Biomarkers in kidney damage

Abstract

The aim of this review is to give a comprehensive overview of the current state of biomarkers and biomarker research in kidney damage. Kidneys play an important role in the maintenance of the physiologic balance in the body. It can therefore be very detrimental if the kidneys are damaged. Kidney injuries can be divided into to classes: acute and chronic kidney injury. Especially in acute kidney injury, early detection is essential for a successful treatment. Correct diagnosis of chronic forms of injury is very important. Standard biomarkers for kidney injury (e.g. serum creatinine levels) are non-specific and only detectable after at least several days after onset of kidney injury. Fortunately, new biomarkers are under development, which are very promising for clinical use as well as for research purposes.