What is antiproliferative factor?

Antiproliferative factor (APF) is a sialoglycopeptide elevated in the urine of patients with interstitial cystitis, a urinary bladder disorder of unknown etiology that is characterized by chronic pelvic pain.

Where is the antiproliferative factor APF produced?

We previously reported the discovery of an antiproliferative factor (APF) peptide (5) that is made uniquely by bladder epithelial cells from IC patients (6) and profoundly inhibits normal bladder epithelial cell growth (7).

What causes APF?

A unique glycopeptide, antiproliferative factor (APF), has been suggested as a urinary biomarker and potential mediator of long-term bladder disorder Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder Syndrome. There is no known cause for this disease.

What is APF in urine?

Background. Antiproliferative factor (APF) is a sialoglycopeptide elevated in the urine of patients with interstitial cystitis—a chronic, painful bladder disease.

Can interstitial cystitis be misdiagnosed?

Background: Interstitial cystitis (IC) does not start as an endstage disease, it has a beginning when symptoms are milder, intermittent and the disease is misdiagnosed.

What can mimic interstitial cystitis?

Since the symptoms of interstitial cystitis mimic other conditions, your physician may want to rule out the following before making a diagnosis:

• Kidney stone.
• Recurring urinary tract infection.
• Bladder cancer.
• Sexually transmitted diseases.
• Endometriosis (in women)
• Prostatitis (in men)

What can be mistaken for interstitial cystitis?

IC is often mistaken for a urinary tract infection (UTI) or bladder infection, which it is not. Some IC patients do have low levels of bacteria in their urine that don’t normally qualify as a urinary tract infection and others may have atypical bacteria, such as ureaplasm.