Clinical Role, Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of Human Cystatin C Through the Body

Abstract

Cystatin C is a low-molecular-weight biomarker that meets the conditions necessary to be a marker of the glomerular filtration rate. This endogenous cysteine proteinase inhibitor belonging to the type 2 cystatin superfamily plays a key role in health and disease. Human cystatin C is encoded by the CST3 gene, ubiquitously expressed at moderate levels throughout the body, given it is produced in all nucleated cells in a constant amount. It is present in all human body fluids, and may be determined in the serum, plasma, capillary blood and urine. In this review, we present and discuss most of the available data from the literature for the use of cystatin C in clinical practice. In addition to a kidney function marker, studies suggest cystatin C could be used as a marker for cardiovascular risk assessment, in predicting and detecting preeclampsia, in patients with malignant neoformations, etc. Local cystatin C deficiency has also been demonstrated in atherosclerosis, aneurismal lesions, among others, suggesting a protective role of cystatin C. Far beyond its humble beginning, it promises uses from prognosis to treatments for everything from prostate cancer to periodontal disease. Cystatin C has begun its journey into a multitude of disciplines; we can only begin to imagine the many more purposes yet to find going forward.