Pharmacological treatment of chronic pelvic ischemia

A 2-week treatment with 5-azacytidine improved the hypercontractility state in prostate from obese mice: Role of the nitric oxide-cyclic guanosine monophosphate signalling pathway

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is characterised by increases in prostate volume and contraction. Downregulation of the nitric oxide (NO)-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) signalling pathway contributes to prostate dysfunctions. Previous studies in cancer cells or vessels have shown that the epigenetic mechanisms control the gene and protein expression of the enzymes involved in the production of NO and cGMP. This study is aimed to evaluate the effect of a 2-week treatment of 5-azacytidine (5-AZA), a DNA-methyltransferase inhibitor, in the prostate function of mice fed with a high-fat diet. Functional, histological, biochemical and molecular assays were carried out. Obese mice presented greater prostate weight, α-actin expression and contractile response induced by the α-1adrenoceptors agonist. The relaxation induced by the NO-donor and the protein expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) were significantly decreased in the prostate of obese mice. The treatment with 5-AZA reverted the higher expression of α-actin, reduced the hypercontractility state of the prostate and increased the expression of eNOS and sGC and intraprostatic levels of cGMP. When prostates from obese mice treated with 5-AZA were incubated in vitro with inhibitors of the NOS or sGC, the inhibitory effect of 5-AZA was reverted, therefore, showing the involvement of NO and cGMP. In conclusion, our study paves the way to develop or repurpose therapies that recover the expression of eNOS and sGC and, hence, to improve prostate function in BPH.

The prevalence and risk factors of different degrees of stress urinary incontinence in Chinese women: A community-based cross-sectional study

AIM

To investigate the prevalence of SUI and explore the factors that could influence the severity of SUI in adult females.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional study.

METHODS

A total of 1178 subjects were assessed using a risk-factor questionnaires and International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form (ICIQ-SF) and then divided into no SUI group, mild SUI group and moderate-to-severe SUI group according to the ICIQ-SF score. Univariate analysis between adjacent groups and ordered logistic regression models in three groups were then performed to analysis the possible associated factor with the progressive of SUI.

RESULTS

The prevalence of SUI among adult women was 22.2% of them; 16.2% and 6% had mild SUI and moderate-to-severe SUI, respectively. Moreover, logistic analysis revealed that age, BMI, smoking, position preference for urination, urinary tract infections, urinary leaks during pregnancy, gynaecological inflammation and poor sleep quality were independent risk for the severity of SUI.

CONCLUSION

SUI symptoms were mostly mild among Chinese females, specific risk factors such as unhealthy living habits and urination behaviours increased the risk of SUI and the aggravation of symptoms. Therefore, targeted interventions should be formulated for women to delay disease progression.

Oxidative Stress and Its Relation to Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms

The aim of this review is to discuss how to link lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and oxidative stress (OS) and to define relevant targets for therapeutic intervention. Narrative review based on published literature. Many of the multifactorial pathophysiological mechanisms behind LUTS can initiate reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Assuming that OS is a consequence rather than a primary cause of LUTS it seems reasonable to identify both the disease mechanism initiating LUTS, and the source of ROS involved. There are many possible sources of ROS overproduction, but the NADPH oxidase (NOX) family of enzymes is the primary source; NOX activation in turn, may result in the activation of secondary ROS sources, i.e., ROS-dependent ROS production. Selective NOX inhibition therefore seems an attractive therapeutic strategy in LUTS treatment. The finding of NOX2 localization to centers in the brain associated with micturition control, opens up for further studies of NOX involvement in the central control of micturition, normally and in disease. Further information on the localization of the different isoforms of NOX in the LUT e.g., the bladder wall and its components and the prostate, is desirable. To optimize treatment, the pathophysiological mechanism initiating LUTS, and the activated isoform of NOX, should be identified. Unfortunately, in most cases of LUTS this is currently not possible. Even if selective NOX inhibitors have entered the clinical trial stage for treatment of disorders other than LUT dysfunction, their efficacy for LUTS treatment has to be demonstrated. If this can be achieved, an attractive approach would be combination of selective NOX inhibition with established drug therapies.

Efectos del tadalafilo en el deseo sexual y la excitación/lubricación en mujeres postmenopáusicas

Objetivo Determinar los efectos y la seguridad del tadalafilo en el deseo sexual y la excitación/lubricación en mujeres postmenopáusicas.

Métodos Estudio cuasi experimental (con comparación antes de la intervención y después), con seguimiento de la cohorte de pacientes: 228 mujeres mayores de 40 años en postmenopausia, que consultaron por bajo deseo sexual y alteración de la excitación /lubricación, en una clínica sexológica en Armenia (Colombia), entre 2018 y 2019. Las mujeres recibieron 2,5 mg diarios de tadalafilo durante 12 semanas. Se determinaron las puntuaciones del instrumento, el Índice de Función Sexual Femenina (IFSF), cada cuatro semanas.

