Biomarkers for Interstitial Cystitis

Two biomarkers have been found for interstitial cystitis (IC), a chronic and painful pelvic disease for which there is currently no test.

The biomarkers were isolated by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh (PA, USA) in two separate studies. Their discovery may lead to a definitive test for IC and to new therapies. The findings of the two studies were presented at the annual meeting of the American Urological Association in San Antonio (TX, USA) in May 2005.

In one study, researchers used a proteomic approach to identify specific markers related to IC. By comparing protein expression in the bladder tissue of two animal models of IC to expression in the tissue of a normal animal, the investigators found three nuclear proteins that were unique to the animals with IC. These were identified as transgelin (SM-22), ras suppressor protein (RSU-1), and GAPDH.

In the other study, the researchers investigated the expression of SM-22 in both normal and IC-model bladders and found early down-regulation, evident as early as day one, which shows that the absence of SM-22 can potentially be used as an early diagnostic marker for IC. More research is planned on SM-22 to determine its functional role, which could lead to future molecular-targeted therapies.

"Patients undergo a variety of tests to rule out other diseases, all while experiencing significant pain and discomfort,” said Michael Chancellor, M.D., professor, department of urology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. "Only after these tests come back negative, can a doctor make the diagnosis of IC.”




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