review about neurofilaments

[frodo]

Editorial of the "Multiple Sclerosis Journal"

Are neurofilaments valuable biomarkers for long-term disease prognostication in MS?

http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177 ... 8518791518

Neuroaxonal damage is the pathological correlate of clinical disease progression in multiple sclerosis (MS). In order to provide optimal patient care and management, it would be of eminent importance to establish a clinical useful tool to monitor and predict such worsening.1,2 Neurofilaments (Nf), which are specific to neurons and axons, are to date the most promising markers to monitor neuro-axonal damage

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As lumbar puncture is a relatively invasive procedure, data from longitudinal analyses are still very scarce. This has now changed with the introduction of a highly sensitive single molecule array (Simoa) technology, allowing reliable detection of blood NfL levels.

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Nevertheless, Nfs are currently the most promising markers to indicate neuro-axonal damage in MS and other neurological diseases. The availability of a highly sensitive blood assay now facilitates its use for further research and in clinical practice.