The role of TSG-۶ and uroplakin III in bladder pain syndrome/ interstitial cystitis in rats and humans

Objective(s):We investigated the relationship between the expression of tumor necrosis factor-inducible gene ۶ (TSG-۶) 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.   Materials and Methods: Expression of TSG-۶ 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-۶ administration on disease progression. Treatment effects were assessed by measurement of metabolic characteristics, RT-PCR of TGR-۶ and interleukin-۶, bladder histomorphology, and immunohistochemistry of TGR-۶ and uroplakin III. Results: The bladders of patients with BPS/IC had lower expression of uroplakin III and higher expression of TSG-۶ than controls. Rats treated with hyaluronidase for ۱ week developed the typical signs and symptoms of BPS/IC, and rats treated with hyaluronidase for ۴ weeks had more serious disease. Administration of TSG-۶ reversed the effects of hyaluronidase and protected against disease progression. Conclusion:Our results indicate that TSG-۶ plays an important role in maintaining the integrity of the bladder epithelial barrier.

Keywords:

Bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis , Immunofluorescence staining , Interleukin-۶ , TSG-۶ , Uroplakin III