An AKI biomarker lipocalin 2 in the blood derives from the kidney in renal injury but from neutrophils in normal and infected conditions.

Abstract

Lipocalin 2 (LCN2 or neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin) is a secretory protein discovered from neutrophils, which accumulates in the blood and urine during acute kidney injury (AKI) and in the blood by bacterial infection. Little is known about the tissue source and molecular forms of this protein under normal and pathophysiologic conditions.