Researchers at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Ohio State University, and Johns Hopkins have identified several biomarkers of early kidney damage in patients suffering from lupus. Various combinations of the markers, including neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1), along with more traditional kidney markers, were able to accurately predict renal biopsy scores and disease outcome. Using these markers to measure clinical endpoints offers hope for noninvasive methods of monitoring the progression of lupus nephritis.
