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Lindborg SR, Goyal NA, Katz J, Burford M, Li J, Kaspi H, Abramov N, Boulanger B, Berry JD, Nicholson K, Mozaffar T, Miller R, Jenkins L, Baloh RH, Lewis R, Staff NP, Owegi MA, Dagher B, Blondheim-Shraga NR, Gothelf Y, Levy YS, Kern R, Aricha R, Windebank AJ, Bowser R, Brown RH, Cudkowicz ME. Debamestrocel multimodal effects on biomarker pathways in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are linked to clinical outcomes. Muscle Nerve 2024; 69:719-729. [PMID: 38593477 DOI: 10.1002/mus.28093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION/AIMS Biomarkers have shown promise in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) research, but the quest for reliable biomarkers remains active. This study evaluates the effect of debamestrocel on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers, an exploratory endpoint. METHODS A total of 196 participants randomly received debamestrocel or placebo. Seven CSF samples were to be collected from all participants. Forty-five biomarkers were analyzed in the overall study and by two subgroups characterized by the ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R). A prespecified model was employed to predict clinical outcomes leveraging biomarkers and disease characteristics. Causal inference was used to analyze relationships between neurofilament light chain (NfL) and ALSFRS-R. RESULTS We observed significant changes with debamestrocel in 64% of the biomarkers studied, spanning pathways implicated in ALS pathology (63% neuroinflammation, 50% neurodegeneration, and 89% neuroprotection). Biomarker changes with debamestrocel show biological activity in trial participants, including those with advanced ALS. CSF biomarkers were predictive of clinical outcomes in debamestrocel-treated participants (baseline NfL, baseline latency-associated peptide/transforming growth factor beta1 [LAP/TGFβ1], change galectin-1, all p < .01), with baseline NfL and LAP/TGFβ1 remaining (p < .05) when disease characteristics (p < .005) were incorporated. Change from baseline to the last measurement showed debamestrocel-driven reductions in NfL were associated with less decline in ALSFRS-R. Debamestrocel significantly reduced NfL from baseline compared with placebo (11% vs. 1.6%, p = .037). DISCUSSION Following debamestrocel treatment, many biomarkers showed increases (anti-inflammatory/neuroprotective) or decreases (inflammatory/neurodegenerative) suggesting a possible treatment effect. Neuroinflammatory and neuroprotective biomarkers were predictive of clinical response, suggesting a potential multimodal mechanism of action. These results offer preliminary insights that need to be confirmed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Namita A Goyal
- UCI Health ALS & Neuromuscular Center, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Jonathan Katz
- Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation, California Pacific Medical Center, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Matthew Burford
- Department of Neurology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jenny Li
- Brainstorm Cell Therapeutics, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | - Bruno Boulanger
- Department of Statistics and Data Science, PharmaLex, Mont-Saint-Guibert, Belgium
| | - James D Berry
- Healey & AMG Center, Mass General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Katharine Nicholson
- Healey & AMG Center, Mass General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Tahseen Mozaffar
- UCI Health ALS & Neuromuscular Center, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Robert Miller
- Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation, California Pacific Medical Center, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Liberty Jenkins
- Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation, California Pacific Medical Center, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Robert H Baloh
- Department of Neurology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Richard Lewis
- Department of Neurology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Nathan P Staff
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Margaret Ayo Owegi
- Neurology Department, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Bob Dagher
- Brainstorm Cell Therapeutics, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | - Yossef S Levy
- Manufacturing, Brainstorm Cell Therapeutics, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ralph Kern
- Brainstorm Cell Therapeutics, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Anthony J Windebank
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Robert Bowser
- Department of Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Robert H Brown
- Neurology Department, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Merit E Cudkowicz
- Healey & AMG Center, Mass General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Wohnrade C, Seeliger T, Gingele S, Bjelica B, Skripuletz T, Petri S. Diagnostic value of neurofilaments in differentiating motor neuron disease from multifocal motor neuropathy. J Neurol 2024:10.1007/s00415-024-12355-8. [PMID: 38683209 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12355-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the performance of serum neurofilament light chain (NfL) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) phosphorylated neurofilament heavy chain (pNfH) as diagnostic biomarkers for the differentiation between motor neuron disease (MND) and multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN). METHODS This retrospective, monocentric study included 16 patients with MMN and 34 incident patients with MND. A subgroup of lower motor neuron (MN) dominant MND patients (n = 24) was analyzed separately. Serum NfL was measured using Ella automated immunoassay, and CSF pNfH was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Area under the curve (AUC), optimal cutoff values (Youden's index), and correlations with demographic characteristics were calculated. RESULTS Neurofilament concentrations were significantly higher in MND compared to MMN (p < 0.001), and serum NfL and CSF pNfH correlated strongly with each other (Spearman's rho 0.68, p < 0.001). Serum NfL (AUC 0.946, sensitivity and specificity 94%) and CSF pNfH (AUC 0.937, sensitivity 90.0%, specificity 100%) performed excellent in differentiating MND from MMN. Optimal cutoff values were ≥ 44.15 pg/mL (serum NfL) and ≥ 715.5 pg/mL (CSF pNfH), respectively. Similar results were found when restricting the MND cohort to lower MN dominant patients. Only one MMN patient had serum NfL above the cutoff. Two MND patients presented with neurofilament concentrations below the cutoffs, both featuring a slowly progressive disease. CONCLUSION Neurofilaments are valuable supportive biomarkers for the differentiation between MND and MMN. Serum NfL and CSF pNfH perform similarly well and elevated neurofilaments in case of diagnostic uncertainty underpin MND diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Wohnrade
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, 30625, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Tabea Seeliger
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Stefan Gingele
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Bogdan Bjelica
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Thomas Skripuletz
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Susanne Petri
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, 30625, Hannover, Germany
- Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN) Hannover, 30559, Hannover, Germany
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Gentile F, Maranzano A, Verde F, Bettoni V, Colombo E, Doretti A, Olivero M, Scheveger F, Colombrita C, Bulgarelli I, Spinelli EG, Torresani E, Messina S, Maderna L, Agosta F, Morelli C, Filippi M, Silani V, Ticozzi N. The value of routine blood work-up in clinical stratification and prognosis of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Neurol 2024; 271:794-803. [PMID: 37801095 PMCID: PMC10827966 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-12015-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is an unmet need in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to provide specific biomarkers for the disease. Due to their easy availability, we aimed to investigate whether routine blood parameters provide useful clues for phenotypic classification and disease prognosis. METHODS We analyzed a large inpatient cohort of 836 ALS patients who underwent deep phenotyping with evaluation of the clinical and neurophysiological burden of upper (UMN) and lower (LMN) motor neuron signs. Disability and progression rate were measured through the revised ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS-R) and its changes during time. Cox regression analysis was performed to assess survival associations. RESULTS Creatinine significantly correlated with LMN damage (r = 0.38), active (r = 0.18) and chronic (r = 0.24) denervation and baseline ALSFRS-R (r = 0.33). Creatine kinase (CK), alanine (ALT) and aspartate (AST) transaminases correlated with active (r = 0.35, r = 0.27, r = 0.24) and chronic (r = 0.37, r = 0.20, r = 0.19) denervation, while albumin and C-reactive protein significantly correlated with LMN score (r = 0.20 and r = 0.17). Disease progression rate showed correlations with chloride (r = -0.19) and potassium levels (r = -0.16). After adjustment for known prognostic factors, total protein [HR 0.70 (95% CI 0.57-0.86)], creatinine [HR 0.86 (95% CI 0.81-0.92)], chloride [HR 0.95 (95% CI 0.92-0.99)], lactate dehydrogenase [HR 0.99 (95% CI 0.99-0.99)], and AST [HR 1.02 (95% CI 1.01-1.02)] were independently associated with survival. CONCLUSIONS Creatinine is a reliable biomarker for ALS, associated with clinical features, disability and survival. Markers of nutrition/inflammation may offer additional prognostic information and partially correlate with clinical features. AST and chloride could further assist in predicting progression rate and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Gentile
- Neurology Residency Program, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessio Maranzano
- Department of Neurology, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, P. Le Brescia 20, 20149, Milan, Italy
| | - Federico Verde
- Department of Neurology, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, P. Le Brescia 20, 20149, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, "Dino Ferrari" Center, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Veronica Bettoni
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Eleonora Colombo
- Department of Neurology, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, P. Le Brescia 20, 20149, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Doretti
- Department of Neurology, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, P. Le Brescia 20, 20149, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Olivero
- Neurology Residency Program, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Claudia Colombrita
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry and Microbiology, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Ilaria Bulgarelli
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry and Microbiology, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Edoardo Gioele Spinelli
- Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Erminio Torresani
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry and Microbiology, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Messina
- Department of Neurology, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, P. Le Brescia 20, 20149, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Maderna
- Department of Neurology, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, P. Le Brescia 20, 20149, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Agosta
- Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudia Morelli
- Department of Neurology, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, P. Le Brescia 20, 20149, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Filippi
- Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Neurorehabilitation Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Neurophysiology Service, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Silani
- Department of Neurology, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, P. Le Brescia 20, 20149, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, "Dino Ferrari" Center, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Ticozzi
- Department of Neurology, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, P. Le Brescia 20, 20149, Milan, Italy.