Resultados El promedio de edad fue de 54,36 ± 4,92 años. Antes del tratamiento, la media en la puntuación del IFSF fue de 22,41 puntos (intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC95%]: 7,11–29,76); a las 4 semanas, 24,73 puntos (IC95%: 23,51–30,28); a las 8 semanas, 25,97 puntos (IC95%: 24,26–31,53); y, al final, 26,99 puntos (IC95%: 25,97–32,46), con diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre las 4 medidas pareadas (p < 0,001). La excitación fue el dominio con mayor puntuación tras el tratamiento (4,83 puntos; IC 95%: 4,36–4,91), seguida por la lubricación (4,77 puntos; IC95%: 4,28–4,87). El deseo sexual mostró un significativo incremento al final del estudio (4,29 puntos; IC95%: 4,07–4,39). Se presentaron efectos adversos leves. Se observó una satisfacción con el consumo de tadalafilo del 84,21%.

Conclusiones El tratamiento diario con 2,5 mg de tadalafilo genera mejoría en la función sexual de mujeres en la postmenopausia, y el incremento en la puntuación del IFSF demuestra su efecto positivo.

The Effect of Low-Intensity Extracorporeal Shockwave Treatment on the Urinary Bladder in an Experimental Diabetic Rat Model

Purpose

Preclinical data increasingly support an impact of low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (Li-ESWT) on the bladder. We investigated the molecular effects of Li-ESWT on the bladder of a streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model.

Methods

Fifteen 8-week-old male Wistar rats were randomized into 3 groups: a control group (n=5), a group of diabetic rats without treatment (diabetes mellitus [DM], n=5) and a group of diabetic rats treated with Li-ESWT (DM-ESWT, n=5). A single intraperitoneal dose of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg) was used to induce diabetes. Twenty days after diabetes induction, each rat in the DM-ESWT group received 300 shockwaves with an energy flux density of 0.09 mJ/mm². Sessions were repeated 3 times/week for 2 weeks, followed by a 2-week washout period. Total RNA from bladder tissue was extracted, cDNA was synthesized, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to analyze the expression pattern of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (Trpv1), interleukin-1β (Il1b), and the muscarinic receptors M1, M2, and M3 (Chrm1, Chrm2, and Chrm3).

Results

The expression of Trpv1, Il1b, and Chrm2 genes was significantly different between the 3 groups (P=0.002, P<0.0001, and P=0.011, respectively; 1-way analysis of variance). In the DM group, the expression of all genes was higher than in the control group, but statistical significance was observed only for Trpv1 and Il1b (P=0.002 and P<0.0001, respectively). Li-ESWT significantly reduced the expression of Il1b and Chrm2 (P=0.001 and P=0.011, respectively), whereas a nonsignificant tendency for reduced expression was noted for Trpv1 (P=0.069).

Conclusions

The induction of diabetes was associated with increased expression of genes related to mechanosensation, inflammation/ischemia, and contraction in the rat bladder. Li-ESWT reduced the expression of IL1b, Chrm2, and to a lesser extent Trpv1 toward the control levels, suggesting the therapeutic potential of this treatment modality for diabetic cystopathy.

NO-mediated signal transmission in bladder vasculature as a therapeutic target of PDE5 inhibitors. Rodent model studies

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

While the bladder vasculature is considered as a target of PDE5 inhibitors to improve bladder storage dysfunctions, its characteristics are largely unknown. Thus, the functional and morphological properties of arteries/arterioles of the bladder focusing on the NO-mediated signal transmission were explored.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Diameter changes in rat bladder arteries/arterioles were measured using a video-tracking system. Intercellular Ca²⁺ dynamics in pericytes or smooth muscle cells (SMCs) of suburothelial arterioles were visualised using transgenic mice expressing GCaMP6 under control of the NG2- or parvalbumin-promoter. The perivascular innervation was investigated using fluorescence immunohistochemistry.

