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- Title
Pathological and Prognostic Value of Urinary Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin in Macroproteinuric Patients with Worsening Renal Function.
- Authors
Bolignano, Davide; Coppolino, Giuseppe; Lacquaniti, Antonio; Nicocia, Giacomo; Buemi, Michele
- Abstract
Background/Aims: Persistent proteinuria is a sign of renal damage caused by several factors, but it is itself a cause of tubular injury leading to chronic renal failure. Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is a stress protein released by tubular cells which urinary excretion (uNGAL) increases in response to various stimuli. Methods: In the present study we analyzed uNGAL levels in 23 macroproteinuric patients with membranous glomerulonephritis. Results: In these subjects, uNGAL concentrations were significantly higher than in controls, directly correlated with proteinuria and inversely related to residual renal function. Patients were further categorized into two groups, according to a cut-off baseline uNGAL value of 350 ng/ml and evaluated during a 1-year follow-up period. After 12 months, subjects with higher uNGAL levels showed a significant worsening in baseline renal function and a 3.36 risk ratio of developing a severe decrease in GFR (≥50% of baseline values) compared with others. Conclusions: These findings suggest that NGAL may play a key role in tubular adaptations to persistent macroproteinuria. Furthermore, a new, interesting application of NGAL measurement could be proposed in clinical nephrology as a predictor of worsening renal function in patients affected by chronic kidney disease. Copyright © 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel
- Subjects
NEUTROPHILS; KIDNEYS; PROTEINURIA; PROGNOSIS; GLOMERULONEPHRITIS
- Publication
Kidney & Blood Pressure Research, 2008, Vol 31, Issue 4, p274
- ISSN
1420-4096
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1159/000151665