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, "Dino Ferrari" Center, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
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Kläppe U, Sennfält S, Lovik A, Finn A, Bofaisal U, Zetterberg H, Blennow K, Piehl F, Kmezic I, Press R, Samuelsson K, Månberg A, Fang F, Ingre C. Neurodegenerative biomarkers outperform neuroinflammatory biomarkers in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2024; 25:150-161. [PMID: 37789557 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2023.2263874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the diagnostic and prognostic performance, and longitudinal trajectories, of potential biomarkers of neuroaxonal degeneration and neuroinflammation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). METHODS This case-control study included 192 incident ALS patients, 42 ALS mimics, 114 neurological controls, and 117 healthy controls from Stockholm, Sweden. Forty-four ALS patients provided repeated measurements. We assessed biomarkers of (1)neuroaxonal degeneration: neurofilament light (NfL) and phosphorylated neurofilament heavy (pNfH) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and NfL in serum, and (2)neuroinflammation: chitotriosidase-1 (CHIT1) and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) in CSF. To evaluate diagnostic performance, we calculated the area under the curve (AUC). To estimate prognostic performance, we applied quantile regression and Cox regression. We used linear regression models with robust standard errors to assess temporal changes over time. RESULTS Neurofilaments performed better at differentiating ALS patients from mimics (AUC: pNfH 0.92, CSF NfL 0.86, serum NfL 0.91) than neuroinflammatory biomarkers (AUC: CHIT1 0.71, MCP-1 0.56). Combining biomarkers did not improve diagnostic performance. Similarly, neurofilaments performed better than neuroinflammatory biomarkers at predicting functional decline and survival. The stratified analysis revealed differences according to the site of onset: in bulbar patients, neurofilaments and CHIT1 performed worse at predicting survival and correlations were lower between biomarkers. Finally, in bulbar patients, neurofilaments and CHIT1 increased longitudinally but were stable in spinal patients. CONCLUSIONS Biomarkers of neuroaxonal degeneration displayed better diagnostic and prognostic value compared with neuroinflammatory biomarkers. However, in contrast to spinal patients, in bulbar patients neurofilaments and CHIT1 performed worse at predicting survival and seemed to increase over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulf Kläppe
- Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Neurology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Stefan Sennfält
- Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Neurology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anikó Lovik
- Unit of Integrative Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Methodology and Statistics Unit, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Anja Finn
- Department of Neurology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ulrika Bofaisal
- Department of Neurology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, UK
- Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
- Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA, and
| | - Kaj Blennow
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Piehl
- Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Neurology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ivan Kmezic
- Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Neurology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rayomand Press
- Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Neurology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kristin Samuelsson
- Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Neurology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Månberg
- Division of Affinity Proteomics, Department of Protein Science, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Fang Fang
- Unit of Integrative Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Caroline Ingre
- Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Neurology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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Irwin KE, Sheth U, Wong PC, Gendron TF. Fluid biomarkers for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a review. Mol Neurodegener 2024; 19:9. [PMID: 38267984 PMCID: PMC10809579 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-023-00685-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by the loss of upper and lower motor neurons. Presently, three FDA-approved drugs are available to help slow functional decline for patients with ALS, but no cure yet exists. With an average life expectancy of only two to five years after diagnosis, there is a clear need for biomarkers to improve the care of patients with ALS and to expedite ALS treatment development. Here, we provide a review of the efforts made towards identifying diagnostic, prognostic, susceptibility/risk, and response fluid biomarkers with the intent to facilitate a more rapid and accurate ALS diagnosis, to better predict prognosis, to improve clinical trial design, and to inform interpretation of clinical trial results. Over the course of 20 + years, several promising fluid biomarker candidates for ALS have emerged. These will be discussed, as will the exciting new strategies being explored for ALS biomarker discovery and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine E Irwin
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Udit Sheth
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
- Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Philip C Wong
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| | - Tania F Gendron
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA.
- Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA.
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Krainc D, Martin WJ, Casey B, Jensen FE, Tishkoff S, Potter WZ, Hyman SE. Shifting the trajectory of therapeutic development for neurological and psychiatric disorders. Sci Transl Med 2023; 15:eadg4775. [PMID: 38190501 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adg4775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Clinical trials for central nervous system disorders often enroll patients with unrecognized heterogeneous diseases, leading to costly trials that have high failure rates. Here, we discuss the potential of emerging technologies and datasets to elucidate disease mechanisms and identify biomarkers to improve patient stratification and monitoring of disease progression in clinical trials for neuropsychiatric disorders. Greater efforts must be centered on rigorously standardizing data collection and sharing of methods, datasets, and analytical tools across sectors. To address health care disparities in clinical trials, diversity of genetic ancestries and environmental exposures of research participants and associated biological samples must be prioritized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitri Krainc
- Davee Department of Neurology, Simpson Querrey Center for Neurogenetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Bradford Casey
- Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, New York, NY, USA
| | - Frances E Jensen
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sarah Tishkoff
- Departments of Genetics and Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Steven E Hyman
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
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7
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Yang J, Xin C, Huo J, Li X, Dong H, Liu Q, Li R, Liu Y. Rab Geranylgeranyltransferase Subunit Beta as a Potential Indicator to Assess the Progression of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1531. [PMID: 38002490 PMCID: PMC10670085 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13111531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Currently, there is no effective treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a devastating neurodegenerative disorder. Many biomarkers have been proposed, but because ALS is a clinically heterogeneous disease with an unclear etiology, biomarker discovery for ALS has been challenging due to the lack of specificity of these biomarkers. In recent years, the role of autophagy in the development and treatment of ALS has become a research hotspot. In our previous studies, we found that the expression of RabGGTase (low RABGGTB expression and no change in RABGGTA) is lower in the lumbar and thoracic regions of spinal cord motoneurons in SOD1G93A mice compared with WT (wild-type) mice groups, and upregulation of RABGGTB promoted prenylation modification of Rab7, which promoted autophagy to protect neurons by degrading SOD1. Given that RabGGTase is associated with autophagy and autophagy is associated with inflammation, and based on the above findings, since peripheral blood mononuclear cells are readily available from patients with ALS, we proposed to investigate the expression of RabGGTase in peripheral inflammatory cells. METHODS Information and venous blood were collected from 86 patients diagnosed with ALS between January 2021 and August 2023. Flow cytometry was used to detect the expression of RABGGTB in monocytes from peripheral blood samples collected from patients with ALS and healthy controls. Extracted peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were differentiated in vitro into macrophages, and then the expression of RABGGTB was detected by immunofluorescence. RABGGTB levels in patients with ALS were analyzed to determine their impact on disease progression. RESULTS Using flow cytometry in monocytes and immunofluorescence in macrophages, we found that RABGGTB expression in the ALS group was significantly higher than in the control group. Age, sex, original location, disease course, C-reactive protein (CRP), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) did not correlate with the ALS functional rating scale-revised (ALSFRS-R), whereas the RABGGTB level was significantly correlated with the ALSFRS-R. In addition, multivariate analysis revealed a significant correlation between RABGGTB and ALSFRS-R score. Further analysis revealed a significant correlation between RABGGTB expression levels and disease progression levels (ΔFS). CONCLUSIONS The RABGGTB level was significantly increased in patients with ALS compared with healthy controls. An elevated RABGGTB level in patients with ALS is associated with the rate of progression in ALS, suggesting that elevated RABGGTB levels in patients with ALS may serve as an indicator for tracking ALS progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Yang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, China; (J.Y.); (C.X.); (J.H.); (X.L.); (H.D.); (Q.L.); (R.L.)
- The Key Laboratory of Neurology, Hebei Medical University, Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang 050000, China
- Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang 050000, China
| | - Cheng Xin
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, China; (J.Y.); (C.X.); (J.H.); (X.L.); (H.D.); (Q.L.); (R.L.)
- The Key Laboratory of Neurology, Hebei Medical University, Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang 050000, China
- Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang 050000, China
| | - Jia Huo
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, China; (J.Y.); (C.X.); (J.H.); (X.L.); (H.D.); (Q.L.); (R.L.)
- The Key Laboratory of Neurology, Hebei Medical University, Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang 050000, China
- Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang 050000, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, China; (J.Y.); (C.X.); (J.H.); (X.L.); (H.D.); (Q.L.); (R.L.)
- The Key Laboratory of Neurology, Hebei Medical University, Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang 050000, China
- Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang 050000, China
| | - Hui Dong
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, China; (J.Y.); (C.X.); (J.H.); (X.L.); (H.D.); (Q.L.); (R.L.)
- The Key Laboratory of Neurology, Hebei Medical University, Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang 050000, China
- Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang 050000, China
| | - Qi Liu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, China; (J.Y.); (C.X.); (J.H.); (X.L.); (H.D.); (Q.L.); (R.L.)
- The Key Laboratory of Neurology, Hebei Medical University, Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang 050000, China
- Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang 050000, China
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, China; (J.Y.); (C.X.); (J.H.); (X.L.); (H.D.); (Q.L.); (R.L.)
- The Key Laboratory of Neurology, Hebei Medical University, Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang 050000, China
- Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang 050000, China
| | - Yaling Liu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, China; (J.Y.); (C.X.); (J.H.); (X.L.); (H.D.); (Q.L.); (R.L.)
