We investigated the relationship between the expression of tumor necrosis factor-inducible gene 6 (TSG-6) with inflammation and integrity of the bladder epithelium in the bladder tissues of patients with bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC) and the mechanism of action using a rat model of BPS/IC.
Expression of TSG-6 and uroplakin III was determined by immuno- histochemistry of bladder biopsy samples from control human subjects and patients with verified BPS/IC. Our rat model of BPS/IC was employed to measure the perfusion of bladders with hyaluronidase, and assessment of the effect of TSG-6 administration on disease progression. Treatment effects were assessed by measurement of metabolic characteristics, RT-PCR of TGR-6 and interleukin-6, bladder histomorphology, and immunohistochemistry of TGR-6 and uroplakin III.
The bladders of patients with BPS/IC had lower expression of uroplakin III and higher expression of TSG-6 than controls. Rats treated with hyaluronidase for 1 week developed the typical signs and symptoms of BPS/IC, and rats treated with hyaluronidase for 4 weeks had more serious disease. Administration of TSG-6 reversed the effects of hyaluronidase and protected against disease progression.
Our results indicate that TSG-6 plays an important role in maintaining the integrity of the bladder epithelial barrier.
Iranian journal of basic medical sciences. 2017 Nov [Epub]
Yi-Song Lv, Rui Gao, Qing-Ming Lin, Tao Jiang, Qin Chen, Song-Xi Tang, Hou-Ping Mao, Hui-Liang Zhou, Lin-Sheng Cao
Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, China., Department of Emergency Medicine, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou 350005, China.