Urinary N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) activity in women with preeclampsia
Semczuk-Sikora, A.; Sikora, P.; Semczuk, M.
Ginekologia Polska 71(3): 141-145
2000
ISSN/ISBN: 0017-0011 PMID: 10842915 Document Number: 523728
Preeclampsia is the pregnancy specific disorder in which reduced organ perfusion and ischemia of the kidney, liver and brain can be detected. In the kidney, the most typical anatomopathological lesion is glomerular endotheliosis but renal tubular damage was also demonstrated. The NAG is an enzyme which is released into urine from the lysosomes of the proximal renal tubules epithelium and therefore increased urinary NAG activity is a marker of tubular damage or dysfunction. The aim of the study was to assess the renal tubular damage in women with preeclampsia by measuring of urinary NAG activity. The study group consisted of 46 pregnant women in third trimester with preeclampsia. 36 normal pregnant women in third trimester and 26 healthy nonpregnant women served as two control groups. Urinary activity of NAG was measured in the second morning urine sample by colorimetric method and the results were expressed as NAG/creatinine ratio (U/mmol). Urinary NAG/creatinine ratio was increased in normal pregnant women in third trimester (0.77 +/- 0.44 U/mmol) exceeding that of nonpregnant women (0.23 +/- 0.16). In women with preeclampsia, the urinary NAG/creatinine ratio was significantly higher when compared to the normal pregnant women in third trimester (1.46 +/- 1.63 U/mmol). There were no correlation between urinary NAG excretion and blood pressure results in women with preeclampsia. The increased urinary NAG activity in women with preeclampsia seems to be a sign of proximal tubular damage. The renal function follow up study in such women is indicated.