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Laminin and transforming growth factor beta-1 in children with vesicoureteric reflux
Anna Sabasiñska1, Walentyna Zoch-Zwierz, Anna Wasilewska
11st Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of Białystok, ul. Waszyngtona 17, Białystok, Poland.
Insights
High-grade vesicoureteric reflux (VUR) is linked to elevated urinary laminin (LN) and transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1) levels. These biomarkers may play a role in kidney scarring and fibrogenesis in affected children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Urology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- High-grade vesicoureteric reflux (VUR) can lead to renal scarring and nephropathy.
- Transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1) is implicated in extracellular matrix production, including laminin (LN), a key component in scar formation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the concentrations of LN and TGF-β1 in relation to the grade of VUR.
- To explore the potential role of these biomarkers in the pathogenesis of renal damage associated with VUR.
Main Methods:
- Serum and urinary levels of LN and TGF-β1 were measured using immunoenzymatic assay (EIA) and ELISA.
- A study group of 54 children with VUR (grades II-V) was compared to 27 healthy controls.
Main Results:
- Patients with VUR exhibited significantly higher serum and urinary LN and TGF-β1 levels compared to controls.
- The highest urinary concentrations of LN and TGF-β1 were observed in children with the highest VUR grades (IV-V).
- A positive correlation was found between urinary TGF-β1 and LN levels.
Conclusions:
- Elevated urinary TGF-β1 and LN in children with high-grade VUR suggest their involvement in fibrogenesis.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the specific roles of serum and urinary LN in VUR-related kidney damage.
Abstract:
High-grade vesicoureteric reflux (VUR) promotes the development of renal nephropathy (RN) due to scar formation. This process involves transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF beta(1)), which stimulates production of the extracellular matrix proteins, including laminin (LN). The aim of the study was to assess LN and TGF beta(1) concentration according to VUR grade. The study group (1) consisted of 54 patients aged 6.23 +/- 4.15 years with VUR, including: A, 19 with grade II; B, 19 with grade III; and C, 16 with grades IV or V reflux. The control group (2) contained 27 healthy patients aged 6.76 +/- 4.02 years. LN and total TGF beta(1) concentrations in serum and urine were determined by the immunoenzymatic (EIA) method. To assess total serum TGF beta(1) levels, we used a solid-phase enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Both serum and urinary levels of LN and TGF beta(1) in VUR patients were higher compared with controls (p < 0.05). The highest urinary concentration of LN and TGF beta(1) was found in subgroup C. A positive correlation was noted between urinary TGF beta(1) and LN. Increased TGF-beta(1) and LN levels in urine of high-grade VUR children suggests a potential role in fibrogenesis. Further trials are needed to investigate the role of serum and urinary LN level in VUR children.
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