Urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin—an early biomarker for renal injury in patients with beta-thalassemia major

INTRODUCTION : The iron overload and the development of secondary hemosiderosis in patients with β-thalassemia major (β-TM) lead to organ damages, including kidney disorders from early childhood. Contemporary urinary markers such as neutrophil gelatinase-association lipocalin (NGAL), β2-microglobulin (β2-MG), and N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) could be a useful tool for clinicians in diagnosis of early tubular lesions. AIM : The aim of this article is to make an assessment of contemporary urine biomarkers β2-microglobulin, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, and N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase in the diagnosis of early renal injury in patients with β-TM. MATERIALS AND METHODS : The current study was conducted by examining 44 patients with β-thalassemia major and 30 controls. All participants were tested for NGAL, β2-MG, and NAG in the first sample morning urine using ELISA method. RESULTS : The results show statistically significant differences between the two examined groups in urinary NGAL. CONCLUSION : Urinary NGAL indicates subclinical kidney injury when the tubular reabsorption of molecules is impaired.