What is a common protein typically found in urine during pathological conditions?

Albumin is a common protein typically found in urine during pathological conditions, particularly in cases of kidney disease. Under normal circumstances, the glomeruli in the kidneys prevent large proteins like albumin from passing through into the urine. However, when kidney damage occurs—such as in conditions like glomerulonephritis or diabetic nephropathy—these barriers are compromised, allowing albumin to leak into the urine. This presence of albumin in urine can serve as a significant indicator of kidney dysfunction and is often measured in clinical settings to assess renal health.

In contrast, other substances listed do not typically indicate the same pathological conditions when found in urine. For instance, while hemoglobin can appear in urine due to conditions like hemolysis, it is not as common as albumin in indicating chronic kidney issues. Creatinine and urea are waste products normally present in urine and are primarily used to assess kidney function rather than direct indicators of disease.