alpha 1-Microglobulin (a1-M) ELISA Kit

Alpha-1-Microglobulin (α1-Microglobulin, or α1M) is a low-molecular-weight glycoprotein produced primarily in the liver. It exists in multiple forms, including a 31 kDa monomer and a larger 90 kDa polymer formed through covalent binding with immunoglobulin A. Due to its small size, α1M is freely filtered by the glomeruli and almost entirely reabsorbed and degraded in the renal tubules under normal physiological conditions, making its presence in urine minimal in healthy individuals.

In clinical and research settings, α1-Microglobulin serves as a valuable biomarker for evaluating kidney function, particularly tubular integrity. Elevated serum levels of α1M suggest impaired glomerular filtration, while increased urinary concentrations reflect tubular dysfunction and reduced reabsorption capacity. This dual significance allows α1M to be used in early detection of both glomerular and tubular damage, often before traditional markers like creatinine show abnormalities.

Furthermore, an abnormal ratio between total protein and the sum of albumin and α1-Microglobulin in urine can indicate prerenal proteinuria, pointing to systemic causes of protein loss such as increased plasma protein leakage. As a result, α1-Microglobulin is an important marker in the differential diagnosis of proteinuria, supporting the assessment of kidney disease origin and severity in both research investigations and routine clinical nephrology.

This product is manufactured in Germany by Immundiagnostik AG.