Altered bladder function in elastin-deficient mice at baseline and in response to partial bladder outlet obstruction

Effect of Sulforaphane on Bladder Compliance in a Rat Model of Partial Bladder Outlet Obstruction

Aims

To investigate the effect of Nrf2 activator sulforaphane (SFN) on bladder compliance and the underlying mechanisms in a rat model of partial bladder outlet obstruction (BOO).

Methods

Male 8-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups. BOO rats were given daily 0.5 mg/kg sulforaphane (BOO+SFN) or vehicle (BOO) intraperitoneally for 4 weeks, while sham-operated rats were treated with vehicle (Sham). Bladder compliance, histological alteration, and collagen deposition were evaluated. The expression levels of collagen I, collagen III, MMP-1, and TIMP-1 were measured by immunohistochemistry and western blotting.

Results

BOO led to a significant decrease in bladder compliance. The change was partially restored by SFN treatment. The expression of MMP-1 was significantly decreased accompanying with increased TIMP-1 expression in BOO rats compared with that in Sham rats, which was ameliorated by SFN treatment. Moreover, the increased collagen I/collagen III ratio in the BOO group was reversed by SFN treatment.

Conclusions

Sulforaphane suppressed collagen deposition by regulating the MMP-1 and TIMP-1 expression and decreasing the collagen I/III expression ratio in BOO rats and improved bladder compliance.

Elastin-driven genetic diseases

Elastic fibers provide recoil to tissues that undergo repeated deformation, such as blood vessels, lungs and skin. Composed of elastin and its accessory proteins, the fibers are produced within a restricted developmental window and are stable for decades. Their eventual breakdown is associated with a loss of tissue resiliency and aging. Rare alteration of the elastin (ELN) gene produces disease by impacting protein dosage (supravalvar aortic stenosis, Williams Beuren syndrome and Williams Beuren region duplication syndrome) and protein function (autosomal dominant cutis laxa). This review highlights aspects of the elastin molecule and its assembly process that contribute to human disease and also discusses potential therapies aimed at treating diseases of elastin insufficiency.

Combinational effects of muscarinic receptor inhibition and β3-adrenoceptor stimulation on neurogenic bladder dysfunction in rats with spinal cord injury

AIMS

To investigate the effects of combined therapy with an anticholinergic agent and a β3-adrenoceptor agonist on bladder dysfunction and proliferation-related molecule expression in rats with spinal cord injury (SCI).

METHODS

The spinal cord was transected at the level of T8-9 in female Sprague-Dawley rats, which were divided into four groups; A: Vehicle, B: 10 mg/kg/day of oxybutynin, C: 10 mg/kg/day of mirabegron, and D: combined administration of oxybutynin and mirabegron. Drugs were administered by oral gavage from 2 to 4 weeks after spinal cord transection. We evaluated urodynamic parameters and bladder tissue remodeling factors.

RESULTS

Non-voiding contractions (NVCs) during the storage phase of cystometrograms tended to be decreased in all three treated groups with a significant reduction in group D versus A. Bladder compliance was improved, and intercontraction intervals, voided volume and bladder capacity were increased in group D. In all three treated groups (B-D), the expression of HIF1-α and TGF-β1 was decreased compared to group A. The expression of collagen-III and bFGF was decreased in groups B and D. The total bladder elastin level was increased in group D.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination therapy of an anticholinergic agent and a β3-adrenoceptor agonist elevated the bladder elastin level, reduced NVCs, and increased bladder compliance more effectively than the monotherapy in SCI rats. Thus, the combination therapy could be effective for the treatment of neurogenic bladder dysfunction including bladder remodeling. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:1039-1045, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.