KEY RESULTS

In rat suburothelial arterioles and vesical arteries, tadalafil (100 nM) attenuated nerve-evoked sympathetic vasoconstrictions. In both vascular segments, tadalafil-induced inhibition of sympathetic vasoconstriction was prevented by N ω-propyl-l-arginine hydrochloride (l-NPA, 1 μM), an nNOS inhibitor or N ω-nitro-l-arginine (l-NA, 100 μM). Both vascular segments were densely innervated with nNOS-positive nitrergic nerves in close apposition to tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive sympathetic nerves. In pericyte-covered pre-capillary arterioles of the mouse bladder where sympathetic nerves were absent, nerve stimulation evoked transient reductions in pericyte Ca²⁺ levels that were shortened by l-NPA and abolished by l-NA. In SMC-containing arterioles, tadalafil (10 nM) caused a l-NPA-sensitive suppression of sympathetic Ca²⁺ transients. In mice, nitrergic perivascular nerves were distributed in the arterioles and the pre-capillary arterioles.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

Both nitrergic nerve and nerve-evoked endothelial NO release appear to be involved in vasodilatory signal transmission in bladder vasculature. The NO-mediated signal transmission is a potential target for PDE5 inhibitor therapy in bladder dysfunctions.

Excessive accumulation of visceral fat is associated with lower urinary symptoms including overactive bladder in female patients

Objective

To assess the relationship between visceral fat accumulation and lower urinary tract symptoms in female patients.

Methods

In this single‐center study, we enrolled all women who underwent screening abdominal computed tomography 3 months before the study, irrespective of whether they experienced lower urinary tract symptoms. The Overactive Bladder Symptom Score was used to assess subjective symptoms. Uroflowmetry and ultrasound assessment of post‐void residual urine were carried out to assess objective signs. We analyzed the relationship between lower urinary tract symptoms and various body fat accumulation parameters, including visceral fat area, visceral fat volume and total abdominal fat volume, assessed using computed tomography scans.

Results

A total of 182 patients were divided into the overactive bladder (n = 71, 39.0%) and the non‐overactive bladder (n = 111, 61.0%) groups. The visceral fat area, visceral fat volume and visceral fat volume/total abdominal fat volume values were all significantly higher in the overactive bladder group than in the non‐overactive bladder group (P < 0.001). Of these parameters, the visceral fat volume/total abdominal fat volume ratio showed the strongest correlation with the total Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (r = 0.394, P < 0.001). The maximum urine flow rate correlated negatively with the visceral fat volume/total abdominal fat volume value (visceral fat volume/total abdominal fat volume r = –0.289, P < 0.001). Subsequent multivariate analysis showed that a high visceral fat volume/total abdominal fat volume value, age and metabolic syndrome‐related diseases were independent risk factors for the presence of overactive bladder.

Conclusions

Excessive accumulation of visceral fat is independently associated with overactive bladder in females.

The impact of smoking on male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS)

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are substantially prevalent and increase with age. Research on smoking as a risk factor for LUTS has been inconclusive. The present study examined the association between smoking habits and male LUTS in a population-based study using a web-based questionnaire. We firstly screened a total of 10,000 male participants who were selected according to the age distribution in the Japanese population in government data, in order to check smoking habits. We then performed a web-based survey to further investigate factors associated with LUTS, using the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS), International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF), and International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaire. Finally, 9042 participants (non-smokers, n = 3545; ex-smokers, n = 3060; and current-smokers, n = 2437) completed the full continence survey. Current-smokers (2.54 ± 2.73, 1.98 ± 3.57, 5.75 ± 7.02) and ex-smokers (2.80 ± 2.52, 1.81 ± 3.10, 6.58 ± 6.96) showed significantly higher OABSS total, ICIQ-SF total, and IPSS total scores than non-smokers (1.98 ± 2.40, 1.35 ± 2.90, 4.23 + -/6.33) (p: < 0.0001, < 0.0001, < 0.0001, respectively). In comparison to non-smokers, the prevalence of risk ratio for day-time frequency, nocturia, urgency urinary incontinence (UUI), OAB, and IPSS ≥ 8 were 1.2 1.2 1.4 1.5 1.5, respectively, in current-smokers and 1.3, 1.5, 1.5, 4.5, 1.8 in ex-smokers. The relative risk of OAB, nocturia, UUI, and IPSS ≥ 8 in ex- and current-smokers in comparison to non-smokers was high in the young age groups in comparison to the elderly groups. Current-smokers and ex-smokers showed a higher prevalence of male LUTS. This phenomenon was highly observed in relatively young age groups.

Management of urinary incontinence in postmenopausal women: An EMAS clinical guide

INTRODUCTION

The prevalence of urinary incontinence and of other lower urinary tract symptoms increases after the menopause and affects between 38 % and 55 % of women aged over 60 years. While urinary incontinence has a profound impact on quality of life, few affected women seek care.

AIM

The aim of this clinical guide is to provide an evidence-based approach to the management of urinary incontinence in postmenopausal women.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Literature review and consensus of expert opinion.

