Serum Soluble Urokinase Plasminogen Activator Receptor in Diabetic Nephropathy

Abstract Background Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a rapidly growing global health problem. Persistent hyperglycemia in uncontrolled DM can cause several complications including diabetic retinopathy and nephropathy. The prognostic value of serum soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator (suPAR) levels across diseases positions suPAR as a new promising inflammatory biomarker. Elevated suPAR levels are strongly associated with decline in kidney function. Objective The aim of this study is to investigate the prognostic value of suPAR in patients with DM and its capacity as a biomarker for renal impairment severity. Patients and Methods This study included 180 subjects divided into 2 age and gender matched groups; the first group consisted of 140 diabetic patients and the second group consisted of 40 apparently healthy controls. Serum urokinase plasminogen activator receptor was measured for all subjects Results SuPAR showed significantly higher values among patients with DN when compared with those without DN. There was a statistically significant positive correlation found between suPAR level and albumin/creatinine ratio and serum creatinine level in all diabetic patients. There was a statistically significant negative correlation found between suPAR level and eGFR in all diabetic patients. Conclusion In conclusion, suPAR appears to be a promising biomarker, indicating early diagnosis of diabetic nephropathy in patients with DM.