LCN2 and acute kidney injury: For instance, KIM-1 is linked to tubular injury but can also be elevated by heavy metals and other environmental toxins [10]; NGAL is a marker of acute kidney injury and inflammation that can rise due to oxidative stress and infections [12]; and NAG, a lysosomal enzyme, is elevated in renal tubular injury but can also be affected by metabolic conditions and dietary factors [11].