SUMMARY RECOMMENDATIONS

Healthcare professionals should consider urinary incontinence a clinical priority and develop appropriate diagnostic skills. They should be able to identify and manage any relevant modifiable factors that could alleviate the condition. A wide range of treatment options is available. First-line management includes lifestyle and behavioral modification, pelvic floor exercises and bladder training. Estrogens and other pharmacological interventions are helpful in the treatment of urgency incontinence that does not respond to conservative measures. Third-line therapies (e.g. sacral neuromodulation, intravesical onabotulinum toxin-A injections and posterior tibial nerve stimulation) are useful in selected patients with refractory urge incontinence. Surgery should be considered in postmenopausal women with stress incontinence. Midurethral slings, including retropubic and transobturator approaches, are safe and effective and should be offered.

Synchrony of spontaneous Ca2+ activity in microvascular mural cells

Spontaneous rhythmic constrictions known as vasomotion are developed in several microvascular beds in vivo. Vasomotion in arterioles is considered to facilitate blood flow, while venular vasomotion would facilitate tissue metabolite drainage. Mechanisms underlying vasomotion periodically generate synchronous Ca²⁺ transients in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). In visceral organs, mural cells (pericytes and VSMCs) in arterioles, capillaries and venules exhibit synchronous spontaneous Ca²⁺ transients. Since sympathetic regulation is rather limited in the intra-organ microvessels, spontaneous activity of mural cells may play an essential role in maintaining tissue perfusion. Synchronous spontaneous Ca²⁺ transients in precapillary arterioles (PCAs)/capillaries appear to propagate to upstream arterioles to drive their vasomotion, while venules develop their own synchronous Ca²⁺ transients and associated vasomotion. Spontaneous Ca²⁺ transients of mural cells primarily arise from IP₃ and/or ryanodine receptor-mediated Ca²⁺ release from sarcoendoplasmic reticulum (SR/ER) Ca²⁺ stores. The resultant opening of Ca²⁺-activated Cl^- channels (CaCCs) causes a membrane depolarisation that triggers Ca²⁺ influx via T-type and/or L-type voltage-dependent Ca²⁺ channels (VDCCs). Mural cells are electrically coupled with each other via gap junctions, and thus allow the sequential spread of CaCC or VDCC-dependent depolarisations to develop the synchrony of Ca²⁺ transients within their network. Importantly, the synchrony of spontaneous Ca²⁺ transients also requires a certain range of the resting membrane potential that is maintained by the opening of K_v7 voltage-dependent K⁺ (K_v7) and inward rectifier K⁺ (K_ir) channels. Thus, a depolarised membrane would evoke asynchronous, 'premature' spontaneous Ca²⁺ transients, while a hyperpolarised membrane prevents any spontaneous activity.

Impact of smoking habit on overactive bladder symptoms and incontinence in women

Objective

To examine the correlation between smoking habit and lower urinary tract symptoms in women.

Methods

We first screened 10 000 female patients to examine their smoking habit. A total of 7004 samples were successfully collected for further analysis through a urinary continence survey. The ratio of current smoking to non‐smoking participants was set as 1:3 to allow thorough assessment of the impact of cigarette smoking on lower urinary tract symptoms.

Results

A total of 4756 complete responses were obtained for the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score and International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire‐Short Form questionnaire. The current smokers (2.54 ± 2.91, 2.48 ± 4.01) and ex‐smokers (2.27 ± 2.50, 2.25 ± 3.50) showed significantly higher Overactive Bladder Symptom Score and International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire‐Short Form scores than the non‐smokers (1.70 ± 2.05, 1.49 ± 2.73) (P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001 and P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001, respectively). The prevalence of urgency was affected by the smoking status. Younger participants (aged 20–39 years) showed a stronger influence of their smoking habit than older participants (aged ≥40 years). Urgency urinary incontinence was also affected by the smoking status.

Conclusions

The prevalence of urgency and urgency urinary incontinence is correlated with age and smoking habit, and both current and ex‐smokers show an increased prevalence of urgency and urgency urinary incontinence compared with non‐smokers, especially younger women.

New Insights about Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS)

BACKGROUND

Chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) is one of the common diseases in urology and gynecology. CPPS is a multifactorial disorder where pain may originate in any of the urogynecological, gastrointestinal, pelvic musculoskeletal, or nervous systems. The symptoms of CPPS appear to result from an interplay between psychological factors and dysfunction in the immune, neurological, and endocrine systems. The aim of this article was to present new insight about CPPS in order to raise awareness of nursing and medical staff in the identification and diagnosis of the syndrome and to promote an appropriate treatment for each woman who suffers from CPPS.

METHODS

A literature review about the factors associated with CPPS and therapeutic interventions for CPPS was conducted.

