Circulating kidney injury molecule‐1 as a biomarker of renal parameters in diabetic kidney disease

AIMS/INTRODUCTION: Urinary kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) has been associated with proximal tubular damage in human and animal studies. Although it has been recognized as a biomarker of acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease, its significance in the serum remains unclear. Therefore, we examined the relationship of serum and urinary KIM-1 levels with renal parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Serum and urinary KIM-1 levels, together with urinary liver-type fatty acid-binding protein, were measured in 602 patients with type 2 diabetes and an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) >/=30 mL/min/1.73 m(2) . These were then compared with the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio and eGFR. RESULTS: The serum and urinary KIM-1 levels were significantly different among the three (eGFR >/=60, 45-59, 30 mg/g Cr), but only the serum KIM-1 was associated with a lower eGFR ( /=30 mL/min/1.73 m(2) .