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Ex Vivo Analysis of Mechanically Activated Ca2+ Transients in Urothelial Cells

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Sarcoglycan subcomplex expression in refluxing ureteral endings.

Salvatore Arena¹, Angelo Favaloro, Giuseppina Cutroneo

¹Department of Pediatric Surgery, Unit of Pediatric Surgery, University of Catania, Catania, Italy. arenasal@inwind.it

The Journal of Urology

|March 22, 2008

Summary

Vesicoureteral reflux may be linked to sarcoglycan complex abnormalities. Reduced epsilon-sarcoglycan and increased alpha-sarcoglycan expression were observed in refluxing ureteral endings, suggesting a potential sarcoglycanopathy.

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Area of Science:

Urology
Molecular Biology
Biochemistry

Background:

Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) involves urine flowing backward into the ureters, potentially damaging kidneys.
The dystroglycan and sarcoglycan complexes are crucial for muscle membrane integrity and force transmission.
Understanding the molecular basis of VUR is essential for developing targeted therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the expression of sarcoglycan complex subunits in ureteral endings affected by VUR.
To determine the correlation between sarcoglycan subunit expression and the grade of VUR.

Main Methods:

Immunofluorescence and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were used.
Analysis included alpha, beta, gamma, delta, and epsilon-sarcoglycan subunits.
21 VUR specimens and 6 control ureteral ends were analyzed.

Main Results:

A significant positive correlation was found between alpha-sarcoglycan expression and VUR grade.
A significant negative correlation was observed between epsilon-sarcoglycan expression and VUR grade.
Impairment of epsilon-sarcoglycan and increased alpha-sarcoglycan were noted in VUR.

Conclusions:

Primary VUR may be characterized by sarcoglycan complex alterations, specifically reduced epsilon-sarcoglycan and elevated alpha-sarcoglycan.
These changes suggest VUR could be considered a sarcoglycanopathy, impacting muscle membrane integrity.
Altered sarcoglycan complex configuration may explain the structural and functional deficits in refluxing ureteral endings.