Cognitive impairment in early stages of multiple sclerosis is associated with high cerebrospinal fluid levels of chitinase 3-like 1 and neurofilament light chain

Background and purpose: Chitinase 3-like 1 (CHI3L1) and neurofilament light chain (NF-L) are promising biomarkers of disability in multiple sclerosis (MS). However, their role in cognitive dysfunction remains elusive. Here, we aimed to correlate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of CHI3L1 and NF-L with cognitive status in MS. Methods: Fifty one recently diagnosed patients were cognitively evaluated and CSF was collected. Levels of CHI3L1 and NF-L were determined by ELISA. Spearman's partial correlation coefficient was performed. Results: After adjusting cognitive scores by age, anxiety and EDSS, association was detected between CHI3L1 levels and Trail Making Test A (rs = 0.348; p = 0.016) and between NF-L levels and Word List Generation (rs = -0.324; p = 0.025). Conclusion: High levels of CSF CHI3L1 and NF-L are associated with cognitive impairment in the early phases of MS.