Possible role of telomerase and sFas in pathogenesis of various bladder lesions associated with schistosomiasis

ObjectivesTo find the role of telomerase and sFas in the pathogenesis of various bladder lesions associated with schistosomiasis and to correlate the results with clinicopathological parameters.Design and methodsOne hundred bladder samples were taken, including 65 cases with bladder cancer, 25 cases with chronic cystitis and 10 samples from normal bladder tissue as control. Telomerase activity was measured using TRAP and hTERT techniques. Also, sFas was detected by ELISA technique in serum of all patients.ResultsTRAP activity was detected in 78.5%; there was a significant increase in the number of positive cases in schistosomal urothelial carcinoma (TCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) compared to control and non-schistosomal urothelial carcinoma at (p < 0.01 for each). TRAP activity was positive in 100% of high grade urothelial carcinoma compared to low grade and 92% positive in invasive tumors compared to non invasive tumors. hTERT protein was detected in 75.4% of bladder cancer cases; there was a significant increase in the number of positive cases in schistosomal urothelial carcinoma and SCC compared to control and non schistosomal urothelial carcinoma (p < 0.01 for each). hTERT was positive in 100% of high grade and invasive TCC. sFas was detected in 64.6% in bladder cancer cases; there was a significant increase in the number of positive cases in SCC compared to control and non-schistosomal urothelial carcinoma.ConclusionThere is an increase in telomerase activity and over-expression of hTERT proteins in schistosomal associated bladder cancer (SABC) in comparison to non schistosomal associated bladder cancer (non SABC). Also, there is an increase in sFas level in SCC compared to other the groups. Both, telomerase activity by TRAP and hTERT and sFas may be of significance in the development of SABC. They may also be useful markers to identify bladder carcinoma through telomerase inhibition.