CYSTATIN C - MORE THAN THE MARKER OF THE GLOMERULAR FILTRATION RATE.

INTRODUCTION: Cystatin C is one of biomarkers that meet the conditions necessary for an endogenous substance to be a marker of the glomerular filtration rate. Cystatin c – properties. Cystatin C is produced in the nucleated cells in a constant amount, and its serum concentration does not depend on muscle mass and protein intake. The catabolism of cystatin C is mostly done in the kidneys. Determination of cystatin c level. Cystatin C may be determined in the serum, plasma, capillary blood and urine. The laboratory methods which are mainly used to determine its level are neplielometric and turbidimetric immunoassays. Cystatin c as a marker of glomerular filtration rate. Cystatin C is superior to creatinine as a marker of kidney function, especially in the early stages of chronic kidney disease. Several formulas are available for calculating the glomerular filtration rate from serum cystatin C. Cystatin c in various physiological/pathophysiological conditions. The level of cystatin C should be interpreted carefully because there are factors that can affect its level regardless of the renal function (thyroid dysfunction, glucocorticoids use, malignancies etc.). Higher cystatin C concentrations in general population are associated with an increased cardiovascular risk, as well as with preecampsia in pregnant women.

CONCLUSION: The significant advantages of cystatin C as a kidney function marker are its use in the creatinine "blind" area, in pediatric and the elderly population. In addition, cystatin C could be used as a marker for cardiovascular risk assessment, in predicting and detecting preeclampsia, in patients with malignant diseases, etc.