- The Key Laboratory of Neurology, Hebei Medical University, Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang 050000, China
- Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang 050000, China
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Bavato F, Kexel AK, Kluwe-Schiavon B, Maceski A, Baumgartner MR, Seifritz E, Kuhle J, Quednow BB. A Longitudinal Investigation of Blood Neurofilament Light Chain Levels in Chronic Cocaine Users. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:3935-3944. [PMID: 37000398 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03327-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
The identification of a blood marker of brain pathology that is sensitive to substance-induced neurotoxicity and dynamically responds to longitudinal changes in substance intake would substantially improve clinical monitoring in the field of substance use and addiction. Here, we explored the hypothesis that plasma levels of neurofilament light chain (NfL), a promising marker of neuroaxonal pathology, are elevated in chronic cocaine users and longitudinally associated with changes in cocaine use. Plasma NfL levels were determined using single molecule array (SIMOA) technology at baseline and at a 4-month follow-up. Substance use was subjectively assessed with an extensive interview and objectively measured via toxicological analysis of urine and 4-month hair samples. In a generalized linear model corrected for sex, age, and body mass index, NfL plasma levels were elevated in cocaine users (n=35) compared to stimulant-naïve healthy controls (n=35). A positive correlation between cocaine hair concentration and NfL levels was also found. Changes in cocaine hair concentration (group analysis of increasers vs. decreasers) over the 4-month interval predicted NfL levels at follow-up, indicating a rise in NfL with increased cocaine use and a reduction with decreased use. No associations between use or change of use of other substances (including the neurotoxic cocaine adulterant levamisole) and NfL levels were found. Our findings demonstrate that NfL is a sensitive marker for assessing cocaine-related neuroaxonal pathology, supporting the utility of blood NfL analysis in addiction research but also suggesting the detailed assessment of substance use in neurological studies and diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Bavato
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, CH-8032, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Ann-Kathrin Kexel
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, CH-8032, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Bruno Kluwe-Schiavon
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, CH-8032, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Aleksandra Maceski
- Neurologic Clinic and Policlinic, Departments of Medicine, Biomedicine and Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Markus R Baumgartner
- Center of Forensic Hairanalytics, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Erich Seifritz
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics; Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jens Kuhle
- Neurologic Clinic and Policlinic, Departments of Medicine, Biomedicine and Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Boris B Quednow
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, CH-8032, Zurich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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9
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Adil O, Shamsi MH. Electrochemical Impedance Immunoassay for ALS-Associated Neurofilament Protein: Matrix Effect on the Immunoplatform. BIOSENSORS 2023; 13:247. [PMID: 36832013 PMCID: PMC9954657 DOI: 10.3390/bios13020247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder, which has complex diagnostic steps. Electrochemical immunoassays may make the diagnosis simpler and faster. Here, we present the detection of ALS-associated neurofilament light chain (Nf-L) protein through an electrochemical impedance immunoassay on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) screen-printed electrodes. The immunoassay was developed in two different media, i.e., buffer and human serum, to compare the effect of the media on their figures of merit and calibration models. The label-free charge transfer resistance (RCT) of the immunoplatform was used as a signal response to develop the calibration models. We found that exposure of the biorecognition layer to human serum improved the impedance response of the biorecognition element with significantly lower relative error. Moreover, the calibration model obtained in the human serum environment has higher sensitivity and a better limit of detection (0.087 ng/mL) than the buffer medium (0.39 ng/mL). The analyses of the ALS patient samples show that concentrations obtained from the buffer-based regression model was higher than the serum-based model. However, a high Pearson correlation (r = 1.00) between the media suggests that concentration in one medium may be useful to predict the concentration in the other medium. Moreover, the Nf-L concentration appears to increase with age in both male and female groups, while overall higher Nf-L was found in the male group than the female group.
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Delaby C, Bousiges O, Bouvier D, Fillée C, Fourier A, Mondésert E, Nezry N, Omar S, Quadrio I, Rucheton B, Schraen-Maschke S, van Pesch V, Vicca S, Lehmann S, Bedel A. Neurofilaments contribution in clinic: state of the art. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:1034684. [PMID: 36389064 PMCID: PMC9664201 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.1034684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurological biomarkers are particularly valuable to clinicians as they can be used for diagnosis, prognosis, or response to treatment. This field of neurology has evolved considerably in recent years with the improvement of analytical methods, allowing the detection of biomarkers not only in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) but also in less invasive fluids like blood. These advances greatly facilitate the repeated quantification of biomarkers, including at asymptomatic stages of the disease. Among the various informative biomarkers of neurological disorders, neurofilaments (NfL) have proven to be of particular interest in many contexts, such as neurodegenerative diseases, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, stroke, and cancer. Here we discuss these different pathologies and the potential value of NfL assay in the management of these patients, both for diagnosis and prognosis. We also describe the added value of NfL compared to other biomarkers currently used to monitor the diseases described in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constance Delaby
- Université de Montpellier, IRMB, INM, INSERM, CHU de Montpellier, Laboratoire Biochimie-Protéomique clinique, Montpellier, France
- Sant Pau Memory Unit, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau—Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau—Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Olivier Bousiges
- Laboratoire de biochimie et biologie moléculaire (LBBM)—Pôle de biologie Hôpital de Hautepierre—CHU de Strasbourg, CNRS, laboratoire ICube UMR 7357 et FMTS (Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg), équipe IMIS, Strasbourg, France
| | - Damien Bouvier
- Service de Biochimie et Génétique Moléculaire, CHU de Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Catherine Fillée
- Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc UCLouvain, Service de Biochimie Médicale, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Anthony Fourier
- Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire—LBMMS, Unité de diagnostic des pathologies dégénératives, Centre de Biologie et Pathologie Est, Groupement Hospitalier Est, Lyon, France
| | - Etienne Mondésert
- Université de Montpellier, IRMB, INM, INSERM, CHU de Montpellier, Laboratoire Biochimie-Protéomique clinique, Montpellier, France
| | - Nicolas Nezry
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR-S-U1172, LiCEND, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, LabEx DISTALZ, Lille, France
| | - Souheil Omar
- Laboratoire de biologie médicale de l’Institut de Neurologie de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Isabelle Quadrio
- Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire—LBMMS, Unité de diagnostic des pathologies dégénératives, Centre de Biologie et Pathologie Est, Groupement Hospitalier Est, Lyon, France
| | - Benoit Rucheton
- Laboratoire de Biologie, Institut Bergonié, Bordeaux, France
| | - Susanna Schraen-Maschke
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR-S-U1172, LiCEND, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, LabEx DISTALZ, Lille, France
| | - Vincent van Pesch
- Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc UCLouvain, Service de Neurologie, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Stéphanie Vicca
- Hôpital Necker-Enfants malades, Paris, Laboratoire de Biochimie générale, DMU BioPhyGen, AP-HP.Centre—Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Sylvain Lehmann
- Université de Montpellier, IRMB, INM, INSERM, CHU de Montpellier, Laboratoire Biochimie-Protéomique clinique, Montpellier, France
| | - Aurelie Bedel
- Service de Biochimie, CHU Pellegrin, Bordeaux, France
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11
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Miller TM, Cudkowicz ME, Genge A, Shaw PJ, Sobue G, Bucelli RC, Chiò A, Van Damme P, Ludolph AC, Glass JD, Andrews JA, Babu S, Benatar M, McDermott CJ, Cochrane T, Chary S, Chew S, Zhu H, Wu F, Nestorov I, Graham D, Sun P, McNeill M, Fanning L, Ferguson TA, Fradette S. Trial of Antisense Oligonucleotide Tofersen for SOD1 ALS. N Engl J Med 2022; 387:1099-1110. [PMID: 36129998 DOI: 10.1056/nejmoa2204705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 221] [Impact Index Per Article: 110.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The intrathecally administered antisense oligonucleotide tofersen reduces synthesis of the superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) protein and is being studied in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) associated with mutations in SOD1 (SOD1 ALS). METHODS In this phase 3 trial, we randomly assigned adults with SOD1 ALS in a 2:1 ratio to receive eight doses of tofersen (100 mg) or placebo over a period of 24 weeks. The primary end point was the change from baseline to week 28 in the total score on the ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R; range, 0 to 48, with higher scores indicating better function) among participants predicted to have faster-progressing disease. Secondary end points included changes in the total concentration of SOD1 protein in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), in the concentration of neurofilament light chains in plasma, in slow vital capacity, and in handheld dynamometry in 16 muscles. A combined analysis of the randomized component of the trial and its open-label extension at 52 weeks compared the results in participants who started tofersen at trial entry (early-start cohort) with those in participants who switched from placebo to the drug at week 28 (delayed-start cohort). RESULTS A total of 72 participants received tofersen (39 predicted to have faster progression), and 36 received placebo (21 predicted to have faster progression). Tofersen led to greater reductions in concentrations of SOD1 in CSF and of neurofilament light chains in plasma than placebo. In the faster-progression subgroup (primary analysis), the change to week 28 in the ALSFRS-R score was -6.98 with tofersen and -8.14 with placebo (difference, 1.2 points; 95% confidence interval [CI], -3.2 to 5.5; P = 0.97). Results for secondary clinical end points did not differ significantly between the two groups. A total of 95 participants (88%) entered the open-label extension. At 52 weeks, the change in the ALSFRS-R score was -6.0 in the early-start cohort and -9.5 in the delayed-start cohort (difference, 3.5 points; 95% CI, 0.4 to 6.7); non-multiplicity-adjusted differences favoring early-start tofersen were seen for other end points. Lumbar puncture-related adverse events were common. Neurologic serious adverse events occurred in 7% of tofersen recipients. CONCLUSIONS In persons with SOD1 ALS, tofersen reduced concentrations of SOD1 in CSF and of neurofilament light chains in plasma over 28 weeks but did not improve clinical end points and was associated with adverse events. The potential effects of earlier as compared with delayed initiation of tofersen are being further evaluated in the extension phase. (Funded by Biogen; VALOR and OLE ClinicalTrials.gov numbers, NCT02623699 and NCT03070119; EudraCT numbers, 2015-004098-33 and 2016-003225-41.).
