Association of urinary transforming growth factor-β1 with the ureteropelvic junction obstruction

We aimed to compare the level of urinary transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1 ) in children with ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) with the normal peers.

In this case-control study, we enrolled children with UPJO and matched normal peers. Sterile urine was collected from the subjects and urinary TGF-β1 was measured by ELISA method. Also, degree of the UPJO and the magnitude of the renal injury were assessed by ultrasonography and measuring glomerular filtration rate (GFR), respectively. Study variables were then compared between the study groups regarding the level of urinary TGF-β1 .

A total of 25 children with UPJO (age = 7.4 ± 4.5 years; male = 16) were compared with 25 healthy peers (age = 6.8 ± 5.6 years; male = 16). Mean GFR in the UPJO and the control group were 112.4 ± 10.1 and 123.29 ± 4.4, respectively. Mean urinary TGF-β1 in the UPJO group was 87.1 ± 12.6 pg/ml vs 30.5 ± 14.5 pg/ml in the control group. The level of urinary TGF-β1 was significantly associated with the degree of TGF-β1 and patients with grade IV hydronephrosis had the highest level of urinary TGF-β (P = 0.0001).

Based on our findings, biomarkers such as TGF-β1 can successfully be used for confirming UPJO. However, further studies are needed to determine the proper cut point for diagnosis confirmation.