Journal article
Associations between neurofilament light-chain protein, brain structure, and chronic kidney disease
Pediatric research, Vol.91(7), pp.1735-1740
07/17/2021
DOI: 10.1038/s41390-021-01649-6
PMCID: PMC8761779
PMID: 34274959
Abstract
Background Neurofilament light-chain (NfL) protein is a blood-based marker of neuroaxonal injury. We sought to (1) compare plasma NfL levels in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and healthy peers, (2) characterize the relationship between NfL level and kidney function, and (3) evaluate NfL as a predictor of abnormal brain structure in CKD. Methods Sixteen children with CKD due to congenital kidney anomalies and 23 typically developing peers were included. Plasma NfL was quantified using single-molecule array immunoassay. Participants underwent structural magnetic resonance imaging. Multiple linear regression models were used to evaluate the association between plasma NfL levels, kidney function, and brain structure. Results An age x group interaction was identified whereby NfL levels increased with age in the CKD group only (estimate = 0.65; confidence interval (CI) = 0.08-1.22; p = 0.026). Decreased kidney function was associated with higher NfL levels (estimate = -0.10; CI = -0.16 to -0.04; p = 0.003). Lower cerebellar gray matter volume predicted increased plasma NfL levels (estimate = -0.00024; CI = -0.00039 to 0.00009; p = 0.004) within the CKD group. Conclusions Children with CKD show accelerated age-related increases in NfL levels. NfL level is associated with lower kidney function and abnormal brain structure in CKD. Impact NfL is a component of the neuronal cytoskeleton providing structural axonal support. Elevated NfL has been described in relation to gray and white matter brain volume loss. We have previously described the abnormal cerebellar gray matter in CKD. We explored the relationship between NfL, CKD, and brain volume. There is an accelerated, age-related increase in NfL level in CKD. Within the CKD sample, NfL level is associated with abnormal kidney function and brain structure. Decreased kidney function may be linked to abnormal neuronal integrity in pediatric CKD.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Associations between neurofilament light-chain protein, brain structure, and chronic kidney disease
- Creators
- Ellen van der Plas - Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of MedicineOlivia Lullmann - Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of MedicineLauren Hopkins - Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of MedicineJordan L Schultz - University of IowaPeggy C Nopoulos - Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of MedicineLyndsay A Harshman - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Pediatric research, Vol.91(7), pp.1735-1740
- DOI
- 10.1038/s41390-021-01649-6
- PMID
- 34274959
- PMCID
- PMC8761779
- NLM abbreviation
- Pediatr Res
- ISSN
- 0031-3998
- eISSN
- 1530-0447
- Publisher
- SPRINGERNATURE
- Number of pages
- 6
- Grant note
- K23DK110443 / National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; United States Department of Health & Human Services; National Institutes of Health (NIH) - USA; NIH National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 07/17/2021
- Academic Unit
- Neurology; Psychiatry; Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation; Stead Family Department of Pediatrics; Iowa Neuroscience Institute; Radiation Oncology; Pharmacy Practice and Science
- Record Identifier
- 9984256841402771
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