MTHFR C677T polymorphisms are associated with aberrant methylation of the IGF-2 gene in transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between methylation status of the insulin-like growth factor 2 （IGF-2） gene and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase （MTHFR） C677T gene polymorphisms in bladder transitional cell carcinoma tissues in a Chinese population. The polymorphisms of the folate metabolism enzyme gene MTHFR were studied by restrictive fragment length polymorphism （RFLP）, PCR-based methods of DNA methylation analysis were used to detect the CpG island methylation status of the IGF-2 gene. The association between the methylation status of the IGF-2 gene and clinical characteristics, as well as MTHFR C677T polymorphisms, was analyzed. Aberrant hypomethylation of the IGF-2 gene was found in 68.3% bladder cancer tissues and 12.4% normal bladder tissues, respectively, while hypomethylation was not detected in almost all normal bladder tissues. The hypomethylation rate of the IGF-2 gene in cancer tissues was significantly higher in patients with lymph node metastasis than in those without lymph node metastasis （46.3% vs 17.2%, P = 0.018）. No association was found between aberrant DNA methylation and selected factors including sex, age, tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption and green tea consumption. After adjusting for potential confounding variables the variant allele of MTHFR C677T was found to be associated with hypomethylation of the IGF-2 gene. Compared with wildtype CC, the odds ratio was 4.33 （95% CI=1.06-10.59） for CT and 4,95 （95% CI=1.18-12.74） for TT. MTHFR 677 CC and CT genotypes might be one of the reasons that cause abnormal hypomethylation of the IGF-2 gene, and the aberrant CpG island hypomethylation of the IGF-2 gene may contribute to the genesis and progression of bladder transitional cell carcinoma.

RECURRENCE RISK FACTORS IN PATIENTS WITH TRANSITIONAL CELL CARCINOMA OF BLADDER

Objective： To study recurrence factors and set up a model to evaluate the prognosis of patients with bladder cancer. Methods： An analysis on recurrence-related factors was made by Cox＇s proportional hazards model analysis and logistic multiple linear regression model analysis in 212 patients with transitional cell carcinoma treated surgically from 1995-2001. These factors included clinical and pathologic figures. Results： The most important factor is metastasis to the regional lymph nodes, the Hazards ratio is 6.6 （P=0.0004）, followed by multiple tumors （Hr=2.255, P〈0.0001）, tumor in trigone and bladder neck （Hr=2.053, P〈0.0001）, stage （Hr=2.057, P〈0.0001）, grade （Hr=1.569, P=0.0081）, intravesical chemotherapeutic instillations （Hr-0.559, P=0.0011） and hematuria （Hr=0.762, P=0.0076）. A predicting equation was established, and the predicting values were calculated according to the individual features of patients. The predicting and actual values were compared, and the sensitivity, specificity and overall concordance were 83.5%, 67.6% and 80.1% respectively. Conelusion：The evaluation of prognosis could be made quite accurately based on these factors.

Cloning of Human Uroplakin Ⅱ Gene from Chinese Transitional Cell Carcinoma of Bladder and Construction of Its Eukaryotic Expression Vector

Summary: To clone Uroplakin Ⅱ gene from Chinese transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of bladder and construct its eukaryotic expression vector, the molecular cloning method was used to extract total RNA from a GⅢ/ T 3N 0M 0 tissue sample of the bladder TCC patients. The primers were designed by Primer 5.0 software. Full length cDNA of Uroplakin Ⅱ gene was amplified by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), assayed by nucleic acid sequencing and then inserted between XbaⅠ and HindⅢ restrictive sites of eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3.0. The recombinant was assayed by restricted enzyme digestion. Under the induction of Lipofectamine 2000, the recombinant was transfected into Uroplakin Ⅱ negative bladder cancer cell line EJ. Cellular expression levels of Uroplakin Ⅱ were detected by RT-PCR. The nucleic acid sequencing results indicated that Chinese Uroplakin Ⅱ cDNA (555 bp) was successfully cloned. The BLAST analysis demonstrated that the cloned sequence is 100 % homologous with sequences reported overseas. The GenBank accession number AY455312 was also registered. The results of restricted enzyme digestion indicated that eukaryotic vector pcDNA-UPⅡ for Uroplakin Ⅱ was successfully constructed. After being transferred with pcDNA-UPⅡ for 72 h, cellular Uroplakin Ⅱ mRNA levels were significantly improved (P<0.01). It is concluded that human Uroplakin Ⅱ gene was successfully cloned from Chinese TCC tissues, which provided a basis for further exploration of the roles of Uroplakin Ⅱ gene in TCC biological behaviors and potential strategies for targeted biological therapy of TCC.

