Reference range for serum neurofilament light chain: Findings from healthy Thai adults
2
Issued Date
2025-01-01
Resource Type
eISSN
26321297
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105004986949
Journal Title
Brain Communications
Volume
7
Issue
3
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Brain Communications Vol.7 No.3 (2025)
Suggested Citation
Sukhonpanich N., Ongphichetmetha T., Uawithya E., Jitprapaikulsan J., Rattanathamsakul N., Prayoonwiwat N., Siritho S. Reference range for serum neurofilament light chain: Findings from healthy Thai adults. Brain Communications Vol.7 No.3 (2025). doi:10.1093/braincomms/fcaf166 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/110249
Title
Reference range for serum neurofilament light chain: Findings from healthy Thai adults
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Corresponding Author(s)
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Abstract
Serum neurofilament light chain is a notable biomarker for detecting axonal injury and has shown significant potential for clinical applications. Establishing a reference interval and cut-off level is a critical step towards implementing a serum neurofilament light chain in routine clinical practice. In this study, we aimed to establish a reference range of serum neurofilament light chains for the Thai population. Blood samples were collected from healthy Thai adults without a history of neurological diseases and screened at the Siriraj Hospital. The relationship between age, sex and log10-transformed serum neurofilament light chain levels was analysed using linear regression. A crude reference interval was calculated as the 2.5-97.5th percentile values. An age-normative percentile curve for serum neurofilament light chain was derived using the generalized additive model for location, scale and shape. A total of 223 subjects (96 males and 127 females) aged 18-70 years were recruited. Male sex (P = 0.008) and older age (P < 0.001) were significantly associated with higher serum neurofilament light chain levels. A median of the observed serum neurofilament light chain values was 5.8 pg/ml (95% confidence interval 5.4-6.2), ranging from 1.0 to 18.4 pg/ml, with a crude reference interval of 2.3-15.9 pg/ml. The 2.5-97.5th percentile intervals for serum neurofilament light chain by age group were as follows: 20-29 years (n = 57): 1.7-8.7 pg/ml; 30-39 years (n = 58): 2.5-10.6 pg/ml; 40-49 years (n = 59): 3.5-14.3 pg/ml; 50-59 years (n = 37): 4.7-15.8 pg/ml and 60-69 years (n = 12): 4.2-18.2 pg/ml. The age-normative serum neurofilament light chain curve predicted the 97.5th percentile of 8.2, 9.9, 11.7, 14.6 and 19.9 pg/ml for ages 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60, respectively. This study is the first to establish reference values for serum neurofilament light chains in Thailand. The age-normative upper reference curve is closely aligned with observed values and those previously reported in other studies, providing a robust framework for clinical implementation. However, further validation in larger cohorts and among individuals with neurological diseases is warranted.