9^th World Kidney Congress

Biomarkers in Kidney Disease

A biomarker is a substance introduced into an organism to assess organ function or various aspects of health. For instance, rubidium chloride is employed in isotopic labeling to assess the perfusion of the heart muscle. Alternatively, it can be a substance whose detection indicates a specific disease state; for example, the presence of an antibody may signify an infection. More specifically, a biomarker indicates a change in the expression or condition of a protein that is associated with the risk or progression of a disease, or the responsiveness of the disease to a given treatment. Biomarkers can be distinctive biological properties or molecules detectable and measurable in body parts such as blood or tissue. They may signify either normal or diseased processes in the body. Biomarkers can include specific cells, molecules, or genes, gene products, chemicals, or hormones. Complex organ functions or overall characteristic changes in biological systems can also serve as biomarkers.