Chronic kidney disease (CKD), also called chronic kidney failure, is a gradual loss of kidney function. It is a serious condition that can significantly impact a persons life. In the human body, kidneys help to filter waste and excess fluids from blood and remove them in the form of urine. The disease occurs when the kidneys are damaged and cant filter blood. This can lead to a buildup of waste in the body, causing severe health issues.

Therefore, if someone is dealing with CKD, early detention and cure is crucial. One should closely work to manage the health care workers effectively to prevent future complications.

Recently, a team of researchers at Chug-Ang University in the Republic of Korea has introduced a non-invasive method to detect early signs of kidney disease. Researchers at the university have developed a biosensor to detect the SDMA levels in urine.

What is SDMA?

In medical terminology, SDMA (symmetric dimethylarginine) is a biomarker used to assess kidney function and cardiovascular health. It can detect the kidney dysfunction earlier rather than other traditional markers such as creatinine.

Elevation of SDMA in Human Body

Measuring SDMA in urine helps to provide more accurate information about the kidney health of a person. An increase in SDMA levels means a decrease in GFR (glomerular filtration rate). This means the kidneys are not filtering blood as efficiently as they should.

An increased level of SDMA can also result in primary kidney disease with various symptoms like dehydration, systemic hypertension, or exposure to nephrotoxic substances.

What Professor Jong Pil Park said?

Jong Pil Park, Professor at the Chung Ang University, said, Some kidneys are often diagnosed very late; we aim to develop a sensing tool that patients or clinicians can use to easily monitor kidney health for effective treatment, enabling timely interventions and potential for long-term outcomes.

Uses of this Biosensor to Detect Early Signs of Kidney Disease

According to the researchers at the university, this biosensor will offer higher sensitivity, easier to use, and doesnt include advanced equipment. “This makes it more affordable and practical in many settings, including small clinics, remote locations, and places with fewer resources. It has a simple design and shows fast results, making it a suitable option for regular health check-ups and monitoring,” they added.

Professor Park shared that the sensor could facilitate earlier diagnosis, advanced monitoring of kidney function, and improved treatment outcomes for millions of patients worldwide. Moreover, platform technology has the potential to be adapted for detecting other biomarkers, making it a versatile tool applicable across various areas of health care,” he further added.

Traditional Ways of Monitoring Kidney Health

Traditionally, the ways of monitoring kidney health involve blood tests, urine tests, and sometimes, scanning. It can also be monitored by measuring blood creatinine levels, which indicate muscle breakdown. High creatinine levels mean kidneys are not filtering waste efficiently.

Increase in Creatinine Levels in the Human Body

The creatinine levels in the human body can be affected by several factors, including kidney dysfunction, acute kidney injury, engaging in physical activities, high protein intake, dehydration, etc.

If the kidney levels in the blood will not work properly, it may lead to a rise in creatinine levels, causing several health conditions such as kidney disease, glomerulonephritis, etc.

Creatinine is a byproduct of muscle metabolism. Those with high-mass muscles have higher levels of creatinine than individuals with lesser muscle masses, as well as those with sedentary lifestyles. Another factor that can affect creatinine levels is high protein intake, which is often found in meat.