Serum neurofilament light chain as a potential biomarker in restless legs syndrome: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objective: Neurofilament light chain (NfL) has emerged as a promising biomarker for several neurological diseases. Therefore, we investigated its serum levels and their association with disease characteristics, including duration, severity, and medication use in patients with restless legs syndrome (RLS).

Method: This cross-sectional prospective study included 71 RLS patients and 70 healthy controls. RLS patients were characterized based on disease duration, severity, and medication use. NfL levels were quantified using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits.

Result: No significant differences in NfL levels were observed between RLS patients and controls (p > 0.05). Furthermore, the levels were not significantly associated with disease duration or severity in RLS patients (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: These findings do not support the use of NfL as a biomarker for RLS. Further large-scale studies are needed to evaluate its role in RLS.

Keywords: Neurofilament light chain; Willis–Ekbom disease; biomarker; neurodegeneration; restless legs syndrome.