Clinical implications of single cell sequencing for bladder cancer

Bladder cancer(BC)is the 10th most common cancer worldwide,with about 0.5 million reported new cases and about 0.2 million deaths per year.In this scoping review,we summarize the current evidence regarding the clinical implications of single-cell sequencing for bladder cancer based on PRISMA guidelines.We searched PubMed,CENTRAL,Embase,and supplemented with manual searches through the Scopus,and Web of Science for published studies until February 2023.We included original studies that used at least one single-cell technology to study bladder cancer.Forty-one publications were included in the review.Twenty-nine studies showed that this technology can identify cell subtypes in the tumor microenvironment that may predict prognosis or response to immune checkpoint inhibition therapy.Two studies were able to diagnose BC by identifying neoplastic cells through single-cell sequencing urine samples.The remaining studies were mainly a preclinical exploration of tumor microenvironment at single cell level.Single-cell sequencing technology can discriminate heterogeneity in bladder tumor cells and determine the key molecular properties that can lead to the discovery of novel perspectives on cancer management.This nascent tool can advance the early diagnosis,prognosis judgment,and targeted therapy of bladder cancer.

Expression of KAI1/CD82 and MRP-1/CD9 in Transitional Cell Carcinoma of Bladder

The expression of KAI1/CD82 and MRP-1/CD9 in transitional cell carcinoma of bladder （TCCB） and its clinical significance were investigated. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect KAI1/CD82 and MRP-1/CD9 protein expression in 52 TCCB specimens. Correlation between the expression of KAI1/CD82 and MRP-1/CD9 to clinicopathologic factors was statistically analyzed. The results showed that the positive rate of KAI1/CD82 and MRP-1/CD9 in TCCB was 50% and 61.5%, respectively. The MRP-1/CD9 and KAI1/CD82 expression was significantly associated with grade of TCCB （P〈0.05）, but no correlation was found between MRP-1/CD9 or KAI1/CD82 expression and clinical stage of TCCB （P〉0.05）. The expression level of MRP-1/CD9 and KAI1/CD82 in recurrent TCCB samples was lower than that in non-recurrent samples （P〈0.05）. Meanwhile, the correlation between the KAI1/CD82 expression and MRP-1/CD9 expression was statistically significant （r=0.316, P〈0.05）. It was concluded that KAI1/CD82 and MRP-1/CD9 expression may be important prognostic indicators and potentially useful for assessing the biological behavior of TCCB.

Plasmacytoid Transitional Cell Carcinoma of Bladder： A Clinico-pathological Study and Review of Literatures

客观：学习血浆的病理学的特征，并且分析诊断特征，为鉴别诊断的标准和肿瘤的临床的意义膀胱的似细胞的过渡房间癌。方法：膀胱 plasmacytoidtransitional 房间癌的二个盒子被学习。平淡的石蜡节与他染色，由 S-P 方法的奶头油迹 andimmunohistochemistry 在一台轻显微镜下面被观察。病理学、临床的数据被比较在文学与早报导的案例分析。结果：这个肿瘤的 Acharacteristic 特征具有在薄板 propria 或 muscularispropria 的深侵略，除了在粘膜的原位癌的部件，当肿瘤被诊断时。组织学的模式和 cytological 特征显示出类似到 plasmacytoidtumor。肿瘤房间为 AE1/AE3， CEA 和 CK18 是强烈积极的。预后看起来比平常的过渡房间癌更坏。结论：血浆膀胱的似细胞的过渡房间癌是稀罕的，但是有典型病理学，免疫组织学、临床的特征。病理学家们应该知道膀胱的这种原发性瘤。

