Proteomics for biomarker discovery in acute kidney injury

Progression from acute kidney injury to chronic kidney disease: a pediatric perspective

Although emerging evidence indicates that the incidence of both acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in children is rising and the etiologies are dramatically changing, relatively little is currently known regarding the potential for transition from AKI to CKD. In both situations, early intervention can significantly improve the dismal prognosis. However, the lack of a uniform AKI definition and the paucity of early, predictive biomarkers have impaired our ability diagnose AKI early to institute potentially effective therapies in a timely manner. Fortunately, recent data has validated a multidimensional AKI classification system for children. In addition, the application of innovative technologies has identified candidates that are emerging as early biomarkers of both AKI and CKD. These include neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, liver-type fatty acid-binding protein, and kidney injury molecule-1. Studies to validate the sensitivity and specificity of these biomarkers in clinical samples from large cohorts and from multiple clinical situations are currently in progress, facilitated by the development of commercial tools for the reproducible measurement of these biomarkers across different laboratories.

Emerging urinary biomarkers in the diagnosis of acute kidney injury

BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI) represents a common and devastating problem in clinical medicine. The lack of early biomarkers for AKI has led to a delay in initiating potentially effective therapies. OBJECTIVE: Identification of novel urinary biomarkers for AKI that have progressed to the clinical phase of the biomarker discovery process. METHODS: A literature review (PubMed, MedLine) from 2000 to the present. RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS;: The most promising AKI biomarkers include neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, IL-18, kidney injury molecule-1 and liver-type fatty acid binding protein. Studies to validate the sensitivity and specificity of these biomarkers in clinical samples from large cohorts and from multiple clinical situations are in progress, facilitated by the development of commercial tools for their measurement.

Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL): a new marker of kidney disease

The incidence of both acute kidney injury (AKI, previously referred to as acute renal failure) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) is reaching epidemic proportions. In both situations, early intervention can significantly improve the prognosis. However, the paucity of early, predictive, non-invasive biomarkers has impaired our ability to institute potentially effective therapies for these common clinical conditions in a timely manner. The current status of one of the most promising novel biomarkers, namely neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), is presented in this review. The evidence for the role of NGAL measurements in a variety of clinical situations leading to AKI (cardiac surgery, kidney transplantation, contrast nephropathy, haemolytic uraemic syndrome and in the intensive care setting) or to CKD (lupus nephritis, glomerulonephritides, obstruction, dysplasia, polycystic kidney disease, IgA nephropathy) is explored. The emerging utility of standardized clinical platforms for reliable measurement of NGAL in plasma (Triage NGAL Device; Biosite Incorporated) and urine (ARCHITECT analyzer; Abbott Diagnostics) is also discussed. It will be important in future studies to validate the sensitivity and specificity of NGAL concentration measurements in clinical samples from large cohorts and from multiple clinical situations. Such studies will be facilitated by the anticipated widespread availability of standardized commercial tools in the near future.

Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin: new paths for an old shuttle

Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin (NGAL) is a lipocalin that is well known for its functions as a shuttle for iron and siderophores, which comprises a critical component of innate immunity to exogenous bacterial infections. However, several lines of recent evidence have added new dimensions of functionality that have attracted the interest of cancer biologists and oncologists. This review will highlight the exciting new paths and roles that are emerging for NGAL in human cancers, in the tissue response to anticancer therapy, and in the acute kidney injuries that commonly complicate the care of patients with cancer. The evidence for NGAL induction and its role in various human cancers will be explored. The current status of NGAL as a predictive non-invasive biomarker of acute kidney injuries will also be examined.