Glial fibrillary acidic protein in progressive supranuclear palsy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
J Neurol SciSep 4, 2026 (epub)
Clinical ResearchNeurology
Giuseppe Magro, Vincenzo Laterza, Alessandro Mechelli et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) levels in progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) compared to healthy controls and other parkinsonian disorders. The analysis included 12 studies, revealing that mean blood GFAP concentrations were moderately higher in PSP (Hedges' g = 0.63, p = 0.003) than in healthy controls, although the clinical relevance remains uncertain.
Key findings
- Mean blood GFAP concentrations were higher in PSP compared to healthy controls (Hedges' g = 0.63, p = 0.003).
- The estimate for blood GFAP persisted in sensitivity analyses, with a pooled Hedges' g of 0.72.
- CSF GFAP levels showed directionally concordant results but lacked consistent group-level separation from other disorders.
- Group-level separation between PSP and other parkinsonian disorders was limited and inconsistent.
Why it matters
Understanding GFAP levels in PSP may aid in differentiating it from other parkinsonian disorders, although the findings do not support GFAP as a standalone diagnostic marker. Clinicians should interpret GFAP levels with caution.