The Biosensor Using the Target Urine VOCs for Detecting DKD Diabetic Kidney Disease

The Biosensor Using the Target Urine Volatile Organic Compounds for Detecting Diabetic Kidney Disease

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are easily evaporated substances produced by pathophysiologic metabolism and have been utilized in research as potential new biomarkers for differentiating various diseases, acting as the odor imprints of each disease.

Researchers used metal oxide semiconductors to examine the properties of VOCs produced by diabetic kidney disease patients. Also, the VOCs of those with diabetic kidney disease were then compared with those of healthy individuals and patients with nephrotic syndrome.

The study found that VOCs primarily composed of hydrogen, methanol, and sulfate in diabetic kidney disease patients had a significantly different ability to release free electrons from the metal oxide semiconductors compared to healthy individuals and patients with nephrotic syndrome from other causes. This finding suggested that VOCs could be used as biomarkers which could lead to the replacement of renal biopsy for diagnosis in the future.

This study was a descriptive cohort study. General data such as age, gender, medications, other medical conditions, or chronic diseases that might have affected the urine VOCs test were reviewed and recorded from the medical records of subjects who attended the outpatient clinic of the Internal Medicine department at the Suranaree University of Technology Hospital from March 2024 to July 2024. Urine samples from diabetic patients, both with and without abnormal proteinuria, were compared with normal urine samples and urine samples from patients with NS from other causes.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age > 20 years
• In DKD and NS groups must undergone renal biopsy before study

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 15 mL/min/1.73 m2
• Pregnancy
• Ambiguous pathological results