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Serum Cystatin C as a Biomarker

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Book cover Biomarkers in Kidney Disease

Abstract

Cystatin C is a low molecular weight cationic protein produced by all nucleated cells which is a potent cysteine protease inhibitor. Its plasma concentration is proportional with glomerular filtration as it is synthesized at a constant rate, freely filtered through the glomerulus, and largely reabsorbed and catabolized in the proximal renal tubule with no tubular secretion which makes it ideal for GFR estimation. This protein has a capability to detect early renal failure as it gives reliable GFR estimation at the critical level of 60 ml/min/1.73 m2. Though cystatin C is superior to serum creatinine, non-standardization and several clinical situations such as thyroid dysfunction and the use of high doses of glucocorticoid limit its acceptance as a GFR marker to replace creatinine, the current endogenous gold standard biomarker.

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Abbreviations

Ahsg:

Alpha 2HS glycoprotein

CRES:

Cystatin-related epididymal spermatogenic

CRPs:

Androgen-regulated cystatin-related proteins

CSF:

Cerebrospinal fluid

Cys C:

Cystatin C

HCHWA-1:

Hereditary cerebral hemorrhage with amyloidosis of Icelandic type

HMWK:

High molecular weight kininogen

HRG:

Histidine-rich glycoprotein

LMWK:

Low molecular weight kininogen

MDRD:

Modification of diet in renal disease

SCr:

Serum creatinine

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Çuhadar, S. (2016). Serum Cystatin C as a Biomarker. In: Patel, V., Preedy, V. (eds) Biomarkers in Kidney Disease. Biomarkers in Disease: Methods, Discoveries and Applications. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-7699-9_20

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