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy M Miller
- From the Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis (T.M.M., R.C.B.); the Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (M.E.C., S.B.), and Biogen, Cambridge (T.C., S. Chary, S. Chew, H.Z., F.W., I.N., D.G., P.S., L.F., T.A.F., S.F.) - both in Massachusetts; Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Montreal (A.G.); the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre and Clinical Research Facility, University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield (P.J.S., C.J.M.), and Biogen, Maidenhead (M.M.) - both in the United Kingdom; Aichi Medical University, Aichi, Japan (G.S.); the University of Turin, Turin, Italy (A.C.); KU Leuven, VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (P.V.D.); the University of Ulm, Ulm, and Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Bonn - both in Germany (A.C.L.); Emory University, Atlanta (J.D.G.); the Neurological Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York (J.A.A.); and the Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami (M.B.)
| | - Merit E Cudkowicz
- From the Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis (T.M.M., R.C.B.); the Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (M.E.C., S.B.), and Biogen, Cambridge (T.C., S. Chary, S. Chew, H.Z., F.W., I.N., D.G., P.S., L.F., T.A.F., S.F.) - both in Massachusetts; Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Montreal (A.G.); the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre and Clinical Research Facility, University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield (P.J.S., C.J.M.), and Biogen, Maidenhead (M.M.) - both in the United Kingdom; Aichi Medical University, Aichi, Japan (G.S.); the University of Turin, Turin, Italy (A.C.); KU Leuven, VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (P.V.D.); the University of Ulm, Ulm, and Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Bonn - both in Germany (A.C.L.); Emory University, Atlanta (J.D.G.); the Neurological Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York (J.A.A.); and the Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami (M.B.)
| | - Angela Genge
- From the Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis (T.M.M., R.C.B.); the Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (M.E.C., S.B.), and Biogen, Cambridge (T.C., S. Chary, S. Chew, H.Z., F.W., I.N., D.G., P.S., L.F., T.A.F., S.F.) - both in Massachusetts; Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Montreal (A.G.); the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre and Clinical Research Facility, University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield (P.J.S., C.J.M.), and Biogen, Maidenhead (M.M.) - both in the United Kingdom; Aichi Medical University, Aichi, Japan (G.S.); the University of Turin, Turin, Italy (A.C.); KU Leuven, VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (P.V.D.); the University of Ulm, Ulm, and Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Bonn - both in Germany (A.C.L.); Emory University, Atlanta (J.D.G.); the Neurological Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York (J.A.A.); and the Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami (M.B.)
| | - Pamela J Shaw
- From the Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis (T.M.M., R.C.B.); the Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (M.E.C., S.B.), and Biogen, Cambridge (T.C., S. Chary, S. Chew, H.Z., F.W., I.N., D.G., P.S., L.F., T.A.F., S.F.) - both in Massachusetts; Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Montreal (A.G.); the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre and Clinical Research Facility, University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield (P.J.S., C.J.M.), and Biogen, Maidenhead (M.M.) - both in the United Kingdom; Aichi Medical University, Aichi, Japan (G.S.); the University of Turin, Turin, Italy (A.C.); KU Leuven, VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (P.V.D.); the University of Ulm, Ulm, and Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Bonn - both in Germany (A.C.L.); Emory University, Atlanta (J.D.G.); the Neurological Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York (J.A.A.); and the Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami (M.B.)
| | - Gen Sobue
- From the Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis (T.M.M., R.C.B.); the Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (M.E.C., S.B.), and Biogen, Cambridge (T.C., S. Chary, S. Chew, H.Z., F.W., I.N., D.G., P.S., L.F., T.A.F., S.F.) - both in Massachusetts; Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Montreal (A.G.); the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre and Clinical Research Facility, University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield (P.J.S., C.J.M.), and Biogen, Maidenhead (M.M.) - both in the United Kingdom; Aichi Medical University, Aichi, Japan (G.S.); the University of Turin, Turin, Italy (A.C.); KU Leuven, VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (P.V.D.); the University of Ulm, Ulm, and Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Bonn - both in Germany (A.C.L.); Emory University, Atlanta (J.D.G.); the Neurological Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York (J.A.A.); and the Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami (M.B.)
| | - Robert C Bucelli
- From the Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis (T.M.M., R.C.B.); the Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (M.E.C., S.B.), and Biogen, Cambridge (T.C., S. Chary, S. Chew, H.Z., F.W., I.N., D.G., P.S., L.F., T.A.F., S.F.) - both in Massachusetts; Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Montreal (A.G.); the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre and Clinical Research Facility, University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield (P.J.S., C.J.M.), and Biogen, Maidenhead (M.M.) - both in the United Kingdom; Aichi Medical University, Aichi, Japan (G.S.); the University of Turin, Turin, Italy (A.C.); KU Leuven, VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (P.V.D.); the University of Ulm, Ulm, and Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Bonn - both in Germany (A.C.L.); Emory University, Atlanta (J.D.G.); the Neurological Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York (J.A.A.); and the Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami (M.B.)
| | - Adriano Chiò
- From the Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis (T.M.M., R.C.B.); the Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (M.E.C., S.B.), and Biogen, Cambridge (T.C., S. Chary, S. Chew, H.Z., F.W., I.N., D.G., P.S., L.F., T.A.F., S.F.) - both in Massachusetts; Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Montreal (A.G.); the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre and Clinical Research Facility, University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield (P.J.S., C.J.M.), and Biogen, Maidenhead (M.M.) - both in the United Kingdom; Aichi Medical University, Aichi, Japan (G.S.); the University of Turin, Turin, Italy (A.C.); KU Leuven, VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (P.V.D.); the University of Ulm, Ulm, and Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Bonn - both in Germany (A.C.L.); Emory University, Atlanta (J.D.G.); the Neurological Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York (J.A.A.); and the Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami (M.B.)
| | - Philip Van Damme
- From the Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis (T.M.M., R.C.B.); the Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (M.E.C., S.B.), and Biogen, Cambridge (T.C., S. Chary, S. Chew, H.Z., F.W., I.N., D.G., P.S., L.F., T.A.F., S.F.) - both in Massachusetts; Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Montreal (A.G.); the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre and Clinical Research Facility, University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield (P.J.S., C.J.M.), and Biogen, Maidenhead (M.M.) - both in the United Kingdom; Aichi Medical University, Aichi, Japan (G.S.); the University of Turin, Turin, Italy (A.C.); KU Leuven, VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (P.V.D.); the University of Ulm, Ulm, and Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Bonn - both in Germany (A.C.L.); Emory University, Atlanta (J.D.G.); the Neurological Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York (J.A.A.); and the Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami (M.B.)
| | - Albert C Ludolph
- From the Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis (T.M.M., R.C.B.); the Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (M.E.C., S.B.), and Biogen, Cambridge (T.C., S. Chary, S. Chew, H.Z., F.W., I.N., D.G., P.S., L.F., T.A.F., S.F.) - both in Massachusetts; Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Montreal (A.G.); the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre and Clinical Research Facility, University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield (P.J.S., C.J.M.), and Biogen, Maidenhead (M.M.) - both in the United Kingdom; Aichi Medical University, Aichi, Japan (G.S.); the University of Turin, Turin, Italy (A.C.); KU Leuven, VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (P.V.D.); the University of Ulm, Ulm, and Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Bonn - both in Germany (A.C.L.); Emory University, Atlanta (J.D.G.); the Neurological Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York (J.A.A.); and the Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami (M.B.)
| | - Jonathan D Glass
- From the Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis (T.M.M., R.C.B.); the Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (M.E.C., S.B.), and Biogen, Cambridge (T.C., S. Chary, S. Chew, H.Z., F.W., I.N., D.G., P.S., L.F., T.A.F., S.F.) - both in Massachusetts; Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Montreal (A.G.); the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre and Clinical Research Facility, University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield (P.J.S., C.J.M.), and Biogen, Maidenhead (M.M.) - both in the United Kingdom; Aichi Medical University, Aichi, Japan (G.S.); the University of Turin, Turin, Italy (A.C.); KU Leuven, VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (P.V.D.); the University of Ulm, Ulm, and Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Bonn - both in Germany (A.C.L.); Emory University, Atlanta (J.D.G.); the Neurological Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York (J.A.A.); and the Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami (M.B.)
| | - Jinsy A Andrews
- From the Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis (T.M.M., R.C.B.); the Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (M.E.C., S.B.), and Biogen, Cambridge (T.C., S. Chary, S. Chew, H.Z., F.W., I.N., D.G., P.S., L.F., T.A.F., S.F.) - both in Massachusetts; Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Montreal (A.G.); the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre and Clinical Research Facility, University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield (P.J.S., C.J.M.), and Biogen, Maidenhead (M.M.) - both in the United Kingdom; Aichi Medical University, Aichi, Japan (G.S.); the University of Turin, Turin, Italy (A.C.); KU Leuven, VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (P.V.D.); the University of Ulm, Ulm, and Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Bonn - both in Germany (A.C.L.); Emory University, Atlanta (J.D.G.); the Neurological Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York (J.A.A.); and the Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami (M.B.)
| | - Suma Babu
- From the Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis (T.M.M., R.C.B.); the Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (M.E.C., S.B.), and Biogen, Cambridge (T.C., S. Chary, S. Chew, H.Z., F.W., I.N., D.G., P.S., L.F., T.A.F., S.F.) - both in Massachusetts; Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Montreal (A.G.); the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre and Clinical Research Facility, University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield (P.J.S., C.J.M.), and Biogen, Maidenhead (M.M.) - both in the United Kingdom; Aichi Medical University, Aichi, Japan (G.S.); the University of Turin, Turin, Italy (A.C.); KU Leuven, VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (P.V.D.); the University of Ulm, Ulm, and Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Bonn - both in Germany (A.C.L.); Emory University, Atlanta (J.D.G.); the Neurological Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York (J.A.A.); and the Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami (M.B.)
| | - Michael Benatar
- From the Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis (T.M.M., R.C.B.); the Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (M.E.C., S.B.), and Biogen, Cambridge (T.C., S. Chary, S. Chew, H.Z., F.W., I.N., D.G., P.S., L.F., T.A.F., S.F.) - both in Massachusetts; Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Montreal (A.G.); the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre and Clinical Research Facility, University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield (P.J.S., C.J.M.), and Biogen, Maidenhead (M.M.) - both in the United Kingdom; Aichi Medical University, Aichi, Japan (G.S.); the University of Turin, Turin, Italy (A.C.); KU Leuven, VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (P.V.D.); the University of Ulm, Ulm, and Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Bonn - both in Germany (A.C.L.); Emory University, Atlanta (J.D.G.); the Neurological Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York (J.A.A.); and the Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami (M.B.)
