Renal function is associated with blood neurofilament light chain level in older adults

TLDR

Neurofilament light chain (NfL) is a blood‑based biomarker of neurodegeneration that rises with age, yet the extent to which other factors influence its level remains unclear. This study investigated whether renal function is associated with blood NfL levels in healthy older adults and patients with diabetes mellitus. Participants aged 60 years or older without dementia (n = 43 healthy and n = 188 diabetic) had blood NfL measured and renal function assessed via serum creatinine. Blood NfL correlated significantly with serum creatinine (r = 0.50–0.56) and remained significant after adjusting for age, sex, and BMI, indicating that renal function partially affects NfL and suggesting renal assessment for accurate neuroaxonal damage evaluation in older adults.

Abstract

Abstract Neurofilament light chain (NfL) is a novel biomarker of neurodegenerative diseases. It is detectable in the peripheral blood, allowing low-invasive assessment of early signs of neurodegeneration. The level of NfL gradually increases with age; however, what other factors affect it remains unclear. The present study examined the association between blood NfL level and renal function among healthy participants undergoing a health check (n = 43, serum NfL) and patients with diabetes mellitus (n = 188, plasma NfL). All participants were 60 years of age or older; none were diagnosed with dementia. In each group, levels of blood NfL and serum creatinine significantly correlated (coefficient r = 0.50, 0.56). These associations remained statistically significant even after adjustment for age, sex, and body mass index. These findings indicate that blood NfL level might be partially affected by renal function. We recommend measuring renal function for a more precise evaluation of neuroaxonal damage, in particular, among older adults.