We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
PURITAN MEDICAL

Download Mobile App




Urine Plasmin Identified as Strong Biomarker for Lupus Nephritis Diagnosis

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 19 Aug 2019
Plasmin in the urine has been identified as the strongest predictor of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and clinical renal disease in patients with lupus nephritis (LN).

Lupus nephritis is an inflammation of the kidneys caused by the autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). More...
It is a type of glomerulonephritis in which the glomeruli become inflamed. LN is one of the most frequent and severe clinical manifestations of SLE, representing a leading cause of kidney failure and death.

Renal biopsy is the standard method used for the diagnosis and prognosis of LN, but it is an invasive technique that cannot be used for routine monitoring of disease activity and treatment responses. As part of a project to identify biomarkers to diagnose LN, investigators at the University of Houston (Texas, USA) evaluated the utility of urinary pro-thrombotic molecules such as tissue factor (TF), anti-thrombotic molecules such as tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI), and fibrinolytic molecules such as plasmin and d-dimer.

For this study, ELISA tests were used to measure levels of d-dimer, plasmin, TF, and TFPI in urine samples obtained from 113 biopsy-proven LN patients (89 active LN and 24 inactive LN), 45 chronic kidney disease patients, and 41 healthy controls.

Results revealed that urine plasmin was the strongest independent predictor of eGFR (which describes the flow rate of filtered fluid through the kidney) and renal disease status. Plasmin is a vital enzyme present in blood that degrades many blood plasma proteins, including fibrin clots.

"Among the proteins examined, urine plasmin emerged as the strongest independent predictor of kidney function and renal disease status," said senior author Dr. Chandra Mohan, professor of biomedical engineering at the University of Houston. "Urine biomarkers represent promising candidates for the early diagnosis as well as the monitoring of disease activity and therapeutic responses in lupus nephritis. The discovery of the new biomarker for active LN opens the door for clinical monitoring of the disease."

The study was published in the July 18, 2019, online edition of the journal Arthritis Research and Therapy.

Related Links:
University of Houston


New
Gold Member
Latex Test
SLE-Latex Test
Serological Pipet Controller
PIPETBOY GENIUS
New
Rapid Test Reader
DIA5000
New
Automatic Hematology Analyzer
LABAS F9000
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








DIASOURCE (A Biovendor Company)

Channels

Hematology

view channel
Image: CitoCBC is the world first cartridge-based CBC to be granted CLIA Waived status by FDA (Photo courtesy of CytoChip)

Disposable Cartridge-Based Test Delivers Rapid and Accurate CBC Results

Complete Blood Count (CBC) is one of the most commonly ordered lab tests, crucial for diagnosing diseases, monitoring therapies, and conducting routine health screenings. However, more than 90% of physician... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: A simple blood test could replace surgical biopsies for early detecion of heart transplant rejection (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

Blood Test Detects Organ Rejection in Heart Transplant Patients

Following a heart transplant, patients are required to undergo surgical biopsies so that physicians can assess the possibility of organ rejection. Rejection happens when the recipient’s immune system identifies... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image: Pancreatic cancer diagnosis (Photo courtesy of World Journal of Gastroenterology)

AI-Driven Preliminary Testing for Pancreatic Cancer Enhances Prognosis

Pancreatic cancer poses a major global health threat due to its high mortality rate, with 467,409 deaths and 510,992 new cases reported worldwide in 2022. Often referred to as the "king" of all cancers,... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.