| | - Christopher J McDermott
- From the Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis (T.M.M., R.C.B.); the Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (M.E.C., S.B.), and Biogen, Cambridge (T.C., S. Chary, S. Chew, H.Z., F.W., I.N., D.G., P.S., L.F., T.A.F., S.F.) - both in Massachusetts; Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Montreal (A.G.); the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre and Clinical Research Facility, University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield (P.J.S., C.J.M.), and Biogen, Maidenhead (M.M.) - both in the United Kingdom; Aichi Medical University, Aichi, Japan (G.S.); the University of Turin, Turin, Italy (A.C.); KU Leuven, VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (P.V.D.); the University of Ulm, Ulm, and Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Bonn - both in Germany (A.C.L.); Emory University, Atlanta (J.D.G.); the Neurological Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York (J.A.A.); and the Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami (M.B.)
| | - Thos Cochrane
- From the Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis (T.M.M., R.C.B.); the Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (M.E.C., S.B.), and Biogen, Cambridge (T.C., S. Chary, S. Chew, H.Z., F.W., I.N., D.G., P.S., L.F., T.A.F., S.F.) - both in Massachusetts; Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Montreal (A.G.); the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre and Clinical Research Facility, University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield (P.J.S., C.J.M.), and Biogen, Maidenhead (M.M.) - both in the United Kingdom; Aichi Medical University, Aichi, Japan (G.S.); the University of Turin, Turin, Italy (A.C.); KU Leuven, VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (P.V.D.); the University of Ulm, Ulm, and Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Bonn - both in Germany (A.C.L.); Emory University, Atlanta (J.D.G.); the Neurological Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York (J.A.A.); and the Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami (M.B.)
| | - Sowmya Chary
- From the Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis (T.M.M., R.C.B.); the Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (M.E.C., S.B.), and Biogen, Cambridge (T.C., S. Chary, S. Chew, H.Z., F.W., I.N., D.G., P.S., L.F., T.A.F., S.F.) - both in Massachusetts; Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Montreal (A.G.); the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre and Clinical Research Facility, University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield (P.J.S., C.J.M.), and Biogen, Maidenhead (M.M.) - both in the United Kingdom; Aichi Medical University, Aichi, Japan (G.S.); the University of Turin, Turin, Italy (A.C.); KU Leuven, VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (P.V.D.); the University of Ulm, Ulm, and Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Bonn - both in Germany (A.C.L.); Emory University, Atlanta (J.D.G.); the Neurological Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York (J.A.A.); and the Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami (M.B.)
| | - Sheena Chew
- From the Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis (T.M.M., R.C.B.); the Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (M.E.C., S.B.), and Biogen, Cambridge (T.C., S. Chary, S. Chew, H.Z., F.W., I.N., D.G., P.S., L.F., T.A.F., S.F.) - both in Massachusetts; Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Montreal (A.G.); the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre and Clinical Research Facility, University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield (P.J.S., C.J.M.), and Biogen, Maidenhead (M.M.) - both in the United Kingdom; Aichi Medical University, Aichi, Japan (G.S.); the University of Turin, Turin, Italy (A.C.); KU Leuven, VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (P.V.D.); the University of Ulm, Ulm, and Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Bonn - both in Germany (A.C.L.); Emory University, Atlanta (J.D.G.); the Neurological Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York (J.A.A.); and the Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami (M.B.)
| | - Han Zhu
- From the Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis (T.M.M., R.C.B.); the Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (M.E.C., S.B.), and Biogen, Cambridge (T.C., S. Chary, S. Chew, H.Z., F.W., I.N., D.G., P.S., L.F., T.A.F., S.F.) - both in Massachusetts; Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Montreal (A.G.); the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre and Clinical Research Facility, University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield (P.J.S., C.J.M.), and Biogen, Maidenhead (M.M.) - both in the United Kingdom; Aichi Medical University, Aichi, Japan (G.S.); the University of Turin, Turin, Italy (A.C.); KU Leuven, VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (P.V.D.); the University of Ulm, Ulm, and Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Bonn - both in Germany (A.C.L.); Emory University, Atlanta (J.D.G.); the Neurological Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York (J.A.A.); and the Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami (M.B.)
| | - Fan Wu
- From the Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis (T.M.M., R.C.B.); the Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (M.E.C., S.B.), and Biogen, Cambridge (T.C., S. Chary, S. Chew, H.Z., F.W., I.N., D.G., P.S., L.F., T.A.F., S.F.) - both in Massachusetts; Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Montreal (A.G.); the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre and Clinical Research Facility, University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield (P.J.S., C.J.M.), and Biogen, Maidenhead (M.M.) - both in the United Kingdom; Aichi Medical University, Aichi, Japan (G.S.); the University of Turin, Turin, Italy (A.C.); KU Leuven, VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (P.V.D.); the University of Ulm, Ulm, and Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Bonn - both in Germany (A.C.L.); Emory University, Atlanta (J.D.G.); the Neurological Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York (J.A.A.); and the Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami (M.B.)
| | - Ivan Nestorov
- From the Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis (T.M.M., R.C.B.); the Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (M.E.C., S.B.), and Biogen, Cambridge (T.C., S. Chary, S. Chew, H.Z., F.W., I.N., D.G., P.S., L.F., T.A.F., S.F.) - both in Massachusetts; Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Montreal (A.G.); the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre and Clinical Research Facility, University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield (P.J.S., C.J.M.), and Biogen, Maidenhead (M.M.) - both in the United Kingdom; Aichi Medical University, Aichi, Japan (G.S.); the University of Turin, Turin, Italy (A.C.); KU Leuven, VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (P.V.D.); the University of Ulm, Ulm, and Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Bonn - both in Germany (A.C.L.); Emory University, Atlanta (J.D.G.); the Neurological Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York (J.A.A.); and the Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami (M.B.)
| | - Danielle Graham
- From the Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis (T.M.M., R.C.B.); the Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (M.E.C., S.B.), and Biogen, Cambridge (T.C., S. Chary, S. Chew, H.Z., F.W., I.N., D.G., P.S., L.F., T.A.F., S.F.) - both in Massachusetts; Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Montreal (A.G.); the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre and Clinical Research Facility, University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield (P.J.S., C.J.M.), and Biogen, Maidenhead (M.M.) - both in the United Kingdom; Aichi Medical University, Aichi, Japan (G.S.); the University of Turin, Turin, Italy (A.C.); KU Leuven, VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (P.V.D.); the University of Ulm, Ulm, and Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Bonn - both in Germany (A.C.L.); Emory University, Atlanta (J.D.G.); the Neurological Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York (J.A.A.); and the Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami (M.B.)
| | - Peng Sun
- From the Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis (T.M.M., R.C.B.); the Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (M.E.C., S.B.), and Biogen, Cambridge (T.C., S. Chary, S. Chew, H.Z., F.W., I.N., D.G., P.S., L.F., T.A.F., S.F.) - both in Massachusetts; Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Montreal (A.G.); the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre and Clinical Research Facility, University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield (P.J.S., C.J.M.), and Biogen, Maidenhead (M.M.) - both in the United Kingdom; Aichi Medical University, Aichi, Japan (G.S.); the University of Turin, Turin, Italy (A.C.); KU Leuven, VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (P.V.D.); the University of Ulm, Ulm, and Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Bonn - both in Germany (A.C.L.); Emory University, Atlanta (J.D.G.); the Neurological Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York (J.A.A.); and the Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami (M.B.)
| | - Manjit McNeill
- From the Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis (T.M.M., R.C.B.); the Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (M.E.C., S.B.), and Biogen, Cambridge (T.C., S. Chary, S. Chew, H.Z., F.W., I.N., D.G., P.S., L.F., T.A.F., S.F.) - both in Massachusetts; Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Montreal (A.G.); the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre and Clinical Research Facility, University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield (P.J.S., C.J.M.), and Biogen, Maidenhead (M.M.) - both in the United Kingdom; Aichi Medical University, Aichi, Japan (G.S.); the University of Turin, Turin, Italy (A.C.); KU Leuven, VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (P.V.D.); the University of Ulm, Ulm, and Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Bonn - both in Germany (A.C.L.); Emory University, Atlanta (J.D.G.); the Neurological Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York (J.A.A.); and the Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami (M.B.)
| | - Laura Fanning
- From the Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis (T.M.M., R.C.B.); the Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (M.E.C., S.B.), and Biogen, Cambridge (T.C., S. Chary, S. Chew, H.Z., F.W., I.N., D.G., P.S., L.F., T.A.F., S.F.) - both in Massachusetts; Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Montreal (A.G.); the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre and Clinical Research Facility, University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield (P.J.S., C.J.M.), and Biogen, Maidenhead (M.M.) - both in the United Kingdom; Aichi Medical University, Aichi, Japan (G.S.); the University of Turin, Turin, Italy (A.C.); KU Leuven, VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (P.V.D.); the University of Ulm, Ulm, and Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Bonn - both in Germany (A.C.L.); Emory University, Atlanta (J.D.G.); the Neurological Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York (J.A.A.); and the Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami (M.B.)
| | - Toby A Ferguson
- From the Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis (T.M.M., R.C.B.); the Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (M.E.C., S.B.), and Biogen, Cambridge (T.C., S. Chary, S. Chew, H.Z., F.W., I.N., D.G., P.S., L.F., T.A.F., S.F.) - both in Massachusetts; Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Montreal (A.G.); the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre and Clinical Research Facility, University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield (P.J.S., C.J.M.), and Biogen, Maidenhead (M.M.) - both in the United Kingdom; Aichi Medical University, Aichi, Japan (G.S.); the University of Turin, Turin, Italy (A.C.); KU Leuven, VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (P.V.D.); the University of Ulm, Ulm, and Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Bonn - both in Germany (A.C.L.); Emory University, Atlanta (J.D.G.); the Neurological Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York (J.A.A.); and the Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami (M.B.)
| | - Stephanie Fradette
- From the Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis (T.M.M., R.C.B.); the Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (M.E.C., S.B.), and Biogen, Cambridge (T.C., S. Chary, S. Chew, H.Z., F.W., I.N., D.G., P.S., L.F., T.A.F., S.F.) - both in Massachusetts; Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Montreal (A.G.); the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre and Clinical Research Facility, University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield (P.J.S., C.J.M.), and Biogen, Maidenhead (M.M.) - both in the United Kingdom; Aichi Medical University, Aichi, Japan (G.S.); the University of Turin, Turin, Italy (A.C.); KU Leuven, VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (P.V.D.); the University of Ulm, Ulm, and Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Bonn - both in Germany (A.C.L.); Emory University, Atlanta (J.D.G.); the Neurological Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York (J.A.A.); and the Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami (M.B.)
