Introduction
Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), also known as
Lipocalin 2, is a protein that belongs to the lipocalin protein family
and weighs 25 kDa. It is covalently bonded to gelatinase in neutrophils,
takes part in iron transport, and is released at very low levels from
many other tissues such as kidney, lung, stomach, colon as well as
neutrophils.(1)
According to the experimental animal studies conducted recently, NGAL is
released in the kidneys in the early stages of ischemic injury. With
these studies, it has been observed that NGAL plays a critical role in
the transformation of the leading cells in the developing kidney into
epithelial and tubule cells. It has been shown that the concentration of
this protein in serum increases dramatically if epithelial organs are
damaged by ischemia-reperfusion or sepsis.
To date, elevated serum and urine NGAL levels in neonates have been
associated with intrauterine hypoxia, sepsis, bronchopulmonary
dysplasia, and acute kidney injury (AKI). (2-6)Although data on umbilical cord blood NGAL concentrations are
insufficient, it was demonstrated that NGAL measurements could be
predictive for certain diseases, such as neonatal
infections.(7)
Until now, no accepted reference NGAL values have been determined for
neonates. Different serum and urine NGAL levels have been reported in
studies by different researchers.
In our study, we aimed to investigate NGAL levels in umbilical cord
blood, which may be a marker for the diseases that occur in the neonatal
period. Umbilical cord blood NGAL levels may also be related to maternal
diseases and perinatal and neonatal morbidities.