Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin as a biomarker of cardiovascular disease: a systematic review.

Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is a biomarker of acute kidney injury (AKI). Recently, elevated NGAL levels have also been reported in heart failure, coronary heart disease, and stroke. Other studies demonstrate that NGAL is upregulated in failing myocardium and in atherosclerotic plaque. Our aim was to synthesize the current evidence on NGAL and cardiovascular disease (CVD), and to clarify the prognostic significance of systemic NGAL levels in CVD.