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Cyclooxygenase-2 expression is up-regulated in obstructed human ureter
Stephen Y Nakada1, Travis J Jerde, Lynn M Jacobson
1Divisions of Urology and Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.
The Journal of Urology
|August 21, 2002
Summary
Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is upregulated in obstructed ureters. Selective COX-2 inhibitors may treat prostanoid-related effects from ureteral obstruction.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Prostanoids significantly impact ureteral function.
- Cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, including COX-1 and COX-2 isoforms, synthesize prostanoids.
- There is interest in selective COX-2 inhibition due to COX-1 inhibition side effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if COX-2 messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression are regulated during ureteral obstruction.
- To investigate the role of COX-2 in ureteral dysfunction.
Main Methods:
- Ureteral segments from patients with chronic obstruction and normal ureters were analyzed.
- Semiquantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to measure COX-2 mRNA levels.
- Western blotting was performed to quantify COX-2 protein expression.
Main Results:
- COX-2 mRNA levels were significantly higher in obstructed ureters compared to normal ureters (p = 0.004).
- COX-2 protein levels were also significantly elevated in obstructed ureters compared to normal ureters (p = 0.003).
Conclusions:
- Chronic ureteral obstruction leads to increased COX-2 mRNA and protein expression.
- Selective COX-2 inhibitors could be a therapeutic strategy for managing prostanoid-mediated effects in ureteral obstruction.