Biomarkers in vesicoureteral reflux: an overview

Aim: This article aimed to review the role of cytokines, chemokines, growth factors and cellular adhesion molecules as biomarkers for vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and reflux nephropathy (RN). Methods: We reviewed articles from 1979 onward by searching PubMed and Scopus utilizing the combination of words: ‘VUR’ or ‘RN’ and each one of the biomarkers. Results: Genetic, inflammatory, fibrogenic, environmental and epigenetic factors responsible for renal scarring need to be better understood. TGF-β, IL-10, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF seem to exert a role in VUR particularly in RN based on the current literature. Serum levels of procalcitonin have been also associated with high-grade VUR and RN. These molecules should be more intensively evaluated as potential biomarkers for renal scarring in VUR. Conclusion: Further studies are necessary to define which molecules will really be of utility in clinical decisions and as therapeutic targets for VUR and RN.

Download Full-text

THE ROLE OF CELLULAR ADHESION MOLECULES IN SURGERY

ANZ Journal of Surgery ◽

10.1111/j.1445-2197.1995.tb00573.x ◽

1995 ◽

Vol 65 (12) ◽

pp. 838-847 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

A. F. Breidahl ◽

M. J. Hickey ◽

A. G. Stewart ◽

P. G. Hayward ◽

W. A. Morrison

Keyword(s):

Adhesion Molecules ◽

Cellular Adhesion ◽

Cellular Adhesion Molecules

Download Full-text

Cellular adhesion molecules in chronic urticaria: modulation of serum levels occurs during levocetirizine treatment

British Journal of Dermatology ◽

10.1111/j.1365-2133.2006.07548.x ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 155 (6) ◽

pp. 1270-1274 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

M. Caproni ◽

W. Volpi ◽

B. Giomi ◽

D. Torchia ◽

E. Del Bianco ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Adhesion Molecules ◽

Chronic Urticaria ◽

Serum Levels ◽

Cellular Adhesion ◽

Cellular Adhesion Molecules

Download Full-text

Immunohistochemical Investigation of HER/AKT/mTOR Pathway and Cellular Adhesion Molecules in Urothelial Carcinomas

Pathology Research International ◽

10.1155/2017/6794150 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 2017 ◽

pp. 1-7 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Nikolaos Koletsas ◽

Triantafyllia Koletsa ◽

Spyros Choidas ◽

Konstantinos Anagnostopoulos ◽

Stavros Touloupidis ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Adhesion Molecules ◽

Urinary Bladder Cancer ◽

Cellular Adhesion ◽

Mtor Pathway ◽

Clinicopathological Parameters ◽

Cancer Tissue ◽

Her2 Overexpression ◽

High Grade ◽

Cellular Adhesion Molecules ◽

Urothelial Carcinomas

Background. Several investigators have suggested the possibility that the expression of both EGFR and HER2 could be utilized for molecularly targeted therapy in urinary bladder cancer. We tried to evaluate the expression of HER2 and EGFR and activation of the AKT/PTEN/mTOR pathway in urothelial carcinomas and if there is any association between them and cellular adhesion molecules (CAMs). Materials and Methods. Forty-one paraffin-embedded urothelial cancer tissue blocks were collected. Immunostains for HER2, EGFR, MIB1, phospho-AKT, PTEN, phospho-mTOR, e-cadherin, p-cadherin, and b-catenin were performed on tissue microarrays sections. The immunohistochemical results were correlated with clinicopathological parameters. Results. The overexpression of HER2 was found in 19.6% of the cases and it was associated with high grade tumors with a high mitotic index and phosphorylation of AKT and mTOR. Muscle-invasive tumors presented both cytoplasmic and nuclear losses of PTEN expression. There was no association between HER/AKT/mTOR pathway activation and CAM expression. Although cadherins were often coexpressed, only p-cadherin immunoreactivity was associated with tumor grade and high proliferative index. Conclusions. HER2 overexpression is found in a respective proportion of urothelial carcinomas. P-cadherin expression is associated with high grade UCs but it is not affected by HER2 overexpression or by activation of HER/AKT/mTOR pathway.

Download Full-text