p53 mediates interstitial cystitis antiproliferative factor (APF)-induced growth inhibition of human urothelial cells

AbstractAntiproliferative factor (APF) is a sialoglycopeptide elevated in the urine of patients with interstitial cystitis, a urinary bladder disorder of unknown etiology that is characterized by chronic pelvic pain. The present study was directed toward uncovering a pathway through which APF signals. Treatment of human urothelial cells with native APF resulted in growth inhibition accompanied by blockade of cell cycle transit and increased p53. Reduced expression of p53 by RNA interference diminished, while ectopic expression of p53 mimicked, the effects of APF. These are the first findings implicating the network of p53 target genes in urothelial defects associated with interstitial cystitis

Drug delivery systems in urology—getting “smarter”

Urology holds the most enviable position in the medical firmament. Unique among specialties in bringing the surgeon in contact with humans throughout the spectrum of human life—from newborn to geriatric patients—urologists need to be adept at both medical and surgical therapies alike. In this context, drug delivery in urology has had a long, and sometimes far from illustrious, history. Traditionally, many genitourinary conditions have been treated with medications administered orally, which requires larger doses, with the concomitant side effects