Options
The relationship between lifestyle and serum neurofilament light protein in Huntington’s disease
Citation
Cruickshank, T., Bartlett, D., Govus, A., Hannan, A., Teo, W. P., Mason, S., Lo, J., & Ziman, M. (2020). The relationship between lifestyle and serum neurofilament light protein in Huntington’s disease. Brain and Behavior, 10(5), Article e01578. https://doi.org/10.1002/brb3.1578
Author
Cruickshank, Travis
•
Bartlett, Danielle
•
Govus, Andrew
•
Hannan, Anthony
•
•
Mason, Sarah
•
Lo, Johnny
•
Ziman, Mel
Abstract
Objectives
Serum neurofilament light protein (NfL) is a promising marker of disease onset and progression in Huntington's disease (HD). This study investigated associations between lifestyle factors and NfL levels in HD mutation carriers compared to healthy age‐ and sex‐matched controls.
Materials and Methods
Participants included 29 HD mutation carriers and 15 healthy controls. Associations between serum NfL concentrations and lifestyle factors, including cardiorespiratory fitness, social network size and diversity, physical activity, cognitive reserve, smoking status, and alcohol consumption, were examined using a stepwise multivariable linear regression model.
Results
Higher NfL levels were associated with lower cognitive reserve, social network size and diversity and cardiorespiratory fitness in HD mutation carriers. Group × lifestyle factor effects were observed between lower serum NfL levels and a greater social network diversity.
Conclusion
These findings highlight a relationship between lifestyle factors and NfL levels in HD mutations carriers; however, longitudinal studies are required to confirm if these observed relationships persist over time.
Date Issued
2020
Publisher
Wiley
Journal
Brain and Behavior
DOI
10.1002/brb3.1578
Grant ID
Lottery west (Grant no. #107/20090827)
NHMRC Principal Research Fellowship (Grant no. #1117148)