Serum Neurofilament Light Chain: A Potential Biomarker for Peripheral Neuropathy

In some neurological diseases, advanced examinations can be used as diagnostic tools. Several indicators have also been discovered that can be used to assess the severity of neuronal damage and neurological disease progression. Neurofilament light chain (NfL) is a cytoskeleton protein that makes up the structure of neuron axons and is released when a neuron is injured, allowing it to assess neuronal injury severity. NfL was first used to diagnose central nervous system disorders like dementia, multiple sclerosis, and other neurodegenerative diseases. But, NfL levels have also been elevated in peripheral nervous system disorders, like in several neuropathic conditions, including amyloid neuropathy, HIV-associated neuropathy, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, leprosy neuropathy, and other neuropathy, according to various investigations. Theoretically, all abnormalities induced by axonal injury will increase blood NfL levels, allowing NfL testing to be utilized as a measurement tool. NfL levels can also be a predictive indicator to monitor treatment efficacy and peripheral neuropathy progression.