Review Paper:
Navigating CKD
Diagnosis: Biomarkers as Predictive Tools for Early Detection
Devi Chingtham Henthoibi and Kosey Sourabh
Res. J. Chem. Environ.; Vol. 29(3); 148-158;
doi: https://doi.org/10.25303/293rjce1480158; (2025)
Abstract
The prevalence of CKD worldwide is a significant health concern, considering its
estimated incidence in 13.4% of the world population and millions who require renal
replacement therapy. This review about early CKD detection by traditional biomarkers
like GFR and albuminuria focuses on the importance of this issue, mainly due to
the limitations of these indicators, particularly in early CKD stages. The review
promises several new emerging biomarkers like beta-trace protein, or BTP, beta-2-microglobulin,
or B2M, klotho, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, or NGAL and liver-type
fatty acid-binding protein, or L-FABP. Such markers would identify kidney dysfunction,
tubulointerstitial damage and endothelial dysfunction more promptly and are thus
crucial for improved patient outcomes.
While these advances will eventually take place in the standardization of the use
of biomarkers for clinical practice, especially in resource-limited settings, where
this overdiagnoses and overtreats. It also makes it difficult to have a "universal"
gold standard of biomarkers for early CKD, thus making validation and implementation
difficult. Future studies should validate these biomarkers in terms of their cost-effectiveness
and long-term consequences in the management of CKD and patient care.