Glomerular filtration rate, neurofilament light, and phospho‐tau 181 in a community‐based cohort: the Shanghai Aging Study

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundThe blood‐based biomarkers are approaching the clinical practice of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Chronic kidney disease has a potential confounding effect on peripheral protein levels. It is essential to characterize the impact of renal function on AD markers.MethodPlasma phospho‐tau181 (P‐tau181), and neurofilament light (NfL) were assayed via the Simoa HD‐X platform in 1189 dementia‐free participants from the Shanghai Aging Study (SAS). The estimated glomerular filter rate (eGFR) was calculated. The association between blood markers and renal function was analyzed.ResultPlasma NfL significantly increased as the eGFR descended (median = 12.27,15.50,20.70pg/mL in the high, medium, and low eGFR groups, respectively, P<0.001). The same trend was observed for plasma p‐tau181, but insignificant after adjustment (P = 0.485). A significant interaction between age and eGFR was found for plasma NfL (Pinteraction< 0.001). Among participants older than 70 years old, the association between plasma NfL and eGFR was stronger (B = ‐0.222, P < 0.001).ConclusionIn a community‐based cohort, renal function differentially impacted blood NfL and P‐tau 181 levels. Plasma NfL level was markedly influenced, whereas P‐tau 181 was a relatively robust marker to comorbidities.