Circulating Neurofilament Light Chain Levels Increase with Age and Are Associated with Worse Physical Function and Body Composition in Men but Not in Women

This study aimed to assess the relationship between age-related changes in Neurofilament Light Chain (NFL), a marker of neuronal function, and various factors including muscle body composition, metabolomic markers. The included 40 participants, aged 20 85 years. NFL levels were measured, markers assessed. increased significantly with age, particularly men. Negative correlations found measures such as grip strength, walking speed, chair test performance, indicating decline performance increasing NFL. These associations more pronounced also negatively correlated quality men, measured by 50 kHz phase angle. In terms was positively fat mass mass, predominantly Metabolomic analysis revealed significant specific metabolites, gender-dependent relationships observed. provides insights into circulating serum NFL, aging. Our findings hint at potential early age-associated neurodegenerative processes, especially