Expression and Significance of the GDF11 Protein in Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction (UPJO)

Abstract

Background To explore the expression of growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11), a member of the TGF-β superfamily, in pediatric ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) patients. Methods Five patients diagnosed with severe neonatal hydronephrosis underwent laparoscopic pyeloplasty between January 2021 and November 2022. Tissue samples from the constricted ureteropelvic junction and adjacent normal ureteral segments served as controls. The presence of the GDF11 protein in these tissues was examined using immunohistochemistry and Western blot techniques. Subsequently, a statistical analysis compared the protein expression levels in both groups. Results Immunohistochemical staining revealed that the frequency of high GDF11 protein expression in the narrowed ureter (60%) was significantly greater than that in the normal ureter (40%). Western blot analysis indicated that the expression of GDF11 was significantly greater in the narrowed ureter than in the normal ureter. Conclusions The increased expression of GDF11 in UPJO is noteworthy and deserves clinical attention.