RESULTS

CPPS represents a chronic pain syndrome that combines anatomic malfunction of the pelvic floor muscles with malfunction of pain perception linked with psychological and cognitive factors.

CONCLUSIONS

The therapeutic interventions in CPPS cases should, consequently, follow a multidisciplinary approach.

Mirabegron causes vesical and urethral relaxation in rats with spinal cord injury

The effects of solifenacin and mirabegron on vesical and urethral function were compared in rats with or without spinal cord injury (SCI). Isovolumetric cystometry and urethral pressure recording were initially performed in intact rats. Then, the bladder neck was ligated under urethane anesthesia, after which a catheter was inserted through the bladder dome for isovolumetric cystometry and another catheter was inserted into the urethra to measure urethral pressure. Solifenacin (0.03-3 mg/kg) or mirabegron (0.03-3 mg/kg) was injected intravenously, and bladder and urethral activity were recorded. To create rats with SCI, the spinal cord was transected at the lower thoracic level under isoflurane anesthesia. After 2 weeks, a catheter was inserted through the bladder dome for single cystometry and bladder activity was recorded without anesthesia following intravenous injection of solifenacin or mirabegron. Isovolumetric cystometry revealed a larger decrease in maximum bladder contraction pressure after injection of solifenacin, whereas prolongation of the interval between bladder contractions was greater with mirabegron. In SCI rats, single cystometry showed that solifenacin and mirabegron both increased bladder volume at the first non-voiding bladder contraction and decreased the maximum bladder contraction pressure. Mirabegron also increased the voided volume and decreased the percentage residual volume without altering bladder capacity. Solifenacin and mirabegron both inhibited bladder contractility, and mirabegron possibly also induced urethral relaxation. Mirabegron may be suitable for patients with overactive bladder and residual urine.

Role of Pericytes in the Initiation and Propagation of Spontaneous Activity in the Microvasculature

The microvasculature is composed of arterioles, capillaries and venules. Spontaneous arteriolar constrictions reduce effective vascular resistance to enhance tissue perfusion, while spontaneous venular constrictions facilitate the drainage of tissue metabolites by pumping blood. In the venules of visceral organs, mural cells, i.e. smooth muscle cells (SMCs) or pericytes, periodically generate spontaneous phasic constrictions, Ca²⁺ transients and transient depolarisations. These events arise from spontaneous Ca²⁺ release from the sarco-endoplasmic reticulum (SR/ER) and the subsequent opening of Ca²⁺-activated chloride channels (CaCCs). CaCC-dependent depolarisation further activates L-type voltage-dependent Ca²⁺ channels (LVDCCs) that play a critical role in maintaining the synchrony amongst mural cells. Mural cells in arterioles or capillaries are also capable of developing spontaneous activity. Non-contractile capillary pericytes generate spontaneous Ca²⁺ transients primarily relying on SR/ER Ca²⁺ release. Synchrony amongst capillary pericytes depends on gap junction-mediated spread of depolarisations resulting from the opening of either CaCCs or T-type VDCCs (TVDCCs) in a microvascular bed-dependent manner. The propagation of capillary Ca²⁺ transients into arterioles requires the opening of either L- or TVDCCs again depending on the microvascular bed. Since the blockade of gap junctions or CaCCs prevents spontaneous Ca²⁺ transients in arterioles and venules but not capillaries, capillary pericytes appear to play a primary role in generating spontaneous activity of the microvasculature unit. Pericytes in capillaries where the interchange of substances between tissues and the circulation takes place may provide the fundamental drive for upstream arterioles and downstream venules so that the microvasculature network functions as an integrated unit.

Atherosclerosis as a predictor of transient exacerbation of overactive bladder symptoms after robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy

OBJECTIVES

To assess whether atherosclerosis is involved in the development of overactive bladder and the function of lower urinary tract after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.

METHODS

The present cohort consisted of 80 consecutive participants. The preoperative cardio-ankle vascular index was used to evaluate the presence of atherosclerosis. The present cohort was split into two groups, the atherosclerotic group, whose cardio-ankle vascular index was ≥9.0, and the control group, whose index was <9.0. The overactive bladder symptom score and lower urinary tract function were compared for 12 months after surgery.

RESULTS

The total score of the questionnaire was significantly higher at 6 and 9 months after surgery in the atherosclerosis group (P = 0.04, P = 0.03, respectively). Both the urgency and urgency incontinence subscores of the questionnaire showed a parallel tendency to that of the total score after surgery. At 3 months after surgery, there was a significant increase in the prevalence of de novo overactive bladder in the atherosclerosis group (P = 0.04). At 9 and 12 months after surgery, there was a significant decrease of voided volume in the atherosclerotic group (P < 0.01, P = 0.04, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Atherosclerosis delays the improvement in both overactive bladder symptoms and storage function postoperatively, and it is involved in the transient increase in the prevalence of de novo overactive bladder. Atherosclerosis might be a predictor of the development of overactive bladder after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.

