A Novel Non-invasive Qualitative Assay Using Urinary Fluorescence Imaging to Assess Kidney Disease

In patients with chronic kidney disease, it is necessary to identify the etiology of glomerular disease. Renal biopsy is the gold standard for assessing the underlying pathology; however, it has the risk of potential complications. We have established a urinary fluorescence imaging technique to assess enzymatic activity using an activatable fluorescent probe targeting two enzymes: gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and dipeptidyl-peptidase. The urinary fluorescence images can be easily obtained by adding an optical filter to the microscope with short incubation of the fluorescent probes. Urinary fluorescence imaging could help to assess underlying etiologies of kidney diseases and is a potential non-invasive qualitative assessment technique for kidney diseases in patients with diabetes. Key features Non-invasive assessment of kidney disease. Urinary fluorescent imaging with enzyme-activatable fluorescent probes. Enables differentiation of diabetic kidney disease and glomerulonephritis.