Commentary - (2024) Volume 8, Issue 3
Novel Biomarkers for Early Detection of Diabetic Nephropathy
Franca Jones*
Department of Biophysical Microstructures, University of Nuclear Physics, Poland
*Correspondence:
Franca Jones,
Department of Biophysical Microstructures, University of Nuclear Physics,
Poland,
Email:
Received: 02-Sep-2024, Manuscript No. ipacn-25-22441;
Editor assigned: 04-Sep-2024, Pre QC No. ipacn-25-22441 (PQ);
Reviewed: 18-Sep-2024, QC No. ipacn-25-22441;
Revised: 23-Sep-2024, Manuscript No. ipacn-25-22441 (R);
Published:
30-Sep-2024, DOI: 10.21767/JCNB-24.3.21
Introduction
Diabetic Nephropathy (DN) is a leading cause of Chronic Kidney
Disease (CKD) and End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) worldwide.
Early detection is crucial to prevent disease progression and
improve patient outcomes. Traditionally, albuminuria and estimated
Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) have been the primary
markers for DN diagnosis. However, these markers have limitations,
as structural kidney damage can precede detectable albuminuria.
Novel biomarkers offer a promising approach for earlier
and more accurate detection. This article explores emerging biomarkers
with potential clinical applications in detecting diabetic
nephropathy at an early stage. NGAL is a small protein released
by tubular epithelial cells in response to kidney injury. Elevated
levels in urine and plasma have been associated with early tubular
damage in DN, even before the onset of albuminuria. Studies
suggest NGAL can predict the progression from normal albuminuria
to microalbuminuria, making it a valuable early marker. KIM-
1 is an epithelial transmembrane protein expressed in response
to kidney damage. It plays a role in the regeneration process of
injured renal tubules. Increased urinary KIM-1 levels have been
observed in patients with diabetes before any significant decline
in renal function, highlighting its potential as a sensitive marker
for DN onset.
Description
Cystatin C is a low-molecular-weight protein that is freely filtered
by the glomerulus and reabsorbed by the proximal tubules. Unlike
creatinine, cystatin C is less affected by muscle mass, diet,
or age, making it a more reliable marker for early kidney dysfunction.
Research indicates that rising cystatin C levels precede
albuminuria and decline in eGFR, suggesting its utility in detecting
subclinical DN. Podocytes play a critical role in maintaining
glomerular filtration barrier integrity. Podocin and nephrin are
structural proteins of podocytes, and their increased urinary excretion
reflects early podocyte injury, a hallmark of DN. Studies
have linked elevated levels of these proteins to the progression of
DN, even in patients with normal albuminuria. These pro-inflammatory
cytokines are involved in kidney inflammation and fibrosis.
Elevated levels have been correlated with early DN development.
A marker of oxidative DNA damage, 8-OHdG levels in urine
and plasma are higher in diabetic patients and may indicate early
oxidative stress-related renal injury. The incorporation of these
novel biomarkers into routine clinical practice could revolutionize
DN management. Early detection allows for timely interventions,
such as optimized glycemic control, Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone
System (RAAS) inhibition, and lifestyle modifications, which
can slow disease progression. However, further large-scale studies
and validation in diverse populations are necessary to establish
standardized cut-off values and improve diagnostic accuracy.
Conclusion
Novel biomarkers, including NGAL, KIM-1, cystatin C, podocyte
proteins, and inflammatory markers, provide promising tools
for the early detection of diabetic nephropathy. Their integration
with traditional markers may enhance risk stratification
and facilitate earlier interventions, ultimately improving patient
outcomes. Continued research and clinical trials are needed to
translate these findings into widespread clinical practice. Elevated
levels have been correlated with early DN development.
A marker of oxidative DNA damage, 8-OHdG levels in urine and
plasma are higher in diabetic patients and may indicate early
oxidative stress-related renal injury. The incorporation of these
novel biomarkers into routine clinical practice could revolutionize
DN management.
Acknowledgement
None.
Conflict Of Interest
The author declares there is no conflict of interest in publishing
this article.
Citation: Jones F (2024) Novel Biomarkers for Early Detection of Diabetic Nephropathy. Ann Clin Nephrol. 8:21.
Copyright: © 2024 Jones F. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