Research on the prognosis of different types of microvessels in bladder transitional cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND At present,there is controversy on the role of microvessel density(MVD)in tumors as a prognostic indicator of bladder transitional cell carcinoma(BTCC).However,the MVD in tumors is simply classified based on the expression of several different vascular markers,which has not been related to analytical research on the prognosis of patients with BTCC.AIM To explore the classification of blood vessels in tumors and studied the relationship between MVD and the prognosis of patients with BTCC.METHODS The tissue mass was detected by tissue microarray and immunohistochemical analysis with monoclonal antibodies against CD31,CD34,CD105,and vascular smooth muscle actin to investigate the MVD in BTCC.The measurement data are expressed as the mean±SD.The difference between the groups was analyzed by the t-test,the counting data were analyzed byχ2 test.The Kaplan-Meier survival curve was estimated by the product-limit method.The log-rank time-series test was employed to compare the tumor-free survival curves.RESULTS The MVD was closely related to the pathological grade,invasive depth,and prognosis of BTCC.Significant differences were found between grade I and grade II,grade II and grade III,superficial and invasive type,and the tumor-free survival group and the recurrence or metastasis group(P<0.01).Multivariate analysis showed that undifferentiated MVD was an independent prognostic factor for patient survival time.An inverse correlation between undifferentiated tumor MVD and differentiated tumor MVD in BTCC was also shown.CONCLUSION The classification of blood vessels in BTCC could act as an important prognostic indicator and may also be of great significance in the treatment of cancer.

MDR1/P-Glycoprotein Overexpression in Bladder Transitional Cell Carcinoma and its Correlation with Expression of Survivin and Fas

OBJECTIVE To explore the expression of the MDR1/P-glycoprotein, Fas and survivin and to examine their correlation with the biologic behavior of bladder transitional cell carcinoma (BTCC). METHODS Immunohistochemistry was used to examine the expression of P-gp, survivin and Fas in BTCC (n=64) and normal bladder mucosa (n=12). RESULTS The expression level of P-gp and survivin in BTCC was higher compared to normal bladder mucosa (P<0.01) and their expression was strongly correlated with clinical grading (P<0.01). In BTCC and normal bladder mucosa Fas expression was 50% and 100%, respectively (P< 0.01). Recurrent BTCC showed higher expression than primary BTCC (P< 0.01) and the expression of P-gp in BTCC had a reverse correlation with Fas expression but no correlation with survivin expression. CONCLUSUON The MDR of BTCC was strongly correlated with the ex- pression of P-gp and Fas, but was not correlated with survivin expres- sion. Thus, enhancing cancer sensitivity to chemotherapy by reversing multidrug resistance with reversal agents or up-regulating Fas expres- sion by apoptotic enhancing agents, might be a potential therapy to pre- vent tumor recurrence and invasiveness.

Long-term follow-up of Ta transitional cell carcinoma of bladder after treatment of TURBt plus intravesical therapy

To stduy the association between the prognosis of Ta transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder and risk-related factors.Methods A total of 88 cases (62 males and 26 females;mean age,61 years;age range,41-81 years) of initial T.TCC of the bladder treated with transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBt) plus intravesical chemotherapy or immunotherapy were enrolled.Among them,there were 26 cases of G1,61 cases of G2 and 1 case of G3.For tumor site,62 cases (16 cases of G1,45 of G2,1 of G3) had single tumor and 26 cases (10 cases of G1,16 of G2) had multi-site tumors.The mean follow-up was 113 months (range,56-168 months).The tumor grade,original tumor number and their association with the recurrence and progression of this type of TCC were retrospectively analyzed.Results The overall recurrence rate (RR) was 60% (53/88).In single tumor group,RR of G1 cases was 25% (4/16);RR of G2 cases was 62% (28/45) and the total RR was 52% (32/62).In multi-site tumor group,RR of G1 cases was 80% (8/10),RR of G2 cases was 75% (12/16) and the total RR was 77% (20/26).The RR of multi-site tumor group was significantly higher than that of single tumor group (P<0.01).In single tumor group,RR of G2 cases was significantly higher than that of G1 cases (P<0.001).In multi-site tumor group,there was no association of RR with tumor grade.There was no progression in G1 tumor cases.The progression rate was 42.5% (17/40) in G2 tumor cases;among them,30% (12/40) progressed to T1G2 tumors and 12.5% (5/40) progressed to T2G2 tumors.The RR of cases who received thiotepa,mitomycin and BCG were 75% (12/16),68% (30/44) and 40% (11/27),respectively.Tumor specific mortality was 1.14% (1/88,a T2G3 case).Conclusion The multi-site Ta TCC of the bladder has relatively higher RR and greater chance of progression after the treatment of TURBt plus intravesical chemotherapy or immunotherapy,especially in the poor differentiated tumors,thus active treatment and close follow-up are essential in clinical practice.9 refs.