Role of capillary pericytes in the integration of spontaneous Ca2+ transients in the suburothelial microvasculature in situ of the mouse bladder

KEY POINTS

In the bladder suburothelial microvasculature, pericytes in different microvascular segments develop spontaneous Ca²⁺ transients with or without associated constrictions. Spontaneous Ca²⁺ transients in pericytes of all microvascular segments primarily rely on the cycles of Ca²⁺ uptake and release by the sarco- and endoplasmic reticulum. The synchrony of spontaneous Ca²⁺ transients in capillary pericytes exclusively relies on the spread of depolarizations resulting from the opening of Ca²⁺ -activated chloride channels (CaCCs) via gap junctions. CaCC-dependent depolarizations further activate L-type voltage-dependent Ca²⁺ channels as required for the synchrony of Ca²⁺ transients in pericytes of pre-capillary arterioles, post-capillary venules and venules. Capillary pericytes may drive spontaneous Ca²⁺ transients in pericytes within the suburothelial microvascular network by sending CaCC-dependent depolarizations via gap junctions.

ABSTRACT

Mural cells in the microvasculature of visceral organs develop spontaneous Ca²⁺ transients. However, the mechanisms underlying the integration of these Ca²⁺ transients within a microvascular unit remain to be clarified. In the present study, the origin of spontaneous Ca²⁺ transients and their propagation in the bladder suburothelial microvasculature were explored. Cal-520 fluorescence Ca²⁺ imaging and immunohistochemistry were carried out on mural cells using mice expressing red fluorescent protein (DsRed) under control of the NG2 promotor. NG2(+) pericytes in both pre-capillary arterioles (PCAs) and capillaries developed synchronous spontaneous Ca²⁺ transients. By contrast, although NG2-DsRed also labelled arteriolar smooth muscle cells, these cells remained quiescent. Both NG2(+) pericytes in post-capillary venules (PCVs) and NG2(-) venular pericytes exhibited propagated Ca²⁺ transients. L-type voltage-dependent Ca²⁺ channel (LVDCC) blockade with nifedipine prevented Ca²⁺ transients or disrupted their synchrony in PCA, PCV and venular pericytes without dis-synchronizing Ca²⁺ transients in capillary pericytes. Blockade of gap junctions with carbenoxolone or Ca²⁺ -activated chloride channels (CaCCs) with 4,4'-diisothiocyanato-2,2'-stilbenedisulphonic acid disodium salt prevented Ca²⁺ transients in PCA and venular pericytes and disrupted the synchrony of Ca²⁺ transients in capillary and PCV pericytes. Spontaneous Ca²⁺ transients in pericytes of all microvascular segments were abolished or suppressed by cyclopiazonic acid, caffeine or tetracaine. The synchrony of Ca²⁺ transients in capillary pericytes arising from spontaneous Ca²⁺ release from the sarco- and endoplasmic reticulum appears to rely exclusively on CaCC activation, whereas subsequent LVDCC activation is required for the synchrony of Ca²⁺ transients in pericytes of other microvascular segments. Capillary pericytes may drive spontaneous activity in the suburothelial microvascular unit to facilitate capillary perfusion.

Can we define and characterize the aging lower urinary tract?-ICI-RS 2015

The prevalence of lower urinary tract (LUT) symptoms increases with age but the etiology is unknown. This article aims to identify research directions that clarify the basis of this association. The initial question is whether biological age is the variable of interest or a time-dependent accumulation of factors that impact on LUT function at rates that differ between individuals. In particular, the accumulation of conditions or agents due to inflammatory states or tissue ischemia is important. Much of the above has been concerned with changes to bladder function and morphology. However, the outflow tract function is also affected, in particular changes to the function of external sphincter skeletal muscle and associated sacral motor nerve control. Nocturia is a cardinal symptom of LUT dysfunction and is more prevalent with aging. Urine production is determined by diurnal changes to the production of certain hormones as well as arterial blood pressure and such diurnal rhythms are blunted in subjects with nocturia, but the causal links remain to be elucidated. Changes to the central nervous control of LUT function with age are also increasingly recognized, whether in mid-brain/brainstem regions that directly affect LUT function or in higher centers that determine psycho-social and emotional factors impinging on the LUT. In particular, the linkage between increasing white matter hyperintensities and LUT dysfunction during aging is recognized but not understood. Overall, a more rational approach is being developed to link LUT dysfunction with factors that accumulate with age, however, the precise causal pathways remain to be characterized. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:854-858, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Association of lower urinary tract syndrome with peripheral arterial occlusive disease

PURPOSE

To describe atherosclerosis may lead to chronic bladder ischemia, eventually resulting in lower urinary tract syndrome (LUTS), and peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD). We investigated the association of LUTS with PAOD.

