Neutrophil Gelatinase Associated Lipocalin (Ngal) As A Biomarker For Cardiovascular Disease

Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is a member of the lipocalin family and is involved in protection against bacterial infections. High NGAL levels are also abundant during acute kidney injury, in cardiovascular disease and chronic inflammatory states. Elevated NGAL levels in urine and plasma are relatively strong predictors of subsequent acute kidney injury in patients with nephrological disease, coronary artery disease, and, to a lesser extent, heart failure. Furthermore, higher NGAL levels relate to poor outcome in a variety of patients populations. However, the potential clinical utility of plasma or urine NGAL levels remains unclear and is the focus of ongoing and future research.