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Su WM, Gu XJ, Duan QQ, Jiang Z, Gao X, Shang HF, Chen YP. Genetic factors for survival in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: an integrated approach combining a systematic review, pairwise and network meta-analysis. BMC Med 2022; 20:209. [PMID: 35754054 PMCID: PMC9235235 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-022-02411-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The time of survival in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) varies greatly, and the genetic factors that contribute to the survival of ALS are not well studied. There is a lack of a comprehensive study to elucidate the role of genetic factors in the survival of ALS. METHODS The published studies were systematically searched and obtained from PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library without any language restrictions from inception to Oct 27, 2021. A network meta-analysis for ALS causative/risk genes and a systematic review and pairwise meta-analysis for other genetic modifiers were conducted. The PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022311646. RESULTS A total of 29,764 potentially relevant references were identified, and 71 papers were eligible for analysis based on pre-decided criteria, including 35 articles in network meta-analysis for 9 ALS causative/risk genes, 17 articles in pairwise meta-analysis for four genetic modifiers, and 19 articles described in the systematic review. Variants in three genes, including ATXN2 (HR: 3.6), C9orf72 (HR: 1.6), and FUS (HR:1.8), were associated with short survival of ALS, but such association was not identified in SOD1, TARDBP, TBK1, NEK1, UBQLN2, and CCNF. In addition, UNC13A rs12608932 CC genotype and ZNF521B rs2275294 C allele also caused a shorter survival of ALS; however, APOE ε4 allele and KIFAP3 rs1541160 did not be found to have any effect on the survival of ALS. CONCLUSIONS Our study summarized and contrasted evidence for prognostic genetic factors in ALS and would help to understand ALS pathogenesis and guide clinical trials and drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Ming Su
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.,Lab of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Institute of Inflammation and Immunology (III), Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.,Centre for Rare Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiao-Jing Gu
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.,Lab of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Institute of Inflammation and Immunology (III), Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.,Centre for Rare Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Qing-Qing Duan
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.,Lab of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Institute of Inflammation and Immunology (III), Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.,Centre for Rare Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Zheng Jiang
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.,Lab of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Institute of Inflammation and Immunology (III), Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.,Centre for Rare Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xia Gao
- Department of Geriatrics, Dazhou Central Hospital, Dazhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Hui-Fang Shang
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.,Lab of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Institute of Inflammation and Immunology (III), Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.,Centre for Rare Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yong-Ping Chen
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China. .,Lab of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Institute of Inflammation and Immunology (III), Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China. .,Centre for Rare Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
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Zhu Y, Li M, Zhang J, Huang X. Association Between C-Reactive Protein and Risk of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Mendelian Randomization Study. Front Genet 2022; 13:919031. [PMID: 35669191 PMCID: PMC9164009 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.919031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Until now, the relationship between C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) risk has not been fully established. It is necessary to assess whether there is a causal relationship between C-reactive protein levels and ALS risk. Objective and Methods: We aimed to determine whether CRP has causal effects on risk of ALS. In this present study, summary-level data for ALS (20,806 cases and 59,804 controls) was obtained from large analyses of genome-wide association studies. For instrumental variables, 37 single nucleotide polymorphisms that had been previously identified to be related to CRP levels were used, including 4 SNPs of conservative CRP genetic variants and 33 SNPs of liberal CRP genetic variants. MR estimates were calculated using the inverse-variance weighted method, supplemented by MR-Egger, weighted median, and MR-PRESSO methods. Results: There was no significant causal relationship between genetically predicted CRP levels and ALS risk (OR = 1.123, 95% CI = 0.963-1.309, p = 0.139) and results for the conservative CRP instruments were consistent (OR = 0.964, 95% CI = 0.830-1.119, p = 0.628). Pleiotropic bias was not observed in this study. Conclusions: This study suggests that genetically predicted CRP levels may not be a causal risk factor for ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yahui Zhu
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
- Department of Neurology, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Mao Li
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
- Department of Neurology, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jinghong Zhang
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
- Department of Neurology, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xusheng Huang
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
- Department of Neurology, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
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Kharel S, Ojha R, Preethish-Kumar V, Bhagat R. C-reactive protein levels in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A systematic review. Brain Behav 2022; 12:e2532. [PMID: 35201675 PMCID: PMC8933772 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting cortical and spinal motor neurons. There is a lack of optimal biomarkers to diagnose and prognosticate the ALS patients. C-reactive protein (CRP), an inflammatory marker, has shown promising results in ALS patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar databases were searched from 2000 to June 1, 2021 for suitable studies showing the relationship between CRP and ALS. The concentration of CRP levels was assessed between ALS patients and controls. Further, end outcomes like ALS functional rating scale (ALSFRS-R), survival status, and mortality risks were assessed in relation to CRP levels. RESULTS Eleven studies including five case-control, five cohorts, and one randomized control study were assessed. There were 2785 ALS patients and 3446 healthy controls. A significant increment in CRP levels among ALS patients in comparison with healthy controls were seen in most of the studies. ALSFRS-R and disease progression were found to be significantly correlated with CRP levels. Overall accuracy of CRP in CSF was 62% described in a single study. CONCLUSION Although CRP has shown promise as a prognostic biomarker, extensive cohort studies are required to assess its prognostic value and accuracy in diagnosing ALS taking into account the confounding factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjeev Kharel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Tribhuvan University Institute of Medicine, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Rajeev Ojha
- Department of Neurology, Tribhuvan University Institute of Medicine, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | | | - Riwaj Bhagat
- Department of Neurology, Boston University Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Thompson AG, Gray E, Verber N, Bobeva Y, Lombardi V, Shepheard SR, Yildiz O, Feneberg E, Farrimond L, Dharmadasa T, Gray P, Edmond EC, Scaber J, Gagliardi D, Kirby J, Jenkins TM, Fratta P, McDermott CJ, Manohar SG, Talbot K, Malaspina A, Shaw PJ, Turner MR. OUP accepted manuscript. Brain Commun 2022; 4:fcac029. [PMID: 35224491 PMCID: PMC8870425 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcac029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The routine clinical integration of individualized objective markers of disease activity in those diagnosed with the neurodegenerative disorder amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a key requirement for therapeutic development. A large, multicentre, clinic-based, longitudinal cohort was used to systematically appraise the leading candidate biofluid biomarkers in the stratification and potential therapeutic assessment of those with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Incident patients diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (n = 258), other neurological diseases (n = 80) and healthy control participants (n = 101), were recruited and followed at intervals of 3–6 months for up to 30 months. Cerebrospinal fluid neurofilament light chain and chitotriosidase 1 and blood neurofilament light chain, creatine kinase, ferritin, complement C3 and C4 and C-reactive protein were measured. Blood neurofilament light chain, creatine kinase, serum ferritin, C3 and cerebrospinal fluid neurofilament light chain and chitotriosidase 1 were all significantly elevated in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients. First-visit plasma neurofilament light chain level was additionally strongly associated with survival (hazard ratio for one standard deviation increase in log10 plasma neurofilament light chain 2.99, 95% confidence interval 1.65–5.41, P = 0.016) and rate of disability progression, independent of other prognostic factors. A small increase in level was noted within the first 12 months after reported symptom onset (slope 0.031 log10 units per month, 95% confidence interval 0.012–0.049, P = 0.006). Modelling the inclusion of plasma neurofilament light chain as a therapeutic trial outcome measure demonstrated that a significant reduction in sample size and earlier detection of disease-slowing is possible, compared with using the revised Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale. This study provides strong evidence that blood neurofilament light chain levels outperform conventional measures of disease activity at the group level. The application of blood neurofilament light chain has the potential to radically reduce the duration and cost of therapeutic trials. It might also offer a first step towards the goal of more personalized objective disease activity monitoring for those living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elizabeth Gray
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Nick Verber
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Yoana Bobeva
- Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | | | - Stephanie R. Shepheard
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Ozlem Yildiz
- Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Emily Feneberg
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Lucy Farrimond
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Thanuja Dharmadasa
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Pamela Gray
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Evan C. Edmond
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jakub Scaber
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Delia Gagliardi
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Janine Kirby
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Thomas M. Jenkins
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Pietro Fratta
- Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | | | - Sanjay G. Manohar
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Kevin Talbot
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Andrea Malaspina
- Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- Correspondence may also be addressed to: Prof Andrea Malaspina Blizard Institute 4 Newark St, Whitechapel London, E1 2AT, UK E-mail:
| | - Pamela J. Shaw
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Correspondence may also be addressed to: Prof Dame Pamela Shaw Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) University of Sheffield, 385a Glossop Rd Broomhall, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK E-mail:
| | - Martin R. Turner
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Correspondence to: Prof Martin Turner Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences Level 6, West Wing, John Radcliffe Hospital Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK E-mail:
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16
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Su WM, Cheng YF, Jiang Z, Duan QQ, Yang TM, Shang HF, Chen YP. Predictors of survival in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A large meta-analysis. EBioMedicine 2021; 74:103732. [PMID: 34864363 PMCID: PMC8646173 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2021.103732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The survival time of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is greatly variable and protective or risk effects of the potential survival predictors are controversial. Thus, we aim to undertake a comprehensive meta-analysis of studies investigating non-genetic prognostic and survival factors in patients with ALS. Methods A search of relevant literature from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library and other citations from 1st January 1966 to 1st December 020 was conducted. Random-effects models were conducted to pool the multivariable or adjusted hazard ratios (HR) by Stata MP 16.0. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021256923. Findings A total of 5717 reports were identified, with 115 studies meeting pre-designed inclusion criteria involving 55,169 ALS patients. Five dimensions, including demographic, environmental or lifestyle, clinical manifestations, biochemical index, therapeutic factors or comorbidities were investigated. Twenty-five prediction factors, including twenty non-intervenable and five intervenable factors, were associated with ALS survival. Among them, NFL (HR:3.70, 6.80, in serum and CSF, respectively), FTD (HR:2.98), ALSFRS-R change (HR:2.37), respiratory subtype (HR:2.20), executive dysfunction (HR:2.10) and age of onset (HR:1.03) were superior predictors for poor prognosis, but pLMN or pUMN (HR:0.32), baseline ALSFRS-R score (HR:0.95), duration (HR:0.96), diagnostic delay (HR:0.97) were superior predictors for a good prognosis. Our results did not support the involvement of gender, education level, diabetes, hypertension, NIV, gastrostomy, and statins in ALS survival. Interpretation Our study provided a comprehensive and quantitative index for assessing the prognosis for ALS patients, and the identified non-intervenable or intervenable factors will facilitate the development of treatment strategies for ALS. Funding This study was supported by the National Natural Science Fund of China (Grant No. 81971188), the 1.3.5 project for disciplines of excellence, West China Hospital, Sichuan University (Grant No. 2019HXFH046), and the Science and Technology Bureau Fund of Sichuan Province (No. 2019YFS0216).
