Abstract:

The aim of this study was to determine Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), cystatin C (Cyc-c), and interleukin-18 (IL-18) levels which are frequently used as kidney biomarkers in geriatric rats and to compare with those in young rats. For this purpose, 12 geriatric Wistar albino rats (30-36 months old) (six males and six females) and 12 (2-3 months old) (six males and six females) Wistar albino rats were used in this study. 24-hour urine samples of all groups were collected, and blood was collected for biochemical analysis under anesthesia. The mean body weight of the geriatric rats was statistically higher than the young rats (p<0.001). The 24-hour urine volume was also statistically higher in geriatric rats than in young ones (p<0.01). Serum Cyc-c (p<0.05), KIM-1 (p<0.01), glucose (p<0.05), total protein (TP) (p<0.001) and creatinine (Crea) levels in geriatric rats (p<0.001) were statistically higher than the young rats. However, there was no statistically significant difference in IL-18, NGAL, and urea (mg/dL) levels. In the 24-hour urine sample, although Cyc-c (p<0.05), Urea (p<0.01), Crea (p<0.01) and protein (p<0.001) levels in geriatric rats were statistically significant compared to young rats; there was no statistically significant difference in KIM-1, IL-18, and NGAL levels. As a result, in geriatric rats, the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis must be evaluated by considering Crea, glucose, urea, TP levels, and KIM-1, Cyc-C changes. It was concluded that blood Crea, glucose, urea, TP levels as well as KIM-1, Cyc-C levels, and urinary Cyc-C levels should also be considered in future studies.

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