DIAGNOSTIC AND PROGNOSTIC SIGNIFICANCE OF UNGAL, Β2-MICROGLOBULIN, AND ENDOTHELIN-1 BIOMARKERS IN THE PROGRESSION OF CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE

This article examines the diagnostic and prognostic significance of urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL), β2-microglobulin, and endothelin-1 as emerging biomarkers in the development and progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The clinical value of these biomarkers for the early detection of renal injury, assess­ment of disease severity, and prediction of CKD progression is discussed based on current scientific evidence and recent clinical studies. Particular attention is given to the complementary role of these biomarkers alongside conven­tional indicators, including estimated glomerular filtration rate and albuminuria, to improve diagnostic accuracy and identify renal damage at subclinical stages. uNGAL is highlighted as a sensitive marker of tubular injury, β2-micro­globulin as an indicator of proximal tubular dysfunction, and endothelin-1 as a biomarker associated with endothelial dysfunction, renal fibrosis, and disease progression. The integrated evaluation of these biomarkers may contribute to personalized risk stratification, optimization of therapeutic strategies, and monitoring of treatment effectiveness in patients with chronic kidney disease. Their implementation in clinical practice has the potential to improve early diagnosis and long-term patient outcomes.