Comparison of the expressions of Lcn2 (the gene encoding the NGAL biomarker), Havcr1 (encoding KIM-1) and Mmp9 (encoding MMP9), by qPCR, in the kidneys of CON and SCD mice indicated the expressions of Lcn2 and Mmp9 to be significantly elevated in the SCD mice, indicating the existence of kidney damage (Fig 5G–5I). Here, MMP9 is linked to Nephropathy.