Correlation of Kidney Injury Molecule-1 and Nephrin Levels in Iraqi Patients with Diabetic Nephropathy

Abstract

Background: Diabetic nephropathy is characterized by persistent microalbuminuria and metabolic changes that decline renal functions. Researchers have been prompted to explore new biomarkers such as KIM-1 and nephrin that may enhance the identification of disease. Objective: To Evaluate biomarker levels of kidney injury molculre-1 (KIM-1) concentration and nephrin as early and sensitive markers of nephropathy in type 2 diabetic patients. Method: One hundred T2DM patients were included in a cross-sectional study at the specialized center for endocrinology and diabetes, Baghdad. The first group includes 50 diabetic nephropathy (DN) patients, and the second group includes 50 T2DM patients without DN. Biochemical and clinical parameters were reported for participants, and serum and urine levels of KIM-1 and nephrin were analyzed by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The study showed a significant increase in serum and urinary levels of KIM-1 and nephrin in DN patients compared to the control group. Serum nephrin is positively correlated with urinary nephrin, serum creatinine, ACR ratio, serum and urine KIM-1, and negatively correlated with the estimated glomerular filtration rate. Urinary nephrin was positively correlated with urinary albumin/creatinine ratio, KIM-1 level in both serum and urine, and negatively correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate. Conclusion: KIM-1 and nephrin are specific and sensitive indicators of early-stage diabetic nephropathy-associated renal damage.