Significance of combinative determination of urinary type IV collagen and trace albumin in type 2 diabetics

In order to evaluate the diagnostic value of combinative determination of urinary trace albumin(Alb) and urinary type IV collagen (C-IV) for early damage of renal function in type 2 diabetics, 24-hr urine was collected each from 30 normal subjects and 165 type 2 diabetics, and RIA was carried out to determine simultaneously Alb and C-IV (concentration method). The results showed: (1) the content of Alb in 24-hr urine of normal subjects was 6.45±2.04 mg/24 hrs, and that of C-IV was 86.68 ± 11.98 μg/L; (2) The type 2 diabetics were divided into A and B groups according to their Alb content in 24-hr urine. In group A(n=130) the Alb content was ≥30 mg/24 hrs and their C-IV was 120.03 ± 34.02 μg/L, whereas in group B(n=35) the corresponding values were < 30 mg/24 hrs and 97.14 ± 24.93 μg/L, respectively. Conclusion: When the Alb content of type 2 diabetics is still within the normal upper limit, the level of C-IV has already been elevated in part of them, indicating C-IV level can be more able to reflect early damage of renal function in type 2 diabetics than Alb content does. (authors)