Co regulated expression of TGF b Variants and miR 21 in bladder cancer.
PURPOSE To investigate a potential alteration in the expression levels of transforming growth factor b (TGF b) and miR 21 in bladder cancer tissues. MATERIAL AND METHODS Using real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method, we examined a potential correlated expression of miR 21 and TGF b variants in 30 bladder tumors and their marginal/non tumor biopsy specimens obtained from the same patients. RESULTS Our data revealed a significant down regulation of TGF b variants (P .03) along with a non significant alteration in the expression of miR 21 in tumor vs. non tumor samples. However, in contrast to low grade tumors, the expression of miR 21 was upregulated in high grade ones, and the expression level can efficiently discriminate low grade tumors from high grade ones (P .03) CONCLUSION In accordance to the observed similarity between TGF b variants and miR 21 gene expression alterations in bladder tumors, treating 5637 bladder cancer cell line with TGF b recombinant protein caused a significant upregulation of miR 21. The later finding further confirmed a correlated expression of TGF b and miR 21 in bladder tumors.
Urology journal