Question

Please answer the following assignment in less than 500 words. I want a brand-new assignment.
Serum cystatin C as a marker of kidney function, its role in diagnosis, prognosis, and detection of renal impairments, in addition include in you reports the pros and cons of cystatin C as a marker of kidney function.

Answer 1

Ans:

• Cystatin C is a protein that is produced by the cells in our body. It is a non-glycosylated, 13.3-kDa protein belonging to cystatin protease inhibitors. It has shown promise as a replacement for serum creatinine in estimation of GFR. This protease inhibitor with a low molecular weight is produced at a constant rate by all nucleated cells. It is freely filtered across the glomerular membrane and is reabsorbed and metabolized in the proximal tubule.

• Acute kidney injury (AKI) is characterized by rapid decline in glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Serum cystatin C is a marker of renal function in early stages of AKI and is less affected by age, gender, race, protein intake, and muscle mass. When GFR decreases, cystatin C level begins to rise proportionately.

• Cystatin C has been a valuable alternative marker tested in urine and in blood, particularly in situations in which creatinine-based estimates of GFR fail to provide an accurate estimate. If the level of cystatin C in the blood is abnormally too high, it means that the kidneys are not working well and may have a kidney condition, such as chronic kidney disease. Normal serum cystatin C values range from 0.6 to 1 mg/l. Its use helps in early therapeutic intervention and possibly favorable outcome.

• Serum cystatin C concentration is a better indicator of GFR than serum creatinine concentration in patients with spinal injury, liver cirrhosis or diabetes and in elderly patients. Considering known facts in clinical practice, serum cystatin C could be a better indicator of GFR than serum creatinine concentration in patients with CKD, at least in patients with mild to moderate impairment renal function.

• While cystatin C offers significant benefits compared with creatinine, there are some challenges that remain before it can be recommended as a complete replacement for creatinine-based estimation of GFR. Some studies suggest that cystatin C does not vary from non-renal factors, however recent investigations has shown some biological variability.

• Cystatin C levels are lower in the hypothyroid state even when creatinine levels are highly increased and they are higher in the hyperthyroid state too, suggesting that thyroid hormones influence regulation of cystatin C. High doses of corticosteroids may also increase cystatin C, which is important because after renal transplant, patients often are prescribed glucocorticoids. In addition, body mass index and inflammation may affect cystatin C concentrations independent of kidney function and these factors must be considered when evaluating cystatin C levels in clinical practice.