The validation of immunoblot SDS-PAGE as a qualitative and quantitative method for the determination of urinary Cystatin C in neonates

Introduction: The quantitative determination of urinary Cystatin C (cyst-C) associated with the qualitative analysis of its polymorphisms is an excellent method for early identification of newborns predisposed to renal function impairment. PETIA, PENIA and EIA are the immunometric methods used for the quantitative determination of cyst-C in human biologic fluid but they have limitations and do not allow qualitative analysis. The present study is a validation of Immunoblot SDS-PAGE for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of urinary cyst-C. Methods: Urine was collected from neonates in the nursey at S. Maria della Misericordia Hospital. Urinary cyst-C was investigated by the immunoblot SDS-PAGE and by reading of optical density. Results: The qualitative analysis showed two different molecular forms: a reactivity at about 70 KDa in all samples and a reactivity at 13 KDa in a limited number of samples. This analysis allows the correlation of the polymorphisms of cyst-C with specific alterations of renal function in newborns. The quantitative analysis is specific, sensitive and accurate. In fact the coefficient of variation for assay precision was 10% and for assay accuracy was +/- 10%, the detection limit was 0.009 ng/ mu L and the calibration line has satisfactory linearity (range 0.02-0.3 ng/ mu L). The stability of urinary cyst-C was acceptable, even without the use of protease inhibitors, as long as the assay was performed on freshly recruited urine or immediately after thawing the samples, which had been stored for up to six months. Conclusion: Immunoblot SDS-PAGE analysis is a valid method of obtaining a qualitative and quantitative analysis of urinary cyst-C. This method presents unique information about a previously unknown 70 KDa cyst-C form. The assay may offer potential diagnostic information not available with immunometric method.