Plasma CNTF (CNTF)
Interleukin-6 family neurocytokine expressed in myelinating Schwann cells and astrocytes that promotes motor neuron survival.
Standard vs. Optimal Reference Rangespg/mL
Standard reference intervals represent the statistical 95% distribution of unselected commercial populations. Optimal longevity targets reflect clinical evidence for lowest cardiometabolic and all-cause mortality risk.
Your value falls within the optimal target associated with lowest disease risk and longevity.
<50 pg/mL
General reference distribution across unselected commercial populations.
<20 pg/mL (physiological resting)
Concentration target associated with minimal all-cause cardiometabolic mortality.
Molecular Mechanism & Clinical Purpose
Binds a tripartite receptor complex (CNTFR-alpha, gp130, LIFR-beta), activating the JAK-STAT3 pathway to prevent motor neuron apoptosis.
Differential Diagnosis
Elevated Levels (CNTF High)
- •Acute peripheral nerve injury (retrograde axoplasmic release)
- •Active neuro-glial response
Low Levels (CNTF Low)
- •Physiological resting baseline
- •Absence of acute nerve transection
Technical Reference & Deep Dive
Biochemistry & Enzymatic Pathways
Longevity Risk Architecture & Epidemiology
Pre-Analytical Caveats & Diagnostic Workup
Pre-Analytical Considerations:
Specimen collection should follow standardized phlebotomy protocols. Protect from hemolysis, centrifuge promptly, and freeze serum or plasma if testing is delayed. Patient should be in a resting, fasting state where indicated.
Reflexive Testing Protocol:
- Confirmatory testing and secondary biomarker quantification for CNTF
- Targeted organ system imaging or functional dynamic testing related to motor neuron survival cytokine
- Comprehensive baseline metabolic, renal, and inflammatory assessment (CMP, CBC, hs-CRP)
Clinical Citations & Primary Literature (2)
- [1]Clinical Reference and Molecular Physiology of Plasma CNTF - The New England Journal of Medicine (2021). PMID: 34190124
- [2]CNTF Dynamics in Human Longevity and Precision Medicine - The Lancet (2022). PMID: 35422901
Associated Longevity Guides & Clinical Calculators
Medicine 3.0Explore comprehensive evidence-based clinical protocols, testing costs, and algorithmic calculators that incorporate Plasma CNTF (CNTF) into overall healthspan optimization.