Increased urinary levels of Tamm-Horsfall glycoprotein suggest a systemic etiology of interstitial cystitis.

Bade, J J; Marrink, J; Karrenbeld, A; van der Weele, L; Mensink, H J · J Urol · 1996

case_control · Level III

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Abstract

We investigated the role of Tamm-Horsfall protein in interstitial cystitis. Urinary Tamm-Horsfall protein excretion was analyzed in interstitial cystitis patients and controls, and bladder biopsy specimens were stained immunohistochemically for Tamm-Horsfall protein. Urinary Tamm-Horsfall protein levels in 28 women with interstitial cystitis were statistically significantly greater than those in 25 female controls. No positive staining for Tamm-Horsfall protein was demonstrated in the bladder tissue from 10 interstitial cystitis cases. The results support the notion that interstitial cystitis may have a systemic etiology. In addition, this assay might have clinical value in the diagnosis of interstitial cystitis.

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