cystatiner

Cystatin C is a small protein found in the blood that is produced by all nucleated cells. It is a member of the cystatin superfamily, which includes other proteins such as cystatin A and cystatin D. Cystatin C is primarily involved in the regulation of cell growth and differentiation, and it plays a role in the maintenance of tissue integrity. It is also involved in the regulation of the extracellular matrix, which is a network of proteins and other molecules that provides structural support for cells and tissues.

Cystatin C levels in the blood can be used as a marker of kidney function. Elevated levels of cystatin C in the blood are associated with kidney damage and reduced kidney function. This is because cystatin C is filtered by the kidneys and its levels in the blood are inversely related to the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), a measure of kidney function. Therefore, cystatin C is often used as an alternative to creatinine for estimating GFR in patients with kidney disease.

Cystatin C is also involved in the regulation of inflammation. It has been shown to inhibit the activity of certain enzymes involved in the inflammatory response, such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). This suggests that cystatin C may play a role in the regulation of tissue repair and remodeling after injury.

In summary, cystatin C is a small protein that plays a role in cell growth, differentiation, and tissue integrity. It is also a useful marker of kidney function and may play a role in the regulation of inflammation. Further research is needed to fully understand the role of cystatin C in health and disease.