METHODS

This nationwide population-based cohort study was based on data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Database from 2000 to 2010; follow-up lasted until the end of 2011. We identified patients with newly diagnosed LUTS by using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes.

RESULTS

In total, 36,042 and 36,042 patients were enrolled in LUTS and non-LUTS cohorts, respectively. After adjustment for age, sex, and comorbidities, the risk of subsequent PAOD was 1.36-fold higher [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.26-1.46] in the LUTS cohort than in the non-LUTS cohort. The adjusted risk of PAOD was the highest in patients with LUTS without any comorbidity [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 1.93, 95% CI = 1.54-2.41]. The age-specific relative risk of PAOD was significantly higher in all age groups, particularly in those aged <49 years (aHR = 1.80, 95% CI = 1.39-2.34], in the LUTS cohort than in the non-LUTS cohort.

CONCLUSION

LUTS is a risk factor for PAOD. Physicians should consider the possibility of underlying PAOD in patients with LUTS aged <49 years and without cardiovascular comorbidities. Additional studies developing strategies for decreasing the risk of PAOD are warranted.

Evaluation and Management of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms After Outlet Surgery for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

There are many options available in the surgical treatment of outlet obstruction secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). While most patients exhibit improvement in their lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) following intervention, up to 35 % of patients may exhibit persistent or recurrent LUTS. In the present review, we discuss the patho-physiology of LUTS after bladder outlet surgery and discuss considerations in evaluating and managing such patients. We highlight the crucial role of thorough evaluation with complete urodynamics testing, as pure obstruction only accounts for a minority of post-operative LUTS. Hence, detrusor contractility, detrusor overactivity, urethral sphincter function, and urinary incontinence must be assessed to appropriately guide subsequent therapy and improve patients' quality of life.

Spontaneous activity in the microvasculature of visceral organs: role of pericytes and voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channels

The microvasculature plays a primary role in the interchange of substances between tissues and the circulation. In visceral organs that undergo considerable distension upon filling, the microvasculature appears to display intrinsic contractile properties to maintain their flow. Submucosal venules in the bladder or gastrointestinal tract generate rhythmic spontaneous phasic constrictions and associated Ca(2+) transients. These events are initiated within either venular pericytes or smooth muscle cells (SMCs) arising from spontaneous Ca(2+) release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) and the opening of Ca(2+) -activated chloride channels (CaCCs) that trigger Ca(2+) influx through L-type voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channels (VDCCs). L-type VDCCs also play a critical role in maintaining synchrony within the contractile mural cells. In the stomach myenteric layer, spontaneous Ca(2+) transients originating in capillary pericytes appear to spread to their neighbouring arteriolar SMCs. Capillary Ca(2+) transients primarily rely on SR Ca(2+) release, but also require Ca(2+) influx through T-type VDCCs for their synchrony. The opening of T-type VDCCs also contribute to the propagation of Ca(2+) transients into SMCs. In visceral microvasculature, pericytes act as either spontaneously active contractile machinery of the venules or as pacemaker cells generating synchronous Ca(2+) transients that drive spontaneous contractions in upstream arterioles. Thus pericytes play different roles in different vascular beds in a manner that may well depend on the selective expression of T-type and L-type Ca(2+) channels.

Characteristics of urinary retention in female inpatients managed with medical treatments

Purpose

We aimed to analyze the characteristics of urinary retention (UR) in female inpatients managed with medical treatments.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of female inpatients referred to the department of urology for UR at our institution from January 2009, to December 2014. UR was defined as a difficulty in self-voiding despite a sufficient urine volume or >300-mL postvoid residual. The data included patients' age, body mass index (BMI), ambulatory status, medical and surgical history, classes of taking drugs, and urinary tract infection.

Results

A total of 182 women were included as retention group, mean age of 72.64±12.94 years and BMI of 22.94±3.10 kg/m². In the chi-square analysis, cardiovascular disorders (p=0.000), diabetes mellitus (p=0.008), metastatic malignancy (p=0.008), chronic renal disorders (p=0.028) were found significantly. In the multiple logistic regression analysis, cardiovascular disorders (p=0.002; odds ratio [OR], 0.491), metastatic malignancy (p=0.013; OR, 2.616) were found to increase the risk of UR. The most common surgical history was anti-incontinence surgery (7.2%). In term of medication use, the most prescribed agents were nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (53.8%). The patients taking multiple drugs with antimuscarinic effects except of NSAIDs, narcotics and diuretics were 48 (26.4%). Urinary tract infection was identified in 43 patients (23.6%).

