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Submitted: May 19, 2015
Accepted: June 12, 2016
Published online: July 8, 2016
Introduction Urothelium is a highly specialized type of epithelium covering the interior of the urinary tract. One of the structures responsible for its unique features are urothelial plaques formed from glycoprotein heteropolymers, the uroplakins. Four types of uroplakins are known - UPIa, UPIb, UPII, UPIII. Herein we review the current status of knowledge about uroplakins and discuss their potential clinical applications.
Material and methods A PubMed search was conducted to find original and review papers about uroplakins.
Results Uroplakins can be detected in tissue, urine and blood. The process of urothelial plaque formation is complex and its disturbances resulting in incorrect plaque formation might be responsible for some pathological states. Additionally, uroplakins might be associated with other pathological processes i.e. urothelial cancer or infections of the urinary tract.
Conclusions Uroplakins as the end-product of urothelial cells have unique features and a complex structure. These glycoproteins can be involved in some diseases of the urinary tract and as such can be used as potential targets for intervention and markers of the disease.
Key Words: uroplakin <> urothelium <> urothelial cancer <> interstitial cystitis <> vesicoureteral reflux <> urinary tract infection
INTRODUCTION
Urothelium is a highly specialized structure, which primary function is to protect against penetration of toxic substances from the urine back into the body. It lines the renal pelvis, ureter, bladder and partially the urethra - the structures that are in constant contact with urine. Urothelium is considered to be transitional epithelium, despite the fact that superficial layers of the epithelium are not connected with the basal membrane. This epithelium is unique in its properties (e.g., electrical resistance of 75000 Q/cm2, which is higher than the epidermis, which separates the organism from the external environment), and that is mainly attributable to uroplakins [1]. The aim of this article is to show possible clinical applications of uroplakins.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A PubMed search was performed using the keyword 'uroplakin'. The database of articles was closed on 01 Apr 2015. 443 records were retrieved and all publications were read and assessed for significance. References of selected articles were also analyzed for significance.
Structure and functions of uroplakins
Uroplakins are cell...