Effects of Combined siRNA-TR and-TERT on Telomerase Activity and Growth of Bladder Transitional Cell Cancer BIU-87 Cells

The effects of combined RNA interference(RNAi) of human telomerase RNA(hTR) and human telomerase reverse transcriptase(hTERT) genes on telomerase activity in a bladder cancer cell line(BIU-87 cells) were investigated by using gene chip technology in vitro with an attempt to evaluate the role of RNAi in the gene therapy of bladder transitional cell cancer(BTCC).Three TR-specific double-stranded small interfering RNAs(siRNAs) and three TERT-specific double-stranded siRNAs were designed to target different regions of TR and TERT mRNA.The phTR-siRNA,phTERT-siRNA,and the combination of both plasmids phTR+phTERT-siRNA were transfected into BIU-87 cells.The expression of hTR and hTERT mRNA was detected by quantitative fluorescent reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction,and a telomeric repeat amplification protocol was applied to detect telomerase activity.Growth inhibition of BIU-87 cells was measured by MTT assay.Gene chip analysis was performed to evaluate the effects of the combined RNAi of hTR+hTERT genes on telomerase activity and growth of BIU-87 cells in vitro.The results showed that the expression of hTERT and hTR mRNA was inhibited by pRNAT-hTERT-Ⅲ,pRNAT-hTR-Ⅲ,and pRNAT-hTR-Ⅲ+hTERT-Ⅲ in BIU-87 cells.The inhibition efficiency of pRNAT-hTERT-Ⅲ,pRNAT-hTR-Ⅲ,pRNAT-hTERT-Ⅲ+pRNAT-hTR-Ⅲ was 67% for TERT mRNA,41% for TR mRNA,57% for TR mRNA and 70% for TERT mRNA in BIU-87 cells respectively.The growth of BIU-87 cells was inhibited and telomerase activity was considerably decreased,especially in the cells treated with combined RNAi-hTR and-hTERT.Gene chip analysis revealed that 21 genes were down-regulated(ATM,BAX,BCL2,BCL2L1,BIRC5,CD44,CTNNB1,E2F1,JUN,MCAM,MTA1,MYC,NFKB1,NFKBIA,NME4,PNN,PNN,SERPINE1,THBS1,TNFRSF1A,and UCC1).The results indicated that hTR-siRNA and hTERT-siRNA,especially their combination,siRNA hTR+hTERT,specifically and effectively suppressed the expression of both hTR and hTERT mRNA and telomerase activity.Molecular biological mechanism by which combined siRNA-TR and-TERT inhibited telomerase activity and growth of BIU-87 cells in vitro may involve the down-regulation of the 21 genes.

Diagnosing upper tract urothelial carcinoma: A review of the role of diagnostic ureteroscopy and novel developments over last two decades

Objective: The role of ureteroscopy in the diagnosis of upper tract urothelial carcinoma is yet to be fully determined. We aimed to provide an up to date evaluation of its role and the emerging technologies in the field.Methods: A literature search of the last two decades (from 24th May, 2001 to 24th May, 2021) was carried out identifying 147 papers for potential inclusion within this narrative review.Results: Diagnostic ureteroscopy is undeniably useful in its ability to visualise and biopsy indeterminate lesions, and to risk stratify malignant lesions that may be suitable for kidney sparing surgery. However, an increased risk of intravesical recurrence following nephroureterectomy when a prior diagnostic ureteroscopy has been performed, inadequate sampling at biopsy, complications from the procedure, and difficult ureteric access are all potential drawbacks. Furthermore, whilst generally an accurate diagnostic procedure, it risks missing carcinoma in-situ lesions. Despite this, evidence shows that routine use of ureteroscopy changes the management of patients in a large proportion of cases, preventing unnecessary surgery or facilitating kidney sparing surgery. The overall rate of complications is low, and improved biopsy techniques and the use of tissue biomarkers for improved staging and grading are encouraging. The risks of delays to definitive management and post-ureteroscopy intravesical recurrence do not seem to affect survival, and trials are in progress to determine whether intravesical therapy can mitigate the latter. Further promising techniques are being investigated to improve shortcomings, particularly in relation to improved diagnosis of carcinoma in situ and preoperative staging.Conclusion: Ureteroscopy has a role in the diagnosis of upper tract malignancy, though whether it should be used routinely is yet to be determined.

