The Diagnostic Value of Nuclear Matrix Proteins in Bladder Cancer in the Aspect of Environmental Risk from Carcinogens

Nuclear matrix protein 22 in bladder cancer

Bladder cancer (BC) is ranked as the ninth most common malignancy worldwide, with approximately 570,000 new cases reported annually and over 200,000 deaths. Cystoscopy remains the gold standard for the diagnosis of BC, however, its invasiveness, cost, and discomfort have driven the demand for the development of non-invasive, cost-effective alternatives. Nuclear matrix protein 22 (NMP22) is a promising non-invasive diagnostic tool, having received FDA approval. Traditional methods for detecting NMP22 require a laboratory environment equipped with specialized equipment and trained personnel, thus, the development of NMP22 detection devices holds substantial potential for application. In this review, we evaluate the NMP22 sensors developed over the past decade, including electrochemical, colorimetric, and fluorescence biosensors. These sensors have enhanced detection sensitivity and overcome the limitations of existing diagnostic methods. However, many emerging devices exhibit deficiencies that limit their potential clinical use, therefore, we propose how sensor design can be optimized to enhance the likelihood of clinical translation and discuss the future applications of NMP22 as a legacy biomarker, providing insights for the design of new sensors.

Comparative nuclear matrix proteome analysis of skeletal muscle cells in different cellular states

The nuclear matrix (NuMat) serves as the structural framework for organizing and maintaining nuclear architecture, however, the mechanisms by which this non-chromatin compartment is constructed and regulated are poorly understood. This study presents a proteomic analysis of the NuMat isolated from cultured skeletal muscle cells in three distinct cellular states- proliferating myoblasts (MBs), terminally differentiated myotubes (MTs), and mitotically quiescent (G0) myoblasts. About 40% of the proteins identified were found to be common in the NuMat proteome of these morphologically and functionally distinct cell states. These proteins, termed as the "core NuMat," define the stable, conserved, structural constituent of the nucleus, with functions such as RNA splicing, cytoskeletal organization, and chromatin modification, while the remaining NuMat proteins showed cell-state specificity, consistent with a more dynamic and potentially regulatory function. Specifically, myoblast NuMat was enriched in cell cycle, DNA replication and repair proteins, myotube NuMat in muscle differentiation and muscle function proteins, while G0 NuMat was enriched in metabolic, transcription, and transport proteins. These findings offer a new perspective for a cell-state-specific role of nuclear architecture and spatial organization, integrated with diverse cellular processes, and implicate NuMat proteins in the control of the cell cycle, lineage commitment, and differentiation.

Preliminary Evaluation of the Diagnostic Usefulness of Uroplakin 2 with an Assessment of the Antioxidant Potential of Patients with Bladder Cancer

Background

Urothelial carcinoma is the most common type of bladder cancer (BC). It makes up more than 90% of all bladder cancers. Uroplakins are tissue-specific, glycoproteins, playing a role in the construction and function of urothelium. The emergence of uroplakins in the urine and/or plasma may be of potential importance in the early detection of BC. In our study, the diagnostic value of plasma and urine uroplakin 2 (UP2) concentration in bladder cancer was investigated, with an assessment of the antioxidant potential of BC patients. The correlation between UP2, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and concentration of glutathione (GSH) was also examined.

Materials and Methods

This study included 61 BC patients and 33 healthy controls. UP2 concentration was estimated by the immunoenzymatic method (ELISA). TAC and GSH were determined in spectrophotometrically methods.

Results

UP2 concentration in BC patients was significantly higher (p≤0.001) both in plasma and in urine compared to the control groups (C). TAC concentration in urine (p≤0.001) and GSH concentration in plasma (p=0.047) were significantly lower in BC group compared to the C group. The high specificity and sensitivity for UPK2 in plasma (76%, 80%, respectively) and urine (88%, 84%, respectively) were observed. Positive correlations were observed between concentration of UP2 in plasma and TAC concentration in urine and between UP2 concentration in plasma and GSH concentration in the same material.

Conclusion

The study showed the early diagnostic value of urine and plasma UP2 in BC. There was a decrease in UP2 concentration in the urine of patients with the development of BC. The decrease of antioxidant systems (TAC, GSH) indicates their relationship with the BC process. Based on the obtained results, it is justified to continue the study in a larger group of patients with BC.

