Urinary Pentosidine: A Quantifiable Advanced Glycation End Product Biomarker for Diabetic Nephropathy

Background: AGE-modified proteins, including pentosidine, are filtered by the glomeruli and may indicate early tubular dysfunction, and kidney damage in diabetes could be considered. This study assesses the potential of urinary pentosidine as an early marker of kidney damage in patients with type 2 diabetes and diabetic nephropathy. Materials and Methods: This case-control study involving 165 participants (55 with type 2 diabetes mellitus, 55 with diabetic nephropathy and 55 healthy controls) was conducted. Biochemical analysis done. Urine samples were assessed for creatinine, albumin, and urinary pentosidine. Statistical analysis done. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Urinary pentosidine, was elevated in nephropathy and was found to be significantly elevated among patients with type 2 diabetes. Urinary pentosidine was strongly correlated with HbA1c, urea, creatinine, urinary albumin and albumin-to-creatinine ratio. A cut-off levels of urinary pentosidine was found to be ≥247.9 pg/mL which predicted nephropathy among diabetic mellites individuals with 91.7% sensitivity. Conclusion: This study confirms urinary pentosidine’s value as a biomarker for diabetic nephropathy, highlighting its role in disease monitoring and emphasizing the need for tight glycemic control to prevent complications.