Longitudinal Changes in Neuroaxonal and Inflammatory CSF Biomarkers in Multiple Sclerosis Patients Undergoing Interferon Beta Therapy

TL;DR

This study shows how specific brain fluid markers change in MS patients treated with interferon beta and how they relate to disease outcomes.

Contribution

The study reveals distinct longitudinal changes in neuroaxonal and inflammatory biomarkers in response to interferon beta therapy in early MS.

Findings

Nf-L levels decreased significantly after two years of IFN-β treatment.

CHI3L1 levels increased significantly, while Nf-H levels remained stable.

Nf-L and CHI3L1 levels correlated with relapse rate and long-term disability.

Abstract

Background/Objective: Neurofilament light chain (Nf-L), neurofilament heavy chain (Nf-H), and chitinase 3-like 1 (CHI3L1) are cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers of neuroaxonal damage and inflammation in multiple sclerosis (MS). Their longitudinal response to disease-modifying therapies and association with clinical and radiological outcomes remain incompletely understood. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of interferon beta (IFN-β) therapy on CSF levels of Nf-L, Nf-H, and CHI3L1 in early relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS) and assess their association with long-term clinical outcomes and MRI activity. Methods: We conducted a prospective two-year observational study involving 14 treatment-naive RRMS patients who initiated IFN-β therapy. CSF levels of Nf-L, Nf-H, and CHI3L1 were measured at baseline and after two years. Clinical disability was assessed via the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and by studying brain MRI activity. A 15-year clinical follow-up was performed for 12 patients. Results: Nf-L levels significantly decreased after two years of IFN-β treatment (p = 0.039), while CHI3L1 levels significantly increased (p = 0.001). Nf-H levels remained stable. Nf-L and CHI3L1 levels at baseline and follow-up correlated with relapse rate and long-term EDSS. Nf-H levels correlated with EDSS scores but not with relapse or MRI activity. A trend toward a positive correlation between increasing Nf-L levels and MRI activity was observed (p = 0.07). Conclusions: CSF biomarkers demonstrate differential responses to IFN-β therapy in early RRMS. Nf-L emerges as a sensitive biomarker of treatment response and disease activity, while CHI3L1 may reflect ongoing tissue remodeling and inflammation. These findings support the utility of CSF biomarker monitoring for personalized treatment strategies in MS.

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