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Cyclooxygenase-2 up-regulation in reflux nephropathy
Valeria Solari1, Anna Piaseczna Piotrowska, Salvatore Cascio
1Children's Research Centre, Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children and University College, Dublin, Ireland.
The Journal of Urology
|September 23, 2003
Summary
Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is overexpressed in the kidneys of children with reflux nephropathy (RN). This suggests COX-2 plays a role in the tubulointerstitial damage seen in this condition, which can lead to kidney failure.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Renal Pathology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Reflux nephropathy (RN) is a primary cause of end-stage renal disease in children.
- Hypertension is a common complication of RN.
- Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is implicated in renin production and renovascular hypertension.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate COX-2 expression in the kidneys of children diagnosed with reflux nephropathy.
- To determine the role of COX-2 in the pathogenesis of tubulointerstitial damage in RN.
Main Methods:
- Kidney specimens from 12 children with severe RN and 5 controls were analyzed.
- Immunohistochemistry was used to detect COX-2 expression.
- Western blotting and real-time PCR quantified COX-2 protein and mRNA levels.
Main Results:
- Strong COX-2 immunoreactivity was observed in proximal tubules and the tubulointerstitial space in RN samples.
- COX-2 protein and mRNA expression were significantly increased in RN samples compared to controls (p <0.05).
Conclusions:
- Overexpression of COX-2 in reflux nephropathy indicates its potential involvement in the development of tubulointerstitial damage.
- COX-2 may be a key factor in the progression of renal damage in severe RN.