This technology employs proteomic analysis of urinary samples collected within 14 days of acute kidney injury to measure expression profiles of around 30 key proteins. It identifies elevated levels of proteins that protect against reactive oxygen species and support cell survival while also noting reduced levels of proteins linked with inflammation, matrix degradation, and complement regulation. This method enables clinicians to develop a comprehensive biomarker signature from a non-invasive sample, guiding risk assessment and informing treatment protocols based on the likelihood of renal recovery.
Description
The differentiation of this approach lies in its precision and early predictive capabilities. Unlike conventional risk assessments, it integrates a wide array of biomarkers to accurately correlate protein expression patterns with recovery outcomes. Its ability to stratify patients based on detailed urinary proteomic profiles provides clinicians with objective, data-driven insights for personalized interventions. Furthermore, robust validation studies, such as the BioMaRK study, underscore its clinical utility and the potential to shift treatment strategies, ultimately improving patient outcomes and reducing the progression to chronic kidney disease.
Applications
• Urine diagnostic kit
• Biomarker assay development
• Risk stratification tool
• Treatment decision support
Advantages
• Non-invasive early prediction of renal recovery following acute kidney injury.
• Accurate risk stratification to support personalized treatment decisions.
• Timely identification of patients at high risk for progression to chronic kidney disease, enabling early intervention.
• Improved patient outcomes through targeted therapy and monitoring.
• Potential reduction in healthcare costs by optimizing resource allocation in high-risk patients.
Invention Readiness
Proteomic analysis of urine from severe AKI patients was compared with patients who had recovered from AKI (age +/- 5 years and gender-matched) and approximately 30 molecules of interest were identified. The expression of the molecules varied between these patient groups. It is of note that molecules related to cell survival and proliferation, and basement membrane and matrix proteins, were expressed in higher levels in patients who had recovered kidney function. Further work is required to validate these markers and develop a feasible panel screen that could be easily used in hospital laboratories to assess the severity of AKI in patients.
IP Status
https://patents.google.com/patent/US9551720
