suPAR as a circulating inflammatory biomarker: time for translation into clinical practice – A systematic review

). suPAR has been extensively investigated as a biomarker of systemic chronic inflammation across multiple conditions. During COVID-19 pandemic, suPAR gained attention as a predictor of disease severity and mortality in acute patients, reinforcing its role as a marker of sepsis. Elevated suPAR levels have also been reported in diseases such as systemic sclerosis (SSc), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and various malignancies, supporting its diagnostic and prognostic value. Several analytical methods are currently available for suPAR quantification, including ELISA, turbidimetric immunoassays, and chemiluminescence immunoassays. However, these assays differ in their ability to detect specific isoforms, which may vary in biological and clinical significance. This review summarizes the clinical relevance of suPAR, examines the functional roles of its isoforms, and evaluates current detection methods and their implications for clinical practice.