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Open Access 01-04-2021 | Systemic Lupus Erythematosus | Original Communication

Neurofilament light is a biomarker of brain involvement in lupus and primary Sjögren’s syndrome

Authors: Anne B. Tjensvoll, Maria B. Lauvsnes, Henrik Zetterberg, Jan T. Kvaløy, Ingeborg Kvivik, Stian S. Maroni, Ole J. Greve, Mona K. Beyer, Shunsei Hirohata, Chaim Putterman, Guido Alves, Erna Harboe, Kaj Blennow, Lasse G. Gøransson, Roald Omdal

Published in: Journal of Neurology | Issue 4/2021

Abstract

Background

To test the hypothesis that neurofilament light (NfL) in CSF is a biomarker of CNS involvement in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS), we measured NfL in CSF from 52 patients with lupus and 54 with pSS and explored associations with clinical, structural, immunological and biochemical abnormalities.

Methods

In CSF, we measured NfL, anti-P antibodies, protein S100B and TWEAK by ELISA and anti-NR2 antibodies by electrochemiluminescence. Anti-phospholipid antibodies and routine immunological tests were performed in blood. IgG and albumin were measured in CSF and serum for assessment of the blood–brain barrier function (Q-albumin) and intrathecal IgG production (IgG index). Cerebral MRI and neuropsychological testing were performed.

Results

A multivariable regression model showed that increasing CSF anti-NR2 antibody levels were associated with increasing NfL levels in patients with SLE (B 1.27, 95% CI 0.88–1.65, p < 0.001). Age contributed significantly in the model (B 0.04, 95% CI 0.03–0.05, p < 0.001). Similar findings were observed in the pSS group. Adjusted for age and sex, no associations were found between NfL levels and any MRI data. In SLE patients, higher NfL concentrations were associated with impairments in psychomotor speed and motor function, and in pSS with motor dysfunction. These associations remained in multivariable regression models.

Conclusions

Increased concentration of NfL in CSF is a marker of cerebral involvement in patients with SLE and pSS, is strongly associated with the presence of anti-NR2 antibodies, and correlates with cognitive impairment in several domains.

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Title: Neurofilament light is a biomarker of brain involvement in lupus and primary Sjögren’s syndrome
Authors: Anne B. Tjensvoll
Maria B. Lauvsnes
Henrik Zetterberg
Jan T. Kvaløy
Ingeborg Kvivik
Stian S. Maroni
Ole J. Greve
Mona K. Beyer
Shunsei Hirohata
Chaim Putterman
Guido Alves
Erna Harboe
Kaj Blennow
Lasse G. Gøransson
Roald Omdal
Publication date: 01-04-2021
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Biomarkers
Published in: Journal of Neurology / Issue 4/2021
Print ISSN: 0340-5354
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1459
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-020-10290-y

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Springer Medicine

Neurofilament light is a biomarker of brain involvement in lupus and primary Sjögren’s syndrome

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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