Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 19, 2025

Using 2-Photon Microscopy to Quantify the Effects of Chronic Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction on Glomerular Processes
Published on: March 4, 2022
Serum Biomarkers of Renal Fibrosis: A Systematic Review
Alice Barinotti1,2, Massimo Radin1,2, Irene Cecchi1,2
1University Center of Excellence on Nephrologic, Rheumatologic and Rare Diseases (ERK-Net, ERN-Reconnect and RITA-ERN Member) with Nephrology and Dialysis Unit and Center of Immuno-Rheumatology and Rare Diseases (CMID), Coordinating Center of the Interregional Network for Rare Diseases of Piedmont and Aosta Valley, San Giovanni Bosco Hub Hospital, 10154 Turin, Italy.
Insights
Identifying non-invasive biomarkers for renal fibrosis in chronic kidney disease (CKD) is crucial. Current evidence is scattered, suggesting a need for multi-faceted approaches to improve diagnosis and management.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Biomarker Discovery
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global health concern with rising prevalence.
- Renal fibrosis, an irreversible process, is the primary driver of CKD progression and dysfunction.
- Current diagnostic methods like kidney biopsy are invasive and have limitations.
Approach:
- Systematic review of serological biomarkers for renal fibrosis in CKD patients.
- Analysis focused on evidence published within the last five years.
- Evaluation of the scattered nature of current research findings.
Key Points:
- Several promising serological biomarkers for renal fibrosis have been identified.
- The existing evidence for these biomarkers is highly fragmented and requires further validation.
- No single biomarker appears sufficient to capture the complexity of renal fibrosis.
Conclusions:
- Novel non-invasive biomarkers for renal fibrosis are urgently needed in CKD management.
- A combination of biomarkers targeting different aspects of fibrosis may offer a more comprehensive diagnostic and prognostic tool.
- Integrated biomarker strategies could significantly enhance prevention, diagnosis, and management of CKD.
Abstract:
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a widely diffuse pathological condition which deeply impacts upon an affected patient's quality of life and its worldwide rate is predicted to further rise. The main biological mechanism underlying CKD is renal fibrosis, a non-reversible process representing, for the affected system, a point of no return of tissue damage and dysfunction, deeply reducing the possible therapeutic strategies at the disposal of physicians. The best tool clinicians can use to address the extent of renal fibrosis at any level (glomeruli, tubule-interstitium, vasculature) is kidney biopsy that, despite its overall safety, remains an invasive procedure showing some shortcomings. Thus, the identification of novel non-invasive renal fibrosis biomarkers would be of fundamental importance. Here, when systematically reviewing the available evidence on serological biomarkers associated with renal fibrosis evaluated in patients suffering from CKD in the last five years, we found that despite the presence of several promising biomarkers, the level of observed evidence is still very scattered. Probably, the use of multiple measures capable of addressing different aspects involved in this condition would be the most suitable way to capture the high complexity characterizing the renal fibrotic process, having consequently a great impact on clinical practice by maximizing prevention, diagnosis, and management.
Related Concept Videos
Serum Studies: Renal Function Tests
Nephrotic Syndrome II : Assessment and Medical Management
Factors Affecting Renal Clearance: Renal Impairment
One condition associated with renal failure is uremia. Uremia is characterized by impaired glomerular filtration and fluid accumulation in the body. This condition hinders the renal clearance of drugs, resulting in drug accumulation and potential...
Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction
Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention
Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care

