title: Plasma human neutrophil proteins-1, -2, and -3 levels in patients with bladder cancer.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Human neutrophil proteins-1, -2, and -3 (HNPs -1, -2, and -3) are expressed in several tumor types. However, the role of HNPs 1-3 in human bladder cancer has not yet been determined. We investigated the association between the plasma levels of HNPs 1-3 and clinicopathological parameters in bladder cancer patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  The plasma levels of HNPs 1-3 were measured in 60 patients with bladder cancer and in 58 healthy controls. The plasma levels of HNPs 1-3 were determined by a solid-phase enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Plasma samples were obtained before surgery. Plasma samples were permitted to clot and were then stored at -80 °C until use.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The levels of the HNPs increased from grade 1 to 4 tumors and this difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Additionally, plasma HNP levels were significantly higher in patients with metastatic bladder cancer and in patients with lymphovascular involvement, metastasis of the lymph nodes, and increased tumor burden (p < 0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The preoperative plasma levels of HNPs 1-3 paralleled the progression and pathological stages of the malignancies. This study suggests that HNPs 1-3 promote tumor invasion and are potential indicators of disease progression in patients with bladder cancer.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Medical Faculty, Yuzuncu Yil University, Van, Turkey.
authors.forename: Mustafa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gunes
authors.forename: Ilhan
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Gecit
authors.forename: Necip
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Pirincci
authors.forename: Ahu Sarbay
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Kemik
authors.forename: Sevim
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Purisa
authors.forename: Kadir
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ceylan
authors.forename: Mehmet
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Aslan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000097:blood; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D001749:Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / Q000097:blood* / Q000473:pathology; D023084:alpha-Defensins / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D023084:alpha-Defensins; C406413:human neutrophil peptide 1; C406416:human neutrophil peptide 2; C406427:human neutrophil peptide 3