Evaluation of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) levels as a biomarker for the early diagnosis of heart failure patients without of kidney disease.

Introduction: Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin (NGAL) is a specific early diagnostic biomarker for acute kidney injury and has shown high diagnostic value across various types of injuries with different etiologies. However, its role in heart failure (HF) diagnosis remains under investigation. This study aims to assess NGAL levels as a potential biomarker for the early detection of HF in patients without of kidney disease.

Methods: A total of 118 participants were enrolled from Shahid Ashrafi and Saei Khomeini Hospitals, including 59 patients with HF and 59 healthy controls. The patients was 48 years, while the healthy controls had an average age of 46 years. The patient group was diagnosed with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFREF, EF<40%) and had no history of kidney disease. After providing written informed consent, they were enrolled in the study: (code IR.IAU. FALA.REC.1397.024). Blood samples were collected from all participants to measure BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen), creatinine, cardiac troponin I (CTNI), C-reactive protein (CRP), NGAL, and white blood cell (WBC) count.

Results: The results revealed significantly higher serum levels of NGAL, CRP, CTNI, CR, and BUN in the patient group compared to healthy controls. A significant relationship was found between these biomarkers and the incidence of HF in individuals without prior kidney disease (P value<0.001).

Conclusion: In conclusion, NGAL can be used to accurately predict the presence of HF without a history of kidney disease of cases, suggesting its potential as an early diagnostic tool for HF in such patients.