Relationship between the Expression of RASSF1A Protein and Promoter Hypermethylation of RASSF1A Gene in Bladder Tumor

To investigate the relationship between the expression of RASSF1A protein and promoter hypermethylation of RASSF1A gene, RASSF1A protein expression was measured by Western blotting in 10 specimens of normal bladder tissues and 23 specimens of bladder transitional cell carcinoma （BTCC）. The promoter methylation in BTCC and normal bladder tissues was detected by methylation-specific PCR （MSP）. The results showed that the expression level of RASSF1A protein was significantly lower in BTCC tissues than that in normal bladder tissues. However, it was not correlated with its clinical stages and pathological grades. The frequency of promoter methylation of RASSF1A gene was higher in BTCC tissues than that in normal bladder tissues. In 14 patients with the aberrant promoter methylation, 13 showed loss or low expression of RASSF 1A protein. It is concluded that RASSF1A gene promoter methylation may contribute to the low level or loss of RASSF1A protein expression, the inactivation of RASSF1A gene and the genesis of BTCC. But, it may bear no correlation with its clinical stages and pathological grades.

Upregulation of cell adhesion through delta Np63 silencing in human 5637 bladder cancer cells

Some researchs have demonstrated that the loss of delta Np63 is associated with aggressive phenotypes and poor prognosis. However, other research indicates that delta Np63 is considered to have oncogenic properties. Delta Np63 overexpression is often observed in association with the oncogenic growth of squamous cell carcinomas and bladder cancer. In this study, we investigated the oncogenic role of delta Np63 in regulating cell adhesion in transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder （TCCB）. The cells were stably transfected with the delta Np63 short hairpin RNA （shRNA） plasmid. Immunocytochemistry was performed to determine the knockdown efficiency. Tumour cells were studied for their ability to adhere to vascular endothelial cells. Confocal microscopy was used to analyse the changes in cytoskeletal F-actin. F-actin expression was measured by flow cytometry. Cell invasion ability was assessed using transwell chambers. The delta Np63-silenced tumour cells were shown to adhere more tightly than controls to vascular endothelial cells （P〈0.05）. The content of F-actin in the delta Np63-silenced cells was enhanced （P〈0.05）. The Matrigel invasion assays showed that human 5637 bladder cancer cells had a lower degree of motility when transfected with pdelta Np63-shRNA （P〈0.05）. In conclusion, silencing of the delta Np63 expression can enhance the adhesiveness of 5637 cells by inducing F-actin cytoskeleton production, and it will possibly inhibit the TCCB invasion and metastasis.

Blockage of IGF-1R signaling sensitizes urinary bladder cancer cells to mitomycin-mediated cytotoxicity

A major problem which is poorly understood in the management of bladder cancer is low sensitivity to chemotherapy and high recurrence after transurethral resection. Insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R) signaling plays a very important role in progression, invasion and metastasis of bladder cancer cells. In this study, we investigated whether IGF-1R was involved in the growth stimulating activity and drug resistance of bladder cancer cells. The results showed: The mRNAs of IGF-1, IGF-2 and IGF-1R were strongly expressed in serum-free cultured T24 cell line, whereas normal urothelial cells did not express these factors/receptors or only in trace leve1s; T24 cell responded far better to growth stimulation by IGF-1 than did normal urothelial cells; blockage of IGF1R by antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) significantly inhibited the growth of T24 cell and enhanced sensitivity and apoptosis of T24 cells to mitomycin (MMC). These results suggested that blockage of IGF-IR signaling might potentially contribute to the treatment of bladder cancer cells which are insensitive to chemotherapy.

