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Published on: May 2, 2025
Urinary biomarkers in diabetic nephropathy
Elahe Soltani-Fard1, Sina Taghvimi2, Farzaneh Karimi3
1Student Research Committee, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran; Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Technologies, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran.
New urinary biomarkers show promise for detecting diabetic nephropathy (DN) early, even before microalbuminuria appears. These markers, including microRNAs, offer improved sensitivity and specificity for identifying kidney damage in diabetics.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Endocrinology
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a severe complication of diabetes, linked to increased cardiovascular disease, renal disease, and mortality.
- Microalbuminuria is a key non-invasive marker for DN, but more sensitive and specific markers are needed for early detection.
- Urinary biomarkers can indicate kidney damage in diabetics even before microalbuminuria is detectable (normoalbuminuria).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review novel urinary biomarkers for diabetic nephropathy (DN).
- To discuss biomarkers reflecting glomerular/podocyte damage, tubular damage, oxidative stress, inflammation, and intrarenal renin-angiotensin system activation.
- To explore emerging biomarkers like urinary microRNAs for DN detection and progression.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing and emerging urinary biomarkers for diabetic nephropathy.
- Analysis of biomarkers associated with specific kidney damage pathways.
- Inclusion of microRNAs as novel regulatory molecules with potential biomarker utility.
Main Results:
- Several novel urinary biomarkers show potential for detecting DN.
- Biomarkers related to oxidative stress, inflammation, and RAS activation are discussed.
- Urinary microRNAs are highlighted as promising emerging biomarkers for DN.
Conclusions:
- Novel urinary biomarkers can aid in the early and specific detection of diabetic nephropathy.
- MicroRNAs represent a new class of biomarkers with potential for understanding DN development and progression.
- Further research into these biomarkers could improve patient outcomes by enabling earlier intervention.
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