SynthesisBMC psychiatry2024
Neurofilament light chain as a promising biomarker for depression diagnosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Synthesis in BMC psychiatry, 2024. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 11 papers.
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Who cites it
11 citing papers in PubMed.
- Plasma neurofilament light chain: A novel biomarker of neuroaxonal injury associated with depressive symptoms in epilepsy.Epilepsia · 2026Article
- Plasma p-Tau217 and Aβ42/Aβ40 mediate the association between minimal depressive symptoms and cognitive impairment.Journal of neurology · 2026Article
- Exploring pathways leading to drug-resistant epilepsy for patients with cryptogenic new onset refractory status epilepticus.Epilepsia · 2026Article
- NfL and GFAP quantification and associations with mental health in recreational cannabis users-Results from the Swiss study on recreational cannabis access via pharmacies.Molecular neurobiology · 2026Article
- Review
- Exploration and Validation of the Diagnostic Potential of the Circadian Rhythm-Related Genes CCL23 and VNN1 in Adolescents with Depressive Disorder.Molecular neurobiology · 2026Article
- [Association of Serum Sodium and Potassium Levels With the Risk of Depressive Symptoms During the Second Trimester of Pregnancy : A Cross-Sectional Study].Sichuan da xue xue bao. Yi xue ban = Journal of Sichuan University. Medical science edition · 2026Article
- Serotonin and neurofilament light chain in alcohol-related suicide: Preliminary case observations.Brain, behavior, & immunity - health · 2025Article
- The Possible Role of Neurofilament Light Chain as a Serum Biomarker in Anorexia Nervosa: Clinical Implications.Biomolecules · 2025Article
- Mood Symptoms are Associated With Cognitive Status, Brain Amyloid-Beta Deposition, and Plasma Biomarkers.Depression and anxiety · 2025Article
- Neurofilament light chain plasma levels in major depressive disorder: a brief research report.Frontiers in psychiatry · 2024Article
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Authors and funding
6 authors.
Funding
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Abstract
backgroundDepression is a prevalent and serious mental health disorder that significantly impacts daily life and functioning. Neurofilament Light chain (NfL), associated with axonal neuronal damage, has been identified as a promising biomarker, potentially aiding in early diagnosis of depression, personalized treatment, and tracking disease progression. This study used meta-analysis to evaluate the potential of plasma NfL as a biomarker for depression patients.
methodsA systematic search following the PRISMA guidelines was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases to find relevant studies on plasma NfL levels in patients with depression. A random effects model meta-analysis was applied to determine its potential as a biomarker for differentiating patients from controls.
resultsOur meta-analysis, based on four articles with six datasets, revealed that plasma NfL levels were notably higher in individuals with depression (228 cases) compared to healthy controls (118 individuals). The weighted mean difference (WMD) was 8.78 (95% CI: 5.28, 12.28; P < 0.01), indicating a significant effect size. Given the diverse confounding factors inherent in the included observational studies, the observed variability can be attributed to these influences. Due to the observed heterogeneity (heterogeneity Chi-Square: 54.91, p < 0.05), we performed a subgroup analysis. Subgroup analyses based on depression type and analysis method consistently supported the association between NfL and depression, strengthening the evidence.
conclusionOur meta-analysis demonstrates that elevated NfL levels may serve as a promising biomarker for diagnosing depressive disorders. Further research on diverse subtypes and longitudinal changes is needed to validate its clinical utility.
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