Chronic cystitis: excretion of epidermal growth factor (EGF)/urogastrone (URO)

To investigate the role of epidermal growth factor (EGF)/urogastrone (URO) in the cytoprotection of the urothelium in the urinary bladder we measured the concentration of EGF/URO by radioimmunoassay in urine from patients with chronic cystitis. The series comprised 12 patients with classical interstitial cystitis, 10 young females with recurrent bacterial cystitis and 12 children with recurrent cystitis together with sex- and age-matched controls. The results showed no variation in the substance concentration of EGF/URO in urine from cystitis patients and control groups. A negative correlation was found between 1) the urinary concentration of EGF/URO and increasing age, and 2) the excretion of EGF/URO per mol creatinine. The present study did not show a decreased output of EGF/URO in patients with chronic cystitis. Further studies are necessary in the evaluation of the physiological role of EGF/URO in the urinary tract.