Login to Access Video or Poster Abstract: MP31-07
Sources of Funding: none

Introduction

C-kit, as known a receptor tyrosine kinase protein and a receptor of stem cell factor (SCF), not only acts as a marker of interstitial cells of Cajal, but also plays a significant role in the control of bladder spontaneous activity. And it could be an interesting target for the clinical treatment of overactive bladder (OAB). Although SCF binding to c-kit is associated with various biologic phases, the distribution and role of SCF in the urinary bladder remain unknown. Thus, we speculated that c-kit and its ligand SCF could play an important role in the control of bladder function. The objective of this study was to investigate whether SCF affects the biological behaviour of OAB.

Methods

Differentiation between OAB and control was based on symptoms and a questionnaire of Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS). Urinary SCF levels were measured in patients with OAB and in control subjects by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The urinary SCF levels were compared among controls and OAB groups, and also between OAB patients ?75 years and <75 years.

Results

A total of 93 women with OAB and 71 controls were enrolled. The mean age was 74.1± 13.0 years for the OAB groups and 67.1± 15.6 years for the control group. The average urinary SCF/creatinine levels in OAB patients was 1.589 ± 2.837, and in the control group was 0.558 ± 0.773 (p<0.001) (Fig.1). Analysis of urinary SCF/Cr levels among OAB group and controls by age showed no significant differences.

Conclusions

Urinary SCF levels were significantly higher in women with OAB. The urinary SCF level was not associated with ageing in OAB patients and controls. These results suggested that the SCF/C-kit pathway has a potential of contribution to the onset of OAB, and urinary stem cell factor might become the evaluable biomarker of OAB in women, objectively.

Funding

none