Co-expression of stem cell factor and interleukin 6 in interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome and their relationship with mast cells

Abstract

Objective To investigate the expression of stem cell factor (SCF),interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tryptase in bladder epithelia,and their relationship with mast cells in interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS).Methods The protein expression levels and localizations of SCF,IL-6 and tryptase in IC/BPS and normal bladder epithelial tissues were determined by using immunohistochemistry.The mRNA and protein expression levels of SCF,IL-6 and tryptase were detected by using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blotting in IC/BPS and normal bladder epithelial tissues respectively.Results The mRNA and protein expression levels of SCF,IL-6 and tryptase in IC/BPS bladder epithelial tissues were higher than those in normal bladder epithelial tissues (both P ＜ 0.05).The number of mast cells in IC/BPS bladder epithelia tissues was significantly greater than in normal bladder epithelial tissues,and mast cells were found in close proximity of bladder epithelial cells.In addition,the mRNA expression levels of SCF and tryptase displayed a strong positive correlation (r =0.844,P ＜ 0.01).Conclusion The responses of mast cells in IC/BPS may be the result of hyperstimulation by local bladder epithelial SCF and IL-6 co-expression. Key words: Interstitial cystitis; Mast cell; Stern cell factor; Interleukin 6