Human Cystatin C

Human Cystatin C
Brguljan PM, Cimerman N

Turk J Biochem, 2007; 32 (3) ; 95–103

Cystatin C, a low molecular weight inhibitor of cysteine proteases, is involved in various biological and pathological processes. Recently, serum cystatin C has been proposed to be a valuable alternative marker of glomerular filtration rate, particularly in situations in which creatinine fails to provide an accurate estimate of renal impairment. However, the use of cystatin C is interfered by nonrenal factors such as glucocorticoid therapy, malignancy or thyroid disorders, which influence serum cystatin C concentrations. The clinical utility of cystatin C as a renal marker is under evaluation. The standardisation of methods for cystatin C is necessary.