usual Rehabilitation in Multiple Sclerosis: Exploratory Study.Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) · 2026Article
- Exercise Training and Biomarkers of Neuroaxonal Injury in Multiple Sclerosis: Narrative Review.International journal of environmental research and public health · 2026Review
- Neurofilament Biomarkers in Neurology: From Neuroinflammation to Neurodegeneration, Bridging Established and Novel Analytical Advances with Clinical Practice.International journal of molecular sciences · 2025Review
- Protocol for a Prospective Cohort Study on Determinants of Outcomes in Lumbar Radiculopathy Surgery.Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) · 2025Article
- Health Care Use Before Multiple Sclerosis Symptom Onset.JAMA network open · 2025Article
- The role of selected NKG2DLs such as MICA, MICB and ULBP4 as potential markers in multiple sclerosis.Scientific reports · 2025Article
- Exploring the Clinical Utility of Neurofilament Light Chain Assays in Multiple Sclerosis Management.Neurology(R) neuroimmunology & neuroinflammation · 2025Review
- Chitinase-3-Like 1 Protein (CHI3L1) Levels in Patients With Cognitive Deficits and Movement Disorders: Comparison With Other Biomarkers.Brain and behavior · 2025Article
- Central TYK2 inhibition identifies TYK2 as a key neuroimmune modulator.Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America · 2025Article
- The role of Neurofilament light (NfL) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in MS and AQP4-NMOSD: Advancing clinical applications.eNeurologicalSci · 2025Review
- Analysis of SMN protein in umbilical cord blood and postnatal peripheral blood of neonates with SMA: a rationale for prompt treatment initiation to prevent SMA development.Orphanet journal of rare diseases · 2025Article
- Advances in biomarkers for optic neuritis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders: a multi-omics perspective.Frontiers in neurology · 2025Review
- Brain-derived blood biomarkers in multiple sclerosis-current trends and beyond.Frontiers in immunology · 2025Review
- Emerging Trends: Neurofilament Biomarkers in Precision Neurology.Neurochemical research · 2024Review
- Standards of Fluid Biomarker Collection and Pre-analytical Processes in Humans and Mice: Recommendations by the Ataxia Global Initiative Working Group on Biomarkers.Cerebellum (London, England) · 2024Article
- Neurofilament Biophysics: From Structure to Biomechanics.Molecular biology of the cell · 2024Review
- An autoantibody signature predictive for multiple sclerosis.Nature medicine · 2024Article
- The Impact of Sample Storage on Blood Methylation: Towards Assessing Myelin Gene Methylation as a Biomarker for Progressive Multiple Sclerosis.International journal of molecular sciences · 2024Article
- Combination protein biomarkers predict multiple sclerosis diagnosis and outcomes.Journal of neuroinflammation · 2024Article
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Authors and funding
2 authors at 1 institution in 1 country.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundNeurofilament light chain (NfL) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a biomarker of multiple sclerosis (MS). However, CSF sampling is invasive and has limited the clinical application. With the development of highly sensitive single-molecule assay, the accurate quantification of the very low NfL levels in blood become feasible. As evidence being accumulated, we performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the diagnostic and predictive value of blood NfL in MS patients.
methodsWe performed literature search on PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane Library from inception to May 31, 2022. The blood NfL differences between MS vs. controls, MS vs. clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), progressive MS (PMS) vs. relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), and MS in relapse vs. MS in remission were estimated by standard mean difference (SMD) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). Pooled hazard ratio (HR) and 95%CI were calculated to predict time to reach Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score≥4.0 and to relapse.
resultsA total of 28 studies comprising 6545 MS patients and 2477 controls were eligible for meta-analysis of diagnosis value, and 5 studies with 4444 patients were synthesized in analysis of predictive value. Blood NfL levels were significantly higher in MS patients vs. age-matched controls (SMD = 0.64, 95%CI 0.44-0.85, P<0.001), vs. non-matched controls (SMD = 0.76, 95%CI 0.56-0.96, P<0.001) and vs. CIS patients (SMD = 0.30, 95%CI 0.18-0.42, P<0.001), in PMS vs. RRMS (SMD = 0.56, 95%CI 0.27-0.85, P<0.001), and in relapsed patients vs. remitted patients (SMD = 0.54, 95%CI 0.16-0.92, P = 0.005). Patients with high blood NfL levels had shorter time to reach EDSS score≥4.0 (HR = 2.36, 95%CI 1.32-4.21, P = 0.004) but similar time to relapse (HR = 1.32, 95%CI 0.90-1.93, P = 0.155) compared to those with low NfL levels.
conclusionAs far as we know, this is the first meta-analysis evaluating the diagnosis and predictive value of blood NfL in MS. The present study indicates blood NfL may be a useful biomarker in diagnosing MS, distinguishing MS subtypes and predicting disease worsening in the future.
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