Biomarker Insights

Background: This study was conducted to determine whether there is an association between urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL) and urinary transforming growth factor-β1 (uTGF-β1) with lupus nephritis (LN) disease activity.

Methods: Urine samples from 18 LN patients were collected every month for six months then examined for uNGAL, uTGF-β1, and renal domain Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) score.

Results: The uNGAL levels were significantly different between active and inactive LN (P < 0.05). uTGF- β1 levels were not different between active and inactive LN (P > 0.05). There was a significant correlation between uNGAL levels and renal domain SLEDAI score (r = 0.417, P < 0.05). There was no correlation between uTGF- β1 levels and renal domain SLEDAI score (r = 0.031, P > 0.05).

Conclusion: uNGAL is better than uTGF- β1 for differentiation of active and inactive LN. uNGAL can be considered as a biomarker to monitor LN disease activity.