Abstract:
Objective To establish the method of cytometric bead assay in combined detection of cystatin C (Cys C) and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and to preliminarily investigate the changes in the serum levels of Cys C and NGAL in cytomegalovirus (CMV)-infected patients after renal transplantation.
Methods The experimental method was established as following. The effect and stability of microsphere capsulation were evaluated. The detection range of Cys C and NGAL concentration was improved. The concentrations of biotinylated antibody and PE-streptavidin were quantitatively measured. The correlation coefficient of the standard curve was calculated. The serum levels of Cys C and NGAL in the control (n=10, healthy person), negative CMV (n=10, CMV-pp65 negative patients after renal transplantation) and positive CMV groups (n=20, CMV-pp65 positive patients after renal transplantation) were detected using this method.
Results The method of cytometric bead assay in combined detection of Cys C and NGAL was established successfully. In the control, negative and positive CMV groups, the serum levels of NGAL were 8 759(1 465) pg/ml, 10 472(856)pg/ml and 12 817(4 533)pg/ml with statistical significance (all P < 0.001). No statistical significance was noted in terms of Cys C concentration among three groups (all P > 0.05).
Conclusions Combined application of cytometric bead assay detects the standard curve of Cys C and NGAL with high relevance and reproducibility. Preliminary results demonstrates that NGAL concentration is significantly elevated in CMV-infected patients following renal transplantation, hinting that CMV active infection probably leads to acute renal tubular injury.