Human cystatin c (or cystatin 3), which is composed of 120 amino acid residues, belongs to the cystatins superfamilly that inactivates lysosomal cysteine proteinases. As a strongly cationic and low-molecular weight (13.4 kDa) protein, it is almost freely filtered across the glomerular membrane, and is mainly used as a biomarker of kidney function. A growing body of evidence suggests that cystatin c is a more reliable biomarker of glomerular filtration rate than creatinine.
In addition to kidney disease, altered serum levels of cystatin c are associated with several types of cardiovascular disease, including myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure, peripheral arterial disease and metabolic syndrome. It also seems to play a role in brain disorders involving amyloid, such as Alzheimer’s disease. Furthermore, Cystatin c has also been investigated as a prognostic marker in several forms of cancer.
Relevant publications:
1.Cystatin C: an emerging biomarker in cardiovascular disease. Angelidis C, et al. Curr Top Med Chem. 2013;13(2):164-79.
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