Urinary proteins with pro-apoptotic and antitumor activity

Analysis of the protein composition of urine has been the subject of much r esearch that has captured the interest of scientific groups over the years. A number of factors have been isolated from urine that possess anti-neopla stic activities as seen both in vitro and in vivo studies. The urine from p regnant women and commercial preparations of crude clinical grade human cho rionic gonadotropin contain factors (HAF for hCG associated factor) with an ti-Kaposi's sarcoma activity. Also found in urine with activity are eosinop hil-derived neurotoxin (EDN), anti-neoplastic urinary protein (ANUP), inhib in, activin A, and angiostatin. The anti-cancer activity of urinary protein s is associated with apoptosis of endothelial cells and of tumor-associated endothelial cells. A better understanding of the biological functions of t hese various urinary proteins, and of others that remain to be discovered, should provide insights into novel cell regulatory systems operating during pregnancy.