Expression of Serum and Urinary Neutrophil gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin (NGAL) and Kidney Injury Molecule -1(KIM-1) in Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease

This study was performed to evaluate the serum and urinary Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and Kidney injury molecule -1(KIM-1) as novel diagnostic biomarkers in feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD). A total number of 43 intact tom cats were enrolled in this study. Tom cats presented at Small Animal Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University. Cats were divided into 9 clinically healthy cats act as control and 34 clinically ill cats were grouped into 27 cats were found to be suffering from obstructive FLUTD and 7 cats with non-obstructive FLUTD. All cats were subjected to complete clinical, ultrasonographic and hemato-biochemical examination. The level of NGAL was measured using commercial Cat NGAL ELISA kit and KIM-1 using Cat KIM-1 ELISA KIT. FLUTD is manifested by pollakiuria, stranguria, hematuria, and sometimes periuria with non-specific signs as anorexia, change in mentation. Ultrasonography revealed maintained cortical echogenicity and preserved corticomedullary differentiation in 28 diseased cats, distended urinary bladder with pelvic urethral dilatation. Hematological examination showed significant leukocytosis and neutrophilia in obstructive FLUTD. Serum biochemical analysis revealed significant increase BUN, Creatinine and potassium in obstructive FLUTD. Serum and Urinary KIM-1 and NGAL analysis showed a significant increase in obstructive FLUTD. Serum and urinary KIM-1 and NGAL are of diagnostic value, non-invasive and easily measurable biomarkers for the detection of kidney injury in cats with FLUTD.