Evaluation of NMP22 in bladder cancer patients sensitive to environmental toxins

Preliminary Evaluation of the Diagnostic Usefulness of Uroplakin 2 with an Assessment of the Antioxidant Potential of Patients with Bladder Cancer

Background

Urothelial carcinoma is the most common type of bladder cancer (BC). It makes up more than 90% of all bladder cancers. Uroplakins are tissue-specific, glycoproteins, playing a role in the construction and function of urothelium. The emergence of uroplakins in the urine and/or plasma may be of potential importance in the early detection of BC. In our study, the diagnostic value of plasma and urine uroplakin 2 (UP2) concentration in bladder cancer was investigated, with an assessment of the antioxidant potential of BC patients. The correlation between UP2, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and concentration of glutathione (GSH) was also examined.

Materials and Methods

This study included 61 BC patients and 33 healthy controls. UP2 concentration was estimated by the immunoenzymatic method (ELISA). TAC and GSH were determined in spectrophotometrically methods.

Results

UP2 concentration in BC patients was significantly higher (p≤0.001) both in plasma and in urine compared to the control groups (C). TAC concentration in urine (p≤0.001) and GSH concentration in plasma (p=0.047) were significantly lower in BC group compared to the C group. The high specificity and sensitivity for UPK2 in plasma (76%, 80%, respectively) and urine (88%, 84%, respectively) were observed. Positive correlations were observed between concentration of UP2 in plasma and TAC concentration in urine and between UP2 concentration in plasma and GSH concentration in the same material.

Conclusion

The study showed the early diagnostic value of urine and plasma UP2 in BC. There was a decrease in UP2 concentration in the urine of patients with the development of BC. The decrease of antioxidant systems (TAC, GSH) indicates their relationship with the BC process. Based on the obtained results, it is justified to continue the study in a larger group of patients with BC.

Uroplakin IIIa Is a Marker in Bladder Cancer but Seems Not to Reflect Chemical Carcinogenesis

Background

Uroplakins are glycoproteins investigated as potential markers of urothelial carcinoma. However, their role in chemical carcinogenesis is uncertain. In this study the diagnostic value of plasma and urine uroplakin IIIa (UPIIIa) levels in bladder cancer (BC) was investigated, particularly in the aspect of environmental exposure to chemical carcinogens, measured by DNA damage and detoxification ability in the BC smoking group. The correlation between uroplakin, 8-OHdG, and GSTπ was investigated.

Material and Methods

This study included 61 BC patients and 33 healthy controls. UPIIIa, 8-OHdG, and GSTπ levels were estimated by the immunoenzymatic method (ELISA).

Results

UPIIIa levels were elevated in BC patients in plasma (p≤0.001) and in urine (p≤0.001), as were 8-OHdG and GSTπ levels in urine. Moreover, the 8-OHdG level was higher in invasive or high grade tumors. A positive correlation between UPIIIa/GSTπ and 8-OHdG/GSTπ was observed, but no UPIIIa/8-OHdG correlation was noted.

Conclusion

The study showed the diagnostic value of urine and plasma UPIIIa in BC (good sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value). The lack of UPIIIa correlation with 8-OHdG and smoking suggests that UPIIIa does not reflect the environmental exposure. The increased levels of 8-OHdG and GSTπ in the invasive tumor stage indicate their value in BC monitoring.

The Diagnostic Value of Nuclear Matrix Proteins in Bladder Cancer in the Aspect of Environmental Risk from Carcinogens

BACKGROUND

The interaction of environmental factors with genetic susceptibility and detoxification level seems to be an important causative factor in bladder cancer (BC). The aim of this study was to look for a BC marker panel which reflects the environmental risk. The nuclear matrix protein 22 (NMP22), bladder cancer-4 (BLCA-4), and total level proteins NMP22 and BLCA-4 (NMBL) in BC patients with genetic predisposition NAT2 (classified as slow acetylators, SA), DNA damage (8-OHdG), and detoxification by isoenzyme GSTπ activity were measured.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The urine and blood from 91 BC patients and controls were examined, also according to tumor stage (T) and grade (G). The participants completed a questionnaire in order to evaluate environmental risk.

RESULTS

Most patients (75.3%) were previous or actual smokers. The levels of 8-OHdG, NMP22, BLCA-4, NMBL, and GSTπ were significantly higher in BC (p ≤ 0.001). The majority of patients (59.3%) were slow acetylators (SA). The highest BLCA-4/8-OHdG correlation was observed in total BC and SA smokers.

CONCLUSIONS

The total pool of nuclear matrix proteins in the urine (NMBL) has a higher diagnostic value in bladder cancer than single proteins. The particular value of BLCA-4 and GSTπ in the aspect of environmental risk was noted.