Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is expressed and secreted by immune cells, hepatocytes, and renal tubular cells in various pathologic states. NGAL exerts bacteriostatic effects, which are explained by its ability to capture and deplete siderophores, small iron-binding molecules that are synthesized by certain bacteria as a means of iron acquisition. Consistently, NGAL deficiency in genetically modified mice leads to an increased growth of bacteria. However, growing evidence suggests effects of the protein beyond fighting microorganisms. NGAL acts as a growth and differentiation factor in multiple cell types, including developing and mature renal epithelia, and some of this activity is enhanced in the presence of siderophore:iron complexes. This has led to the hypothesis that eukaryotes might synthesize siderophore-like molecules that bind NGAL. Accordingly, NGAL-mediated iron shuttling between the extracellular and intracellular spaces may explain some of the biologic activities of the protein. Interest in NGAL has been sparked by the observation that NGAL is massively upregulated after renal tubular injury and may participate in limiting kidney damage. This review summarizes the current knowledge about the dual effects of NGAL as a siderophore:iron-binding protein and as a growth factor and examines the role of these effects in renal injury.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1681/ASN.2006080882 | DOI Listing |
Annu Rev Med
January 2025
Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA; email:
Hepatorenal syndrome-acute kidney injury (HRS-AKI) occurs in the setting of advanced chronic liver disease, portal hypertension, and ascites. HRS-AKI is found in ∼20% of patients presenting to the hospital with AKI, but it may coexist with other causes of AKI and/or with preexisting chronic kidney disease, thereby making the diagnosis challenging. Novel biomarkers such as urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin may be useful.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArch Biochem Biophys
January 2025
Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, 150001, China; Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, Harbin, 150001, China; Central Laboratory of the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China. Electronic address:
Background: Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) often results in renal impairment. While the presence of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) is consistently observed, their specific impact on IRI is not yet defined. Sivelestat sodium, an inhibitor of neutrophil elastase which is crucial for NET formation, may offer a therapeutic approach to renal IRI, warranting further research.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEnviron Int
January 2025
Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Transplant Biology, Fuzong Teaching Hospital (900th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force), Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350025, China; Laboratory of Basic Medicine, Fuzong Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350025, China; Dongfang Hospital, Xiamen University, Fuzhou 350025, China; Organ Transplant Institute, 900th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force, Fuzhou 350025, China. Electronic address:
Heat waves are a significant environmental issue threatening global human health. Extreme temperatures can lead to various heat-related illnesses, with heatstroke being among the most severe. Currently, there are no effective treatments to mitigate the multi-organ damage caused by heatstroke.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFToxicol Rep
June 2025
Department of Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt.
Extensive uses of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) in different industries result in exposure to these nanoparticle imperatives in our daily lives. Resveratrol is found in many plants as a natural compound. The present study aimed to estimate the renal toxic effects of Ag NPs in adult male albino rats and the underlying relevant mechanisms while studying the possible role of resveratrol in ameliorating these effects.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFFront Nephrol
January 2025
Department of Nephrology, Nephrology Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health (VIGH), Nashville, TN, United States.
Introduction: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) increases the life expectancy of persons living with HIV (PLWH), but not without potentially serious adverse effects. Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) can cause nephrotoxicity, manifesting as acute kidney injury (AKI) that may persist after treatment discontinuation. Kidney injury biomarkers such as kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), retinol-binding protein-4 (RBP-4), interleukin-18 (IL-18), and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) can aid early diagnosis and predict TDF-associated nephrotoxicity.
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