Low molecular weight proteins and enzymes in the urine of patients with bladder cancer - a pilot study

Introduction

A steady increase in cases of bladder cancer (BC) has been observed. Detection of unfavorable changes, especially in the early stages of disease, is crucial to medical procedure. There is still a need to search for new, non-invasive biomarkers of BC. The aim of this study was to estimate the levels of selected low molecular weight proteins (LMWP) and enzymes in the urine of patients at different BC stages and grades.

Material and methods

Urine samples from 46 patients with BC and 16 healthy controls were examined. We measured levels of LMWP such as: retinol-binding protein (RBP), β2 -microglobulin (β2M), enzymes: N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG), isoform (NAG-B) and also neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL).

Results

The levels of all examined parameters differed between patients and healthy subjects. Levels of NAG (p = 0.031), NAG-B (p = 0.023) and NGAL (p = 0.008), and total protein (p = 0.007) concentrations, were significantly higher in the BC patients than in the control group. Among the examined parameters, positive significant correlations were observed only between urinary NGAL concentration and tumor stages and grades. The highest percentages of changes in NGAL concentration were observed in tumor in situ (TIS) and G3grade patients.

Conclusions

Our study showed that urinary NGAL concentrations, as well as NAG and NAG-B activity, could be helpful noninvasive parameters for the diagnosis of BC. The most promising seems to be NGAL determination, but further study is needed on a larger group of participants in order to confirm this observation.

Urine exosome gene expression of cancer-testis antigens for prediction of bladder carcinoma

Background

Exosomes have been regarded as emerging tools for cancer diagnosis. Tumor-derived exosomes contain molecules that enhance cancer progression and affect immune responses.

Material and methods

In the present study, we evaluated expression of seven cancer-testis antigens (CTAs) that are regarded as putative biomarkers and immunotherapeutic targets along with NMP22 in urinary exosomes of bladder cancer patients, healthy subjects and patients affected with nonmalignant urinary disorders.

Results

Exosomal expression of MAGE-B4 was significantly higher in bladder cancer patients compared with normal samples (expression ratio=2.68, P=0.01). However, its expression was lower in bladder cancer patients compared with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) patients (expression ratio=0.17, P=0.01). Exosomal expression of NMP22 was significantly higher in bladder cancer patients compared with BPH patients (expression ratio=9.22, P=0.02). Expressions of other genes were not significantly different between bladder cancer patients and normal/nonmalignant samples. We found significant correlation between MAGE-A3 and MAGE-B4 expressions in exosomes obtained from controls. In addition, TSGA10 expression was correlated with expression of NMP22 in both cancer patients and controls.

Conclusion

The present study provides evidences for differential expression of CTAs in urinary exosomes of bladder cancer patients and urogenital disorders and warrants further studies for assessment of their significance in cancer diagnosis and immunotherapeutic approaches.

Uroplakin IIIa Is a Marker in Bladder Cancer but Seems Not to Reflect Chemical Carcinogenesis

Background

Uroplakins are glycoproteins investigated as potential markers of urothelial carcinoma. However, their role in chemical carcinogenesis is uncertain. In this study the diagnostic value of plasma and urine uroplakin IIIa (UPIIIa) levels in bladder cancer (BC) was investigated, particularly in the aspect of environmental exposure to chemical carcinogens, measured by DNA damage and detoxification ability in the BC smoking group. The correlation between uroplakin, 8-OHdG, and GSTπ was investigated.

Material and Methods

This study included 61 BC patients and 33 healthy controls. UPIIIa, 8-OHdG, and GSTπ levels were estimated by the immunoenzymatic method (ELISA).

Results

UPIIIa levels were elevated in BC patients in plasma (p≤0.001) and in urine (p≤0.001), as were 8-OHdG and GSTπ levels in urine. Moreover, the 8-OHdG level was higher in invasive or high grade tumors. A positive correlation between UPIIIa/GSTπ and 8-OHdG/GSTπ was observed, but no UPIIIa/8-OHdG correlation was noted.

Conclusion

The study showed the diagnostic value of urine and plasma UPIIIa in BC (good sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value). The lack of UPIIIa correlation with 8-OHdG and smoking suggests that UPIIIa does not reflect the environmental exposure. The increased levels of 8-OHdG and GSTπ in the invasive tumor stage indicate their value in BC monitoring.