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.