Neutrophil Gelatinase-associated Lipocalin in Major Abdominal Surgery

Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is a 25 KDa, neutrophil-derived molecule from the lipocalin family. It is also secreted in small amounts from kidney, prostate, and respiratory tract epithelial cells. After ischemic and nephrotoxic acute tubular necrosis, NGAL levels peak at the 3rd hour and remain elevated for approximately 24 hours. In patients who do not progress to AKI, NGAL levels begin to decrease as of the 1st hour after injury.