Serum Beta-Trace Protein and Cystatin C as Biomarkers for Renal Dysfunction in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is recognized as a major public health threat worldwide with consequences of kidney failure. Around 10% of the global adult population has CKD. Therefore, the current study aims to evaluate the diagnostic role of cystatin C (Cys-C) and beta-trace protein (BTP) as biomarkers for the detection of renal impairment in patients with CKD. The study included 89 individuals classified to healthy volunteers (n=30), patients with renal impairment (pre-hemodialysis) (n=29), and patients undergoing haemodialysis (n=30). The serum levels of Cys-C and BTP were estimated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Also, receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves and area under the curve (AUC) were calculated. Cys-C and BTP levels were gradually increased in patients with renal impairment followed by patients undergoing hemodialysis in comparison with healthy volunteers. Also, there are significant correlations between the two markers with urea, creatinine, and glomerular filtration rate. ROC curve analyses data revealed that BTP and creatinine showed better diagnostic performance (AUC=1, Sensitivity: 100%, Specificity: 100%, and accuracy: 100%) compared to Cys-C (AUC=0.996, Sensitivity: 96.61%, Specificity: 96.67%, and accuracy: 96.63%). Taken together, these results recommended that BTP and Cys-C are potential markers than creatinine for the early detection of renal impairment in patients with CKD.