Vascular endothelial growth factor,p53,and the H-ras oncogene in Egyptian patients with bladder cancer

AIM:To evaluate the relationship between vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF),p53,and the H-ras oncogene and different clinicopathological parameters in Egyptian patients with Schistosoma-associated transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder.METHODS:The study included 50 patients with transitional cell carcinoma for whom radical cystectomy and urinary diversions were carried out.VEGF and p53 protein expressions were evaluated with an immunohistochemical staining method,and H-ras oncogene mutations were analyzed with a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism(PCR-RFLP) technique.RESULTS:High grade tumors revealed higher p53 immunostaining than low grade tumors(P = 0.016).p53 and VEGF protein expressions,as well as H-ras oncogene mutations,had an insignificant impact on patient outcomes(P = 0.962,P = 0.791,and P = 967,respectively).Cancer extension to regional lymph nodes was associated with poor outcomes(P = 0.008).CONCLUSION:VEGF,p53 and the H-ras oncogene have no relation to patient survival and outcome in Schistosoma-associated transitional cell carcinoma.

STEAP1在膀胱移形细胞癌中的表达及其潜在诊断价值

目的探索前列腺六段扩膜上皮抗原1(STEAP1)在膀胱移行细胞癌中的表达及其潜在诊断价值。方法选取2021年6月至2022年12月于中国人民解放军联勤保障部队第九四O医院行外科手术治疗的52例膀胱移行细胞癌患者作为观察组,另外选取同期年龄、性别、基础疾病患病率等基础临床资料匹配的膀胱良性肿瘤患者52例作为对照组。通过酶联免疫吸附试验法、实时荧光定量聚合酶链反应测定两组患者膀胱肿瘤组织中STEAP1及STEAP1 mRNA相对表达水平,以及对比不同病理参数患者膀胱肿瘤组织中STEAP1及STEAP1 mRNA相对表达水平。通过Spearman相关性分析、二元Logistic回归分析筛选膀胱移行细胞癌发生及临床分期的危险因素,通过受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线及曲线下面积(AUC)评价各指标对膀胱移行细胞癌的诊断及预测价值。结果观察组膀胱肿瘤组织中STEAP1及STEAP1 mRNA相对表达水平均显著高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。中晚期膀胱移行细胞癌患者膀胱肿瘤组织中STEAP1及STEAP1 mRNA相对表达水平均显著高于早期膀胱移行细胞癌患者,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。通过二元Logistic回归分析表明,患者膀胱肿瘤组织中STEAP1及STEAP1 mRNA相对表达水平增高均是膀胱移行细胞癌发生及中晚期膀胱移行细胞癌的独立危险因素(P<0.05)。ROC曲线分析显示,患者膀胱肿瘤组织中STEAP1及STEAP1 mRNA独立预测膀胱移行细胞癌发生的AUC分别为0.841(95%CI:0.760~0.922,P<0.001)、0.936(95%CI:0.893~0.980,P<0.001),均具有较高的预测效能。结论膀胱移行细胞癌患者膀胱肿瘤组织中STEAP1及STEAP1 mRNA相对表达水平与膀胱移行细胞癌发生及中晚期膀胱移行细胞癌呈正相关,提示STEAP1可作为诊断、预测膀胱移行细胞癌发生、发展的潜在标志物。

犬膀胱移行上皮癌伴发远端肋骨转移的病例分析

犬膀胱移行上皮癌是犬的恶性肿瘤,有50%的病例发生远端转移。临床接诊1例长期血尿并出现渐进性跛行的德国牧羊犬,经过临床基本检查、血液学检查(血常规检查和血液生化检查)、影像学检查(DR检查和CT检查)、细胞学检查等方法进行诊断,确诊为膀胱移行上皮癌并伴有远端肋骨转移。采用米托蒽醌和吡罗昔康联合化疗方案,6个月后病情恶化。该病例的诊治过程为膀胱移行上皮癌的诊断和治疗提供了参考。

Survivin mRNA expression in urine as a biomarker for patients with transitional cell carcinoma of bladder

Transitional cell carcinoma （TCC） of bladder is the most common malignant tumor in uropoiesis system. Up to date, there is still lack of an ideal marker for the diagnosis of TCC except CT and MRI imaging and cystoscopy. Cystoscopy is an invasive examination, which increases the possibility of urinary tract infection. Urine cytology has low sensitivity （21%--40%） in diagnosis of bladder cancer, especially for those with medium or high differentiation. The specificity is often affected by factors such as specimen collection, urinary tract infection, etc. Detecting the expression of survivin mRNA in urine by real time-PCR is simple in specimen collection and is sensitive and relatively specific, which provides a simple and noninvasive diagnostic method for TCC. Moreover it allows comparing the gene expression levels at different stages and grades of TCC, which can help define malignancy degree of TCC.