Application of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin in kidney disease

Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin is a new member of lipocalin family,existing in some normal tissues in human body.During recent years,Some researches have shown that NGAL is associated with kidney disease.NGAL maybe a biomarker which can detect acute kidney injury (AKI) in the early phase compared with serum creatinine,a traditional blood biomarker for diagnosis of AKI.Some researches showed that NGAL also maybe a biomarker that can monitor the progress and treatment effect of chronic kidney disease.In patients with end-stage renal disease,NGAL maybe an index for dialysis adequency. Key words: Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin;  Acute kidney injury; Chronic kidney disease; End-stage renal disease