Health and Psychology

Kidney disease is generally not detected until it is quite advanced.  A new protein marker in the blood can detect kidney disease while in the very early and more easily treatable stages.  That marker is suPAR.

suPAR is the soluble form of the urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR), a three domain receptor [12] mainly expressed on immune cells, including neutrophils, activated T-cells, and macrophages.  It correlates with cancer, cardiac disease, autoimmune disorders, infections, diabetes, and overall mortality levels.

To evaluate risk the levels of suPAR was divided into 4 groups. 

• Normal suPAR: less than 2,373 picograms per milliliter (pg/mL)
• Above normal: 2,373-3030 pg/mL
• High: 3,040-4,020 pg/mL
• Very high: above 4,020 pg/mL

The very high levels had an 80% likelihood of developing the disease.  

At your next check-up your physician may want to measure this level of protein.

If you have any questions about illness, lab tests, or want to know more about medical research, feel free to contact me.  Donohuema1@me.com or 818-223-4116.