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Review
. 2015;20(8):565-71.
doi: 10.3109/1354750X.2015.1123354. Epub 2015 Dec 15.

The potential of lipocalin-2/NGAL as biomarker for inflammatory and metabolic diseases

Vanessa Abella  1   2 , Morena Scotece  1 , Javier Conde  1 , Rodolfo Gómez  1 , Ana Lois  1 , Jesús Pino  3 , Juan J Gómez-Reino  1 , Francisca Lago  4 , Ali Mobasheri  5   6   7 , Oreste Gualillo  1
Affiliations
Review

The potential of lipocalin-2/NGAL as biomarker for inflammatory and metabolic diseases

Vanessa Abella et al. Biomarkers. 2015.

Abstract

Lipocalin-2 (LCN2), also known as neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), is a secreted glycoprotein that belongs to a group of transporters of small lipophilic molecules in circulation. LCN2 has been recently characterized as an adipose-derived cytokine. This adipokine is believed to bind small substances, such as steroids and lipopolysaccharides, and has been reported to have roles in the induction of apoptosis in hematopoietic cells, transport of fatty acids and iron, modulation of inflammation, and metabolic homeostasis. Recently, LCN2 has emerged as a useful biomarker and rheumatic diseases. This review provides an overview of LCN2 in inflammation, immunity, and metabolism.

Keywords: Adipokines; adipose tissue; immunity; kidney diseases; rheumatic diseases.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Schematic representation of the main functions of lipocalin-2.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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