Neuron specific enolase (NSE) is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in various biological processes within nerve cells. It is a protein and belongs to the family of enolases, which are involved in energy metabolism. Specifically, NSE is predominantly found in neurons, hence the name "neuron specific."
NSE is primarily located in the cytoplasm of neurons and neuroendocrine cells, but it can also be detected in smaller quantities in other tissues such as erythrocytes and platelets. However, its presence in these tissues is significantly lower compared to neuronal cells.
This enzyme is widely used as a biomarker for diagnosing and monitoring various neurological disorders and pathologies, including brain tumors, stroke, neurodegenerative diseases (such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease), and certain psychiatric disorders. Serum or cerebrospinal fluid levels of NSE can be measured to assess the extent of neuronal damage or dysfunction.
The measurement of NSE is especially significant in monitoring the outcomes of cerebral hypoxia, a condition where the brain is deprived of oxygen, as NSE levels often increase in response to such injury. Furthermore, high levels of NSE are often associated with poor prognosis in several central nervous system disorders.
Overall, neuron specific enolase acts as a useful diagnostic and prognostic tool in various neurological disorders, providing valuable information about the status of neuronal cells and the severity of brain damage.
