What is the clinical significance of the four urine protein tests?
May 16, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhao Xinju
Introduction
Urine protein four-item test is a urine examination used to detect abnormalities in urine and assess kidney lesions as well as indicators of renal function damage. The four items typically include urinary microalbumin, immunoglobulin, urinary N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG enzyme), and urinary β2-microglobulin. Depending on the specific parameters measured, the four protein markers may vary, but they generally reflect glomerular and tubular kidney functions.
Urinary protein four-item test is a urine examination used to detect abnormalities in urine and assess kidney lesions as well as indicators of renal function damage. The specific analysis is as follows:
The urinary protein four-item test includes urine microalbumin, immunoglobulin, urine N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG enzyme), and urine β2-microglobulin. Depending on the specific parameters, the four protein markers may vary, but they typically reflect glomerular and tubular functions. If a patient's urine microalbumin level is elevated, it indicates abnormal glomerular function due to damage to the charge and mechanical barriers, resulting in increased albumin in the urine. Assessment of tubular function primarily involves measuring β2-microglobulin. An increase in urinary β2-microglobulin suggests impaired renal tubular function. Because β2-microglobulin has a small molecular weight, it passes through the glomerular basement membrane and is normally reabsorbed by the renal tubules. When this reabsorption process is disrupted, β2-microglobulin levels in urine rise.
Therefore, the urinary protein four-item test holds significant clinical importance. When patients show elevated urinary protein levels, they should promptly visit a hospital to identify the underlying cause and receive targeted treatment.
