Pediatric transplantation
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Pediatric transplantation · Nov 2012
Are serum and urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin predictive of renal graft function in short term?
NGAL is a member of the lipocalin protein family that has diverse function but similar structure. The functions of NGAL are not clear, but it appears to be expressed in stress conditions and in tissues undergoing involution. Varied studies have shown increased levels of plasma or urinary NGAL in diverse renal damages. ⋯ Although it is supposed that high serum and urine NGAL may predict ischemia of graft in early phases; however, it appears that this mild ischemic injury to graft without DGF or SGF cannot affect the graft function in short-term period. Further studies are needed using larger transplant recipients in pediatric age group. It is also needed to determine the effects of mild ischemic injuries on the graft function in long-term period in future studies.