Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin (NGAL), also known as Lipocalin-2, is a 25-kDa glycoprotein initially identified in neutrophil granules. It is now recognized as a sensitive biomarker involved in various physiological and pathological processes, particularly those related to inflammation, infection, and tissue injury. NGAL is rapidly upregulated in response to cellular stress and is released by neutrophils, renal tubular cells, and other epithelial cells following injury, making it a key early indicator in acute and chronic disease states. Its mRNA and protein expression are significantly elevated in injured tissues, especially in the kidneys, under ischemic or toxic conditions.
In clinical settings, NGAL is best known for its role as an early biomarker for acute kidney injury (AKI). It can be detected in blood and urine within hours of renal insult, preceding rises in traditional markers such as serum creatinine. This makes NGAL valuable for early diagnosis and risk stratification in critically ill or post-surgical patients. Beyond AKI, NGAL has been explored as a diagnostic and prognostic marker in chronic kidney disease (CKD), cardiovascular diseases, sepsis, and certain cancers, including breast and colorectal carcinomas. In research, NGAL serves as a molecular tool for understanding renal pathophysiology, the role of inflammation in disease progression, and drug-induced nephrotoxicity. Its multifaceted utility stems from its rapid kinetics and specificity for tissue injury, positioning NGAL as a crucial biomarker in both translational and clinical research contexts.
This product is manufactured in USA by Eagle Biosciences.