Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin (NGAL) as a biomarker of kidney disease in dogs infected by Dirofilaria immitis

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between pulmonary hypertension (PH) in dogs infected with Dirofilaria immitis and kidney injury, using urinary Neutrophil Gelatinase-associated Lipocalin (uNGAL) as a biomarker of acute kidney injury. The serum of 42 dogs were analyzed the day of diagnosis, furthermore, parasite burden, presence or absence of pulmonary hypertension and presence or absence of microfilariae were determined. The dogs were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of PH. UNGAL values were significantly higher in dogs with PH (66.49±6.67 ng/mL) compared to those without PH (49.01±14.48 ng/mL). This finding suggests that PH can generate hemodynamic changes that affect renal circulation, resulting in tubular injury and elevated NGAL levels as a reflection of the inflammatory response. However, additional research is required to confirm the usefulness of NGAL as an early indicator of kidney injury in dogs with PH. If validated, this biomarker could improve the assessment of kidney function and management of heartworm disease in veterinary practice.