Using a unique approach, researchers have found novel biomarkers for kidney disorders linked to nephrotic syndrome, according to a recent study. As per the research article published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the scientists have successfully detected “anti-nephrin autoantibodies” as a dependable biomarker for monitoring the advancement of the disease, paving the way for customized therapeutic strategies.

High protein levels in the urine are the hallmark of nephrotic syndrome, which is associated with kidney illnesses such membranous nephropathy (MN), primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), and minimal change disease (MCD). According to researchers, damage to podocytes—the kidney’s filtering cells—is the main cause of this disease, allowing protein to seep into the urine.

The researchers developed a unique method that combines enzyme-linked immunosorbent test (ELISA) with immunoprecipitation to accurately identify anti-nephrin autoantibodies in order to diagnose such illnesses.

“The identification of anti-nephrin autoantibodies as a reliable biomarker, coupled with our hybrid immunoprecipitation technique, enhances our diagnostic capabilities and opens new avenues for closely monitoring disease progression in kidney disorders with nephrotic syndrome,” said Dr. Nicola M. Tomas, a co research.

The results demonstrated that 90% of children with INS (idiopathic nephrotic syndrome) who had not had immunosuppressive medication treatment and 69% of adults with MCD had anti-nephrin autoantibodies.

“Notably, there was a correlation between the autoantibody levels and disease activity, indicating the possibility of using these markers as biomarkers to track the advancement of the disease. The antibodies were also rarely seen in the other diseases under examination,” the researchers noted.