Exploratory serum biomarker profiling in idiopathic REM sleep behavior disorder: evidence of early neurodegenerative signatures: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND

Idiopathic REM sleep behavior disorder (iRBD) indicates an early α-synucleinopathy, offering a window for early detection and intervention.

OBJECTIVE

Explore a serum-based biomarker panel, comprising NfL, GFAP, t-tau, and UCH-L1, in patients with iRBD, and compare to individuals with synucleinopathy and healthy controls.

METHOD: This is a cross-sectional, observational study. Serum biomarkers were measured using the single molecule array technique. Clinical evaluation included standardized assessments of sleep, cognitive function, motor symptoms, and psychiatric features.

RESULTS

GFAP levels were significantly higher in the iRBD group than in the control and synucleinopathy groups. Serum NfL levels yielded conflicting results. T-tau and UCHL-1 protein levels were lower in the iRBD and synucleinopathy groups compared to the control group.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that serum levels of NfL, GFAP, t-tau, and UCH-L1 may serve as potential biomarkers in iRBD, primarily GFAP levels.