Molecular Characterization of Microrna Interference and Aristolochic Acid Intoxication Found in Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma in Patients with Balkan Endemic Nephropathy: A Systematic Review of the Current Literature

• Published in: Balkan Journal of Medical Genetics
• Main Authors: Bašić D, Ignjatović I, Janković Veličković Lj, Veljković A
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Sciendo 2022-12-01
• Subjects: aristolochic acids; balkan endemic nephropathy; microrna; upper tract urothelial carcinoma
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.2478/bjmg-2022-0027

The term “aristolochic acid nephropathy” (AAN) is used to include any form of toxic interstitial nephropathy that is caused either by ingestion of plants containing aristolochic acids (AA) or by the environmental contaminants in food such as in Balkan endemic nephropathy (BEN). Aristolochic acid (AA) intoxication is strongly associated with the development of upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC); however, the underlying molecular mechanism remains to be defined. MicroRNAs (miRNA) regulate several biological processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, and metabolism, acting as oncogenes or tumor suppressors. A unique miRNA expression profile suggested that miRNAs could function as regulators in UTUC developmental processes.