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Ming Su
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Rare disease center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yang-Fan Cheng
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Rare disease center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zheng Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Rare disease center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qing-Qing Duan
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Rare disease center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Tian-Mi Yang
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Rare disease center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hui-Fang Shang
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Rare disease center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| | - Yong-Ping Chen
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Rare disease center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
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17
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Benussi A, Ashton NJ, Karikari TK, Alberici A, Saraceno C, Ghidoni R, Benussi L, Zetterberg H, Blennow K, Borroni B. Prodromal frontotemporal dementia: clinical features and predictors of progression. Alzheimers Res Ther 2021; 13:188. [PMID: 34782010 PMCID: PMC8594126 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-021-00932-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prodromal phase of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is still not well characterized, and conversion rates to dementia and predictors of progression at 1-year follow-up are currently unknown. METHODS In this retrospective study, disease severity was assessed using the global CDR plus NACC FTLD. Prodromal FTD was defined to reflect mild cognitive or behavioural impairment with relatively preserved functional independence (global CDR plus NACC = 0.5) as well as mild, moderate and severe dementia (classified as global CDR plus NACC = 1, 2, 3, respectively). Disease progression at 1-year follow-up and serum NfL measurements were acquired in a subgroup of patients. RESULTS Of 563 participants, 138 were classified as prodromal FTD, 130 as mild, 175 as moderate and 120 as severe FTD. In the prodromal and mild phases, we observed an early increase in serum NfL levels followed by behavioural disturbances and deficits in executive functions. Negative symptoms, such as apathy, inflexibility and loss of insight, predominated in the prodromal phase. Serum NfL levels were significantly increased in the prodromal phase compared with healthy controls (average difference 14.5, 95% CI 2.9 to 26.1 pg/mL), but lower than in patients with mild FTD (average difference -15.5, 95% CI -28.4 to -2.7 pg/mL). At 1-year follow-up, 51.2% of patients in the prodromal phase had converted to dementia. Serum NfL measurements at baseline were the strongest predictors of disease progression at 1-year follow-up (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.11, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Prodromal FTD is a mutable stage with high rate of progression to fully symptomatic disease at 1-year follow-up. High serum NfL levels may support prodromal FTD diagnosis and represent a helpful marker to assess disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Benussi
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, P.le Spedali Civili 1, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Nicholas J Ashton
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, London, UK
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Mental Health & Biomedical Research Unit for Dementia at South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation, London, UK
| | - Thomas K Karikari
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Antonella Alberici
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, P.le Spedali Civili 1, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Claudia Saraceno
- Molecular Markers Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Roberta Ghidoni
- Molecular Markers Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Luisa Benussi
- Molecular Markers Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, UK
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Kaj Blennow
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Barbara Borroni
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, P.le Spedali Civili 1, 25123, Brescia, Italy.
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18
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Vacchiano V, Mastrangelo A, Zenesini C, Masullo M, Quadalti C, Avoni P, Polischi B, Cherici A, Capellari S, Salvi F, Liguori R, Parchi P. Plasma and CSF Neurofilament Light Chain in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Study. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:753242. [PMID: 34744694 PMCID: PMC8569186 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.753242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Neurofilament light chain (NfL) is a validated biofluid marker of neuroaxonal damage with great potential for monitoring patients with neurodegenerative diseases. We aimed to further validate the clinical utility of plasma (p) vs. CSF (c) NfL for distinguishing patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) from ALS mimics. We also assessed the association of biomarker values with clinical variables and survival and established the longitudinal changes of pNfL during the disease course. Methods: We studied 231 prospectively enrolled patients with suspected ALS who underwent a standardized protocol including neurological examination, electromyography, brain MRI, and lumbar puncture. Patients who received an alternative clinical diagnosis were considered ALS mimics. We classified the patients based on the disease progression rate (DPR) into fast (DPR > 1), intermediate (DPR 0.5–1), and slow progressors (DPR < 0.5). All patients were screened for the most frequent ALS-associated genes. Plasma and CSF samples were retrospectively analyzed; NfL concentrations were measured with the SIMOA platform using a commercial kit. Results: ALS patients (n = 171) showed significantly higher pNfL (p < 0.0001) and cNfL (p < 0.0001) values compared to ALS mimics (n = 60). Both cNfL and pNfL demonstrated a good diagnostic value in discriminating the two groups, although cNfL performed slightly better (cNfL: AUC 0.924 ± 0.022, sensitivity 86.8%, specificity 92.4; pNfL: AUC 0.873 ± 0.036, sensitivity 84.7%, specificity 83.3%). Fast progressors showed higher cNfL and pNfL as compared to intermediate (p = 0.026 and p = 0.001) and slow progressors (both p < 0.001). Accordingly, ALS patients with higher baseline cNfL and pNfL levels had a shorter survival (highest tertile of cNfL vs. lowest tertile, HR 4.58, p = 0.005; highest tertile of pNfL vs. lowest tertile, HR 2.59, p = 0.015). Moreover, there were positive associations between cNfL and pNfL levels and the number of body regions displaying UMN signs (rho = 0.325, p < 0.0001; rho = 0.308, p = 0.001). Finally, longitudinal analyses in 57 patients showed stable levels of pNfL during the disease course. Conclusion: Both cNfL and pNfL have excellent diagnostic and prognostic performance for symptomatic patients with ALS. The stable longitudinal trajectory of pNfL supports its use as a marker of drug effect in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veria Vacchiano
- Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Mastrangelo
- Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Corrado Zenesini
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Masullo
- Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Corinne Quadalti
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Patrizia Avoni
- Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Barbara Polischi
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Arianna Cherici
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Sabina Capellari
- Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Salvi
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Rocco Liguori
- Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Piero Parchi
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Experimental Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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19
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Zhou YN, Chen YH, Dong SQ, Yang WB, Qian T, Liu XN, Cheng Q, Wang JC, Chen XJ. Role of Blood Neurofilaments in the Prognosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Meta-Analysis. Front Neurol 2021; 12:712245. [PMID: 34690913 PMCID: PMC8526968 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.712245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Neurofilaments in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and in blood are considered promising biomarkers of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) because their levels can be significantly increased in patients with ALS. However, the roles of neurofilaments, especially blood neurofilaments, in the prognosis of ALS are inconsistent. We performed a meta-analysis to explore the prognostic roles of blood neurofilaments in ALS patients. Methods: We searched all relevant studies on the relationship between blood neurofilament levels and the prognosis of ALS patients in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science before February 2, 2021. The quality of the included articles was assessed using the Quality in Prognosis Studies (QUIPS) scale, and R (version 4.02) was used for statistical analysis. Results: Fourteen articles were selected, covering 1,619 ALS patients. The results showed that higher blood neurofilament light chain (NfL) levels in ALS patients were associated with a higher risk of death [medium vs. low NfL level: HR = 2.43, 95% CI (1.34–4.39), p < 0.01; high vs. low NfL level: HR = 4.51, 95% CI (2.45–8.32), p < 0.01]. There was a positive correlation between blood phosphorylated neurofilament heavy chain (pNfH) levels and risk of death in ALS patients [HR = 1.87, 95% CI (1.35–2.59), p < 0.01]. The levels of NfL and pNfH in blood positively correlated with disease progression rate (DPR) of ALS patients [NfL: summary r = 0.53, 95% CI (0.45–0.60), p < 0.01; pNfH: summary r = 0.51, 95% CI (0.24–0.71), p < 0.01]. Conclusion: The blood neurofilament levels can predict the prognosis of ALS patients; specifically, higher levels of blood neurofilaments are associated with a greater risk of death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Ni Zhou
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Department of Anthropology and Human Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Institute of Neurology, Fudan University and National Center Neurological Disorders, Shanghai, China
| | - You-Hong Chen
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Department of Anthropology and Human Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Si-Qi Dong
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Institute of Neurology, Fudan University and National Center Neurological Disorders, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Bo Yang
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Institute of Neurology, Fudan University and National Center Neurological Disorders, Shanghai, China
| | - Ting Qian
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Institute of Neurology, Fudan University and National Center Neurological Disorders, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Ni Liu
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Institute of Neurology, Fudan University and National Center Neurological Disorders, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi Cheng
- Department of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated With the School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiu-Cun Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital and Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiang-Jun Chen
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Institute of Neurology, Fudan University and National Center Neurological Disorders, Shanghai, China.,Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital and Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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20
