KL-6 biomarker: a favor to Interstitial Lung Disease diagnosis at Patna

Abstract

KL-6, or Krebs von den Lungen-6, is a glycoprotein that is found on the surface of type II pneumocytes in the lungs. It is also present in various other epithelial cells. KL-6 has gained attention as a biomarker, particularly in the context of lung diseases, especially interstitial lung diseases (ILD). [1, 2, 3, 4]

1. Function: KL-6 is involved in maintaining the structural integrity of the lungs. It is a mucin-like glycoprotein, and its exact function is not completely understood. However, it is thought to play a role in the protection and repair of the alveolar
2. Biomarker for Lung Diseases: Elevated levels of KL-6 in the blood have been associated with various lung diseases, especially interstitial lung diseases such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), pneumoconiosis, and others. Monitoring KL-6 levels can be useful in assessing disease activity and progression. [6]
3. Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF): KL-6 is often used as a biomarker for IPF, a progressive and fatal lung disease characterized by the scarring of lung tissue. Elevated KL-6 levels may indicate ongoing damage to the lung epithelium, and it can be a helpful tool in diagnosing and monitoring IPF.
4. Other Conditions: Elevated KL-6 levels have also been reported in conditions beyond lung diseases, such as certain types of cancers, rheumatoid arthritis, and However, its primary clinical use is in the context of lung diseases.
5. Diagnostic Tool: KL-6 is measured through blood tests. High levels of KL-6 in the blood may prompt further investigations to determine the underlying cause, especially in individuals with respiratory symptoms or suspected lung diseases.