PROTEINURIA - DIAGNOSTIC STRATEGIES BY SDS-PAGE AND ANALYSIS OF MARKER PROTEINS

The urinary protein gelelectrophoresis and the appropriate determination of marker proteins are effective non invasive diagnostic tools in nephrology. Different patterns for various nephropathies can be identified. It is possible to differentiate the histological site of the lesion but not the exact cause of the respective diseases. Kidney biopsy remains necessary to make the correct histological diagnosis, bur by applying non invasive technics, unnecessary biopsies with possible complications can be avoided. With experience in gelelectrophoresis typical protein patterns are very easy recognized, also helping to differentiate prerenal and postrenal proreinurias. By quantifying marker proteins and calculating ratios the extend and the course of disease as well as possible improvement under therapy can be observed readily.