Plasma concentrations of syndecan-1 are dependent on kidney function

Abstract

Background: Elevated plasma concentrations of syndecan-1 and heparan sulfate in studies of trauma, sepsis, and major surgery are commonly assumed to indicate acute glycocalyx degradation. We explored a possible role of the kidneys for these elevations. Methods: Plasma and urine concentrations of syndecan-1, heparan sulfate, and biomarkers of inflammation were measured over 5 hours in 15 hospital patients treated for post-burn injury. The renal clearances of syndecan-1 and heparan sulfate (CLR) were calculated and their influence on the plasma concentration predicted by simulation. Results: The urine/plasma concentration ratio was 0.9 (0.3-3.0) for syndecan-1 and 2.8 (2.0-4.3) for heparan sulfate. The CLR varied 250-fold for syndecan-1 and 10-fold for heparan sulfate. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that CLR for syndecan-1 was positively associated with the creatinine clearance (P