Conclusions

UR in females managed with medical treatments could be occurred occasionally. We think that thorough attentions are needed for UR to patients with cardiovascular disorders including diabetes mellitus, metastatic malignancy, chronic renal disorders urinary tract infection, and more careful interests when managing with drugs with antimuscarinic effects.

Underlying mechanisms of urine storage dysfunction in rats with salt-loading hypertension

AIMS

Spontaneous hypertensive rats provide a genetic model for exploring the pathogenesis of urine storage dysfunction related to hypertension (HT). In humans, however, HT develops by both genetic and environmental factors including lifestyle factors such as a high-calorie diet, excessive salt intake and stress. We investigated the influence of salt-loading on bladder function and the underlying mechanisms of storage dysfunction related to HT.

MAIN METHODS

Six-week-old male Dahl salt-sensitive (DS) and Dahl salt-resistant (DR) rats were fed with a normal or high-salt diet for 12weeks. Micturition parameters were obtained from a metabolic cage. Whole bladders were excised from 18-week-old rats and distended in an organ bath. The releases of adenosine triphosphoric acid (ATP) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) from the distended bladder epithelia were measured. Changes in bladder blood flow (BBF) were determined with a laser-speckle-blood-flow imaging system.

KEY FINDINGS

An increase in mean blood pressure (BP) was noted only in DS rats after salt-loading. During the inactive (sleeping) period, voided volume per micturition gradually increased in DR rats fed a normal or high-salt diet and normal-diet DS rats, while it did not change in the DS rats fed a high-salt diet. Bladder distension significantly increased ATP and PGE2 release from the urothelium in DS rats fed a high-salt diet. BBF was significantly decreased in high-salt-diet DS rats.

SIGNIFICANCE

One mechanism behind the relationship between salt-sensitive HT and urine storage dysfunction may be an increase in ATP and PGE2 release from the urothelium via suppression of BBF.

Atherosclerosis as a predictor of delayed recovery from lower urinary tract dysfunction after robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy

AIMS

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether atherosclerosis could be associated with lower urinary tract dysfunction in the early postoperative period after robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RARP).

METHODS

Eighty consecutive patients undergoing RARP were investigated. The severity of atherosclerosis was evaluated by the cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) before RARP. Patients were divided into two groups, the atherosclerotic group (CAVI ≥9.0) and the control group (CAVI <9.0). International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life (QOL) index, uroflowmetry, post-void residual urine volume (PVR), frequency-volume charts, and the 1-hr pad test were compared between the two groups. Assessments were performed before RARP, and then at 1, 3, and 6 months after RARP.

RESULTS

Preoperative subjective and objective parameters were not significantly different between the two groups. The voiding symptom score of the IPSS and the QOL index was significantly higher in the atherosclerotic group at 3 months after RARP (P = 0.035, P = 0.001, respectively). The maximum flow rate was consistently lower in the atherosclerotic group, reaching a significant difference at 6 months after RARP (P = 0.027). IPSS total and storage symptom scores, PVR, frequency, and urine loss were not significantly different between the groups after RARP.

CONCLUSIONS

Atherosclerosis delayed the improvement of both voiding symptoms and voiding function after RARP, leading to aggravation of QOL in the early postoperative period. Atherosclerosis may be a predictor of slower recovery from transient lower urinary tract dysfunction immediately after RARP. Neurourol. Urodynam. 35:920-925, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Potential of stem cell treatment in detrusor dysfunction

The current treatments of bladder dysfunctions, such as bladder overactivity and impaired ability to empty, have limitations, and new treatment alternatives are needed. Stem cell transplantation and tissue engineering have shown promising results in preclinical studies. Stem cells were originally thought to act by differentiating into various cell types, thereby replacing damaged cells and restoring functional deficits. Even if such a mechanism cannot be excluded, the current belief is that a main action is exerted by the stem cells secreting bioactive factors that direct other stem cells to the target organ. In addition, stem cells may exert a number of other effects that can improve bladder dysfunction, since they may have antiapoptotic, antifibrotic, and immunomodulatory properties, and can induce neovascularization. Tissue engineering for bladder replacement, which has had varying success in different animal species, has reached the proof-of-concept state in humans, but recent research suggests that the present approaches may not be optimal. Further studies on new approaches, using animal models with translational predictability, seem necessary for further progress.