Association between serum neurofilament light chains (sNfL) and neurologic disorders in a representative sample of US adults: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

BackgroundWhile increased neurofilament light chain (NfL) in serum concentrations are linked to the progression of several neurological conditions, their distribution and implications within the general adult population remain largely unexplored. The current research aims to clarify the relationship among serum NfL levels and neurological disorders in a broad and representative population sample. MethodsWe utilized information gathered from 1,751 adults involved in the 2013–2014 cycle of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Our analytical approach encompassed logistic regression, smoothed curve fitting, and subgroup analyses to identify potential correlations between serum NfL levels and neurological conditions, including depression, severe hearing and visual impairments, stroke, subjective memory deficits, and sleep problems. ResultsAfter adjusting for confounders, we found that higher serum NfL concentrations were significantly associated with increased risks of depression, stroke, subjective memory deficits, and longer sleep duration (p < 0.05). Subgroup analyses supported these findings. Additionally, BMI significantly influenced the relationship between serum NfL levels and subjective memory deficits. ConclusionOur research shows that higher serum NfL levels are strongly related to an elevated risk for several neurological disorders. These findings highlight the role of serum NfL serving as a critical marker for early detection and monitoring of neurological conditions, emphasizing its importance in both clinical and public health settings.