Protein Biomarkers of Kidney Injury and Dysfunction: Emerging Evidence on Non-Coding RNAs
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Background: Kidney biomarkers address different clinical questions, and their accuracy depends on the population, sample, timing, and outcome. Objective: To organize selected evidence on protein biomarkers of kidney injury and dysfunction and examine emerging clinical evidence on non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). Methods: This structured comparative narrative review used PubMed and Google Scholar, with searches through 19 September 2026, supplemented by targeted source verification and literature updating during revision in October 2026. Published estimates were summarized descriptively, no new meta-analysis was performed. Filtration assessment, AKI detection, persistence, disease activity, and RNA discovery or validation were considered separately. Results: Cystatin C and proenkephalin provide filtration-related information; KIM-1, NGAL, L-FABP, and NAG address tubular injury or associated outcomes. Urinary IL-18 and serum IL-8 have limited stand-alone diagnostic value in pediatric AKI. [TIMP-2]×[IGFBP7] reflects cellular stress and near-term AKI risk. CCL14 concerns persistent AKI. uDKK3, VCAM-1, and serum cathepsin S have evidence specific to their applications. Urinary HBP and plasma 8-isoprostane describe complementary infection and oxidative-stress contexts. More recent syntheses revise previously reported estimates for KIM-1 and NGAL. Selected ncRNA studies show promising discrimination, but their populations, clinical contrasts, and validation stages differ. Conclusions: Organizing biomarkers by clinical question connects their biological information with distinct diagnostic and prognostic applications. Protein–ncRNA combinations offer a direction for prospective research, with clinical adoption requiring independent validation and added value beyond conventional assessment.
Source: Diagnostics
Authors: Eduardo Pérez-Campos Mayoral, María Teresa Hernández-Huerta, Laura Pérez-Campos Mayoral, Gabriel Mayoral-Andrade, Héctor Alejandro Cabrera-Fuentes, Carlos Romero Díaz, Gabriel Mayoral Canseco, Jesús Elizarrarás-Rivas, María del Socorro Pina-Canseco, Gabriela Vásquez-Martínez, Margarito Martínez-Cruz, Alma Dolores Pérez Santiago, Miriam Emily Avendaño Villegas, Casimiro Romeo Zarate Aspiros, Luis Otilio Flores León, Romina Fernanda Camarena Colmenares, Ulises Jesús Roldán Trejo, Tania Sinaí Santiago-Ramírez, Juan de Dios Ruiz-Rosado, Eduardo Pérez-Campos
Institutions: Benito Juárez Autonomous University of Oaxaca, Secretaría de Ciencia, Humanidades, Tecnología e Innovación, Tecnológico Nacional de México, Instituto Tecnológico de Tijuana, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Instituto Tecnológico de Oaxaca, Mexican Social Security Institute, Servicios de Salud del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social para el Bienestar, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Abigail Wexner Research Institute
Language: English
Topic: Acute Kidney Injury Research
Subfield: Nephrology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,137
OpenAlex ID: W7225390793