Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL): A review

Neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin or NGAL belongs to the super family of lipocalin which are proteins containing a hydrophobic nucleus that binds lipophilic molecules such as siderophores. NGAL is produced by inflammatory epithelia, in particular renal tubular cells in response to kidney injury. Numerous clinical studies and a meta-analysis demonstrated the efficacy of NGAL in predicting acute kidney injury with variable sensitivities and specificities according to the used technique. NGAL may also have prognostic significance since increased values are associated with worse outcomes. NGAL increases also in chronic kidney disease (hypertensive, diabetic and lupus nephritis) but to a lesser extent than acute kidney injury. Initially, NGAL was measured by Western Blot and Elisa. However, now newer rapid and simple methods are commercialized. (C) 2012 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.