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 GST was investigated.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This study included 61 BC patients and 33 healthy controls. UPIIIa, 8-OHdG, and GST 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 GST levels in urine. Moreover, the 8-OHdG level was higher in invasive or high grade tumors. A positive correlation between UPIIIa/GST and 8-OHdG/GST 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 GST in the invasive tumor stage indicate their value in BC monitoring.