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Nephrocalcin in patients with renal cell carcinoma
Y Nakagawa1, M Netzer, E K Michaels
1Department of Medicine (Nephrology Program), University of Chicago, Illinois.
The Journal of Urology
|July 1, 1994
Summary
Nephrocalcin levels are significantly higher in renal cell carcinoma patients. These levels decrease after tumor removal, suggesting nephrocalcin
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Biochemistry
- Oncology
Background:
- Nephrocalcin, an acidic glycoprotein, inhibits calcium oxalate crystal growth.
- It is found in kidney proximal tubules and can be purified from renal carcinoma cell lines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively determine nephrocalcin levels in renal cell carcinoma patients' urine.
- To compare nephrocalcin from tumor patients with that from healthy controls.
- To investigate the clinical significance of atypical nephrocalcin in renal cell carcinoma.
Main Methods:
- Raised a polyclonal antibody specific to nephrocalcin.
- Quantitatively determined urinary nephrocalcin levels using the antibody.
- Analyzed nephrocalcin's amino acid composition, phosphate content, and crystal binding properties.
Main Results:
- Urinary nephrocalcin levels were significantly higher in renal cell carcinoma patients (0.241 microgram/mg creatinine) compared to controls (0.022 microgram/mg creatinine).
- Nephrocalcin levels decreased post-nephrectomy in most patients.
- A specific urinary nephrocalcin fraction found in cancer patients decreased or disappeared after surgery.
Conclusions:
- Nephrocalcin in renal cell carcinoma patients is typically present in higher quantities and is atypical.
- The observed changes in nephrocalcin levels and fractions suggest a potential role in renal cell carcinoma.
- Further research is required to establish the clinical significance of these findings.