Non-Albumin Proteinuria (NAP) as a Complementary Marker for Diabetic Kidney Disease (DKD)

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is one of the most common forms of chronic kidney disease. Its pathogenic mechanism is complex, and it can affect entire structures of the kidney. However, conventional approaches to early stage DKD have focused on changes to the glomerulus. Current standard screening tools for DKD, albuminuria, and estimated glomerular filtration rate are insufficient to reflect early tubular injury. Therefore, many tubular biomarkers have been suggested. Non-albumin proteinuria (NAP) contains a wide range of tubular biomarkers and is convenient to measure. We reviewed the clinical meanings of NAP and its significance as a marker for early stage DKD.

Automated summary

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a common form of chronic kidney disease with complex pathogenic mechanisms affecting kidney structures. Current screening tools for DKD are insufficient to reflect early tubular injury, leading to the suggestion of various tubular biomarkers to detect early stage DKD. Non-albumin proteinuria (NAP) is a convenient and informative marker for early DKD.