Biomarkers for kidney disease diagnosis are crucial tools in the early detection, evaluation, and management of various kidney disorders. They help clinicians assess kidney function, detect damage, and guide treatment decisions, enhancing patient care and outcomes.

Key Biomarkers for Kidney Disease Diagnosis:

1. Serum Creatinine:

   • A waste product of muscle metabolism, serum creatinine levels are commonly used to estimate glomerular filtration rate (GFR), a measure of kidney function. Elevated levels may indicate impaired kidney function.

2. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN):

   • Urea nitrogen, a waste product formed from protein breakdown, is measured in the blood. Increased BUN levels can signal reduced kidney function but can also be influenced by diet and hydration.

3. Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR):

   • Calculated using serum creatinine, age, sex, and body size, eGFR provides an assessment of kidney filtering capacity, with lower values indicating reduced function.

4. Urinary Albumin:

   • The presence of albumin in urine (albuminuria) is an early sign of kidney damage, especially in diabetic and hypertensive nephropathy.

5. Cystatin C:

   • An alternative to creatinine for evaluating kidney function, cystatin C levels are less affected by muscle mass, providing a more reliable assessment in certain populations.

6. Kidney Injury Molecule-1 (KIM-1):

   • A protein expressed in response to kidney damage, KIM-1 is a sensitive marker for acute kidney injury (AKI).

7. Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin (NGAL):

   • NGAL is an early biomarker for acute kidney injury and is detectable in urine and plasma soon after injury occurs.

8. Beta-2 Microglobulin:

   • Elevated levels in serum or urine can indicate tubular disorders, offering insights into tubular function beyond glomerular filtration.