The biomarker suPAR and nephrology
The following factors are associated with an elevated suPAR level:
- Chronic renal diseases3
- Future incidence of chronic renal diseases4
- Declining eGFR4,5
In the kidneys, suPAR plays a role in the regulation of the permeability of the glomerular filtration barrier. suPAR may be involved in podocyte damage and development of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and diabetic nephropathy1,2.
The suPAR level increases in patients with chronic renal diseases, and a high suPAR level are significantly associated with mortality and incidence of cardiovascular diseases in these patients3.
The association between suPAR and chronic renal diseases has been further studied in a large study4. It was found that the suPAR level was an independent predictor of declining eGFR. During the study follow-up period of 3.7 years, the decline in eGFR in subjects in the lower suPAR quartile was 0.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 and 4.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 in the upper quartile.
In 1335 individuals with an eGFR >60 mL/min/1.73 m2 at study start, a suPAR level in the upper quartile was associated with a significantly increased incidence of chronic renal diseases than those in the lower quartile; all in all, a 3-fold increased risk4.
In patients with primary and secondary glomerulonephritis, an elevated suPAR level is similarly associated with reduced eGFR and the presence of proteinuria5.
“We strongly believe that suPAR is the robust and earliest biomarker of CKD progression.”
Oleg O. Rummo,
Director of the Republican Center for Organ Transplantation, 9th City Clinical Hospital Minsk, Belarus
ViroGates Company announcement no. 5 – 2018
The reduced renal function causes a significant increase in suPAR level, and in hemodialysis patients, the mean value is 14.8 ng/mL. In this group of patients, a high level is associated with increased mortality and increased risk of hospitalization6.
Another recent study further supports the strong link between suPAR and the development of kidney disease. This study of patients with type 1 diabetes showed that elevated suPAR is associated with an increased risk of fast eGFR decline and of end-stage renal disease7.
