Researchers identify new urine protein markers for cat kidney disease

Study analyzed urine samples from cats

The research team collected urine from 30 healthy cats and 34 cats with chronic kidney disease. They identified a collection of more than 2,000 proteins within the feline urine samples. One specific protein called MMP-7 showed higher levels in early-stage patients compared to healthy controls. The researchers noted that individual proteins often fail to tell the full story of complex chronic diseases.

Protein groups classify disease progression stages

Analysing groups of proteins revealed three distinct subgroups in urine samples from cats with late-stage disease. One cluster linked to stable conditions that are not progressing further. Another included younger males suffering from advanced proteinuric disease states. This third group could signal an increasingly fragile condition in the final stages that calls for distinct treatment.

Noninvasive testing aids treatment planning

Katelyn Brusach led the study while working in Jessica Quimby's feline CKD research program. The team used urinary protein profiles to measure disease differences that single markers could miss. These findings provide a start toward developing new clinical biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment. Veterinarians can now use these noninvasive samples to detect different stages of the irreversible ailment.