Hyaluronidase levels in urine from Wilms' tumor patients

The pathophysiology of Wilms' tumor is associated with major alterations in hyaluronic acid metabolism. Elevated levels of both hyaluronic acid and a hyaluronic acid-stimulating activity occur in the urine and serum of patients with this tumor. In the current study, we describe elevated levels of urinary hyaluronidase in five patients with Wilms' tumor. Following surgical removal of the tumor, enzyme levels decreased toward normal. Characterization of enzyme activity indicates that hyaluronidase may be produced by the tumor itself. Alternatively, normal renal tissue may also be producing enzyme in a compensatory response to the elevated hyaluronic acid levels in these patients. We suggest that urinary hyaluronidase can be used as an additional marker for Wilms' tumor.