[Studies on serum and urinary alpha 1-microglobulin levels as parameter of the renal function--renal function...

To evaluate the clinical usefulness of alpha 1-microglobulin (alpha 1-MG) as parameter of renal function, we determined the levels of alpha 1-MG in the serum and urine of patients who had no malignant tumors, and compared them with the levels of beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2-MG), serum creatinine, urinary N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase (NAG) and 24-hour creatinine clearance (24 Ccr). There were significant positive correlations between alpha 1-MG in the serum and urine, and those of beta 2-MG levels. Serum alpha 1-MG and 24 Ccr were inversely correlated. Combined measurements of alpha 1-MG in the serum and urine seemed to be useful to estimate glomerular and tubular renal functions. The renal function in 8 patients with advanced urogenital cancers treated with cis-diammine-dichloroplatinum (CDDP) was examined by measuring 24 Ccr, alpha 1-MG, and beta 2-MG in serum and urine and urinary NAG. Determination of urinary alpha 1-MG was useful for early detection of tubular damage after CDDP administration.