Lipocalin associated with neutrophilic gelatin as a biomarker for early diagnosis of acute kidney injury

Abstract

Introduction: Acute kidney injury is an early-stage renal damage that can be detected by neutrophilic gelatinase-associated lipocalin protein. Aim: To evaluate the usefulness of neutrophilic gelatinase-associated lipocalin protein as an early marker of Acute Kidney Injury. Methodology: narrative review following the PRISMA statement criteria. PubMed, Scopus, and LILACS were the databases consulted. Results: 23 articles published in the last five years were identified. The evidence shows that this protein has biochemical characteristics useful in the early diagnosis of renal injury in different situations and populations. Discussion: The behavior of NGAL has demonstrated its increase in plasma up to 2 hours after the onset of renal impairment. Likewise, its synthesis is not affected by variables such as sex, body mass index, high protein intake, excess physical activity, and alteration in glomerular filtration, which do modify Crs concentrations. Conclusions: Neutrophilic gelatinase-associated lipocalin meets the criteria to become an early biomarker for Acute Kidney Injury.