| abstract |
Methods of assessing the ongoing kidney status in a subject afflicted with chronic renal failure (CRF) by detecting the quantity of Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin (NGAL) in fluid samples over time is disclosed. NGAL is a small secreted polypeptide that is protease resistant and consequently readily detected in the urine and serum as a result of chronic renal tubule cell injury. Incremental increases in NGAL levels in CRF patients over a prolonged period of time are diagnostic of worsening kidney disease. This increase in NGAL precedes and correlates with other indicators of worsening CRF, such as increased serum creatinine, increased urine protein secretion, and lower glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Proper detection of worsening (or improving, if treatment has been instituted) renal status over time, confirmed by pre- and post-treatment NGAL levels in the patient, can aid the clinical practitioner in designing and/or maintaining a proper treatment regimen to slow or stop the progression of CRF. |