Urinary markers of glomerular injury in diabetic nephropathy

Abstract

Diabetic nephropathy, the leading cause of renal failure worldwide, affects approximately one-third of all people with diabetes. Microalbuminuria is considered the first sign and the best predictor of progression to renal failure and cardiovascular events. However, albuminuria has several limitations. Therefore, earlier, more sensitive and specific biomarkers with greater predictability are needed. The aim of this paper is to discuss the current literature on biomarkers of glomerular injury that have been implicated in diabetic kidney disease. © 2012 Abraham Cohen-Bucay and Gautham Viswanathan.