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Wei QQ, Hou YB, Zhang LY, Ou RW, Cao B, Chen YP, Shang HF. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neural Regen Res 2021; 17:875-880. [PMID: 34472488 PMCID: PMC8530123 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.322476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is considered a robust prognostic biomarker for predicting patient survival outcomes in many diseases. However, it remains unclear whether it can be used as a biomarker for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). To correlate NLR with disease progression and survival in sporadic ALS, 1030 patients with ALS between January 2012 and December 2018 were included in this study. These patients were assigned into three groups according to their NLR values: Group 1 (NLR < 2, n = 544 [52.8%]), Group 2 (NLR = 2-3, n = 314 [30.5%]), and Group 3 (NLR > 3, n = 172 [16.7%]). All patients were followed up until April 2020. Patients in Group 3 had a significantly older onset age, a lower score on the Revised ALS Functional Rating Scale, and rapidly progressing disease conditions. Furthermore, faster disease progression rates were associated with higher NLR values (odds ratio = 1.211, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.090-1.346, P < 0.001) after adjusting for other risk factors. Compared with Groups 1 and 2, the survival time in Group 3 was significantly shorter (log-rank P = 0.002). The NLR value was considered an independent parameter for the prediction of survival in ALS patients after normalizing for all other potential parameters (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.079, 95% CI: 1.016-1.146, P = 0.014). The effects on ALS survival remained significant when adjusted for treatment (HR = 1.074, 95% CI: 1.012-1.141, Ptrend = 0.019) or when considering the stratified NLR value (HR = 1.115, 95% CI: 1.009-1.232, Ptrend = 0.033). Thus, the NLR may help to predict the rate of disease progression and survival in patients with sporadic ALS. The study was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee of West China Hospital of Sichuan University, China (approval No. 2015 (236)) on December 23, 2015.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian-Qian Wei
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yan-Bing Hou
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Ling-Yu Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Ru-Wei Ou
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Bei Cao
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yong-Ping Chen
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Hui-Fang Shang
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
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21
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Barro C, Zetterberg H. The blood biomarkers puzzle - A review of protein biomarkers in neurodegenerative diseases. J Neurosci Methods 2021; 361:109281. [PMID: 34237384 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2021.109281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are heterogeneous in their cause and clinical presentation making clinical assessment and disease monitoring challenging. Because of this, there is an urgent need for objective tools such as fluid biomarkers able to quantitate different aspects of the disease. In the last decade, technological improvements and awareness of the importance of biorepositories led to the discovery of an evolving number of fluid biomarkers covering the main characteristics of neurodegenerative diseases such as neurodegeneration, protein aggregates and inflammation. The ability to quantitate each aspect of the disease at a high definition enables a more precise stratification of the patients at inclusion in clinical trials, hence reducing the noise that may hamper the detection of therapeutical efficacy and allowing for smaller but likewise powered studies, which particularly improves the ability to start clinical trials for rare neurological diseases. Moreover, the use of fluid biomarkers has the potential to support a targeted therapeutical intervention, as it is now emerging for the treatment of amyloid-beta deposition in patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease. Here we review the knowledge that evolved from the measurement of fluid biomarker proteins in neurodegenerative conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Barro
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden; Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden; Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, UK; Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hong Kong, China
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22
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Verde F, Otto M, Silani V. Neurofilament Light Chain as Biomarker for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:679199. [PMID: 34234641 PMCID: PMC8255624 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.679199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are two related currently incurable neurodegenerative diseases. ALS is characterized by degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons causing relentless paralysis of voluntary muscles, whereas in FTD, progressive atrophy of the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain results in deterioration of cognitive functions, language, personality, and behavior. In contrast to Alzheimer's disease (AD), ALS and FTD still lack a specific neurochemical biomarker reflecting neuropathology ex vivo. However, in the past 10 years, considerable progress has been made in the characterization of neurofilament light chain (NFL) as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood biomarker for both diseases. NFL is a structural component of the axonal cytoskeleton and is released into the CSF as a consequence of axonal damage or degeneration, thus behaving in general as a relatively non-specific marker of neuroaxonal pathology. However, in ALS, the elevation of its CSF levels exceeds that observed in most other neurological diseases, making it useful for the discrimination from mimic conditions and potentially worthy of consideration for introduction into diagnostic criteria. Moreover, NFL correlates with disease progression rate and is negatively associated with survival, thus providing prognostic information. In FTD patients, CSF NFL is elevated compared with healthy individuals and, to a lesser extent, patients with other forms of dementia, but the latter difference is not sufficient to enable a satisfying diagnostic performance at individual patient level. However, also in FTD, CSF NFL correlates with several measures of disease severity. Due to technological progress, NFL can now be quantified also in peripheral blood, where it is present at much lower concentrations compared with CSF, thus allowing less invasive sampling, scalability, and longitudinal measurements. The latter has promoted innovative studies demonstrating longitudinal kinetics of NFL in presymptomatic individuals harboring gene mutations causing ALS and FTD. Especially in ALS, NFL levels are generally stable over time, which, together with their correlation with progression rate, makes NFL an ideal pharmacodynamic biomarker for therapeutic trials. In this review, we illustrate the significance of NFL as biomarker for ALS and FTD and discuss unsolved issues and potential for future developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Verde
- Department of Neurology-Stroke Unit and Laboratory of Neuroscience, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Milan, Italy.,Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, "Dino Ferrari" Center, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Markus Otto
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, Germany
| | - Vincenzo Silani
- Department of Neurology-Stroke Unit and Laboratory of Neuroscience, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Milan, Italy.,Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, "Dino Ferrari" Center, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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23
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van Eijk RPA, Kliest T, van den Berg LH. Current trends in the clinical trial landscape for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Curr Opin Neurol 2021; 33:655-661. [PMID: 32796282 DOI: 10.1097/wco.0000000000000861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To review the current developments in the design and conduct of clinical trials for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), illustrated by a critical appraisal of ClinicalTrials.gov. RECENT FINDINGS In total, 63 clinical trials were included in the analysis, of which 13 phase 1, 35 phase 2 and 15 phase 3. Virtually all phase 3 clinical trials can be classified as randomized, placebo controlled, whereas this is only true for 57% of the phase 2 clinical trials. There are promising developments in the routes of drug administration, eligibility criteria, efficacy endpoints and overall trial design. Some of these innovative approaches may, however, not fulfil clinical trial guidelines or regulatory requirements. This could delay the development of effective therapy or hamper our ability to determine whether a treatment is truly (in)effective. The initiation of trial consortia comprising patient organizations, academia, industry and funding bodies may significantly strengthen the future clinical trial landscape for ALS. SUMMARY The ALS clinical trial landscape is currently highly active with several promising innovative developments and therapeutic options. By further refinement of evidence-based guidelines, and alignment of our current endeavours, we may soon be able to positively impact the lives of people living with ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruben P A van Eijk
- Department of Neurology, UMC Utrecht Brain Centre.,Biostatistics & Research Support, Julius Centre for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Tessa Kliest
- Department of Neurology, UMC Utrecht Brain Centre
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24
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Sun Q, Zhao X, Li S, Yang F, Wang H, Cui F, Huang X. CSF Neurofilament Light Chain Elevation Predicts ALS Severity and Progression. Front Neurol 2020; 11:919. [PMID: 32982935 PMCID: PMC7484044 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: This study compared neurofilament light chain (NFL) levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (sALS) with levels in patients with other neurological diseases and healthy controls and assessed correlations between NFL levels and clinical indicators of sALS. Methods: We used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays to determine the NFL levels in the CSF of 45 patients with sALS, 21 patients with other central nervous system diseases (OCNSDs), 18 with immune-mediated peripheral neuropathy (IMPN), 14 with non-immune-mediated peripheral neuropathy (NIMPN), and 19 healthy controls (HCs). Results: The median NFL levels in the CSF of the sALS, OCNSD, IMPN, NIMPN, and HC groups were 6510, 5372, 4320, 1477, and 756 pg/mL, respectively. The CSF NFL levels did not differ significantly among the sALS, IMPN, and OCNSD groups, but were significantly higher than those of the NIMPN and HC groups. The NFL CSF levels were significantly higher in the NIMPN group than the HCs. There was a negative correlation between the NFL level and ALS function score (ALSFRS-R), and a positive correlation with the disease progression rate in patients with sALS. Conclusion: CSF NFL may not be sufficient to distinguish ALS from other central nervous system diseases or peripheral neuropathy, but it predicts ALS severity and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qionghua Sun
- Neurological Department of the First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.,College of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xue Zhao
- Neurological Department of the First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.,College of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Siyuan Li
- Neurological Department of the First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Yang
- Neurological Department of the First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hongfen Wang
- Neurological Department of the First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Fang Cui
- Neurological Department of Hainan Hospital, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Sanya, China
| | - Xusheng Huang
- Neurological Department of the First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.,College of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
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Different Clinical Contexts of Use of Blood Neurofilament Light Chain Protein in the Spectrum of Neurodegenerative Diseases. Mol Neurobiol 2020; 57:4667-4691. [PMID: 32772223 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-020-02035-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
One of the most pressing challenges in the clinical research of neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) is the validation and standardization of pathophysiological biomarkers for different contexts of use (CoUs), such as early detection, diagnosis, prognosis, and prediction of treatment response. Neurofilament light chain (NFL) concentration is a particularly promising candidate, an indicator of axonal degeneration, which can be analyzed in peripheral blood with advanced ultrasensitive methods. Serum/plasma NFL concentration is closely correlated with cerebrospinal fluid NFL and directly reflects neurodegeneration within the central nervous system. Here, we provide an update on the feasible CoU of blood NFL in NDDs and translate recent findings to potentially valuable clinical practice applications. As NFL is not a disease-specific biomarker, however, blood NFL is an easily accessible biomarker with promising different clinical applications for several NDDs: (1) early detection and diagnosis (i.e., amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, atypical parkinsonisms, sporadic late-onset ataxias), (2) prognosis (Huntington's disease and Parkinson's disease), and (3) prediction of time to symptom onset (presymptomatic mutation carriers in genetic Alzheimer's disease and spinocerebellar ataxia type 3).
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