title: Early detection of tubular dysfunction.
abstract: The determination of low-molecular-weight proteins in urine as a tool for early detection of damage to the proximal tubules is briefly discussed. Beta 2-microglobulin, retinol-binding protein and alpha 1-microglobulin are at present the most widely used markers for tubular dysfunction. The determination of beta 2-microglobulin has earlier been the method of choice, but due to its instability at low pH there are certain disadvantages. Available data indicate that alpha 1-microglobulin may replace beta 2-microglobulin for screening purposes. The low-molecular-weight proteins are at present the best markers for early detection of tubular dysfunction; other constituents are not as well suited for this, even if the determination of urine enzymes has its supporters.
authors.affiliation: Department of Environmental Hygiene, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Piscator
mesh_terms: D000419:Albuminuria / Q000175:diagnosis; D001449:Balkan Nephropathy / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000652:urine; D015415:Biomarkers; D006801:Humans; D007684:Kidney Tubules / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011507:Proteinuria / Q000175:diagnosis; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin / Q000652:urine
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin