Mechanosensitivity Is a Characteristic Feature of Cultured Suburothelial Interstitial Cells of the Human Bladder

Telocytes of the male reproductive system: dynamic tissue organizers

Telocytes are CD34+ interstitial cells that have long cytoplasmic projections (called telopodes), and have been detected in several organs, including those of the male reproductive system. In this brief review we evaluate the role of telocytes in tissue organization of the different organs of the male reproductive system in which these cells were studied. In general terms, telocytes act in the tissue organization through networks of telopodes that separate the epithelia from the stroma, as well as dividing the stroma into different compartments. In addition to this contribution to the structural integrity, there is direct and indirect evidence that such "walls" formed by telocytes also compartmentalize paracrine factors that they or other cells produce, which have a direct impact on morphogenesis and the maintenance of organ cell differentiation, as well as on their normal physiology. Moreover, alterations in telocytes and telopode networks are correlated with pathological conditions in the male reproductive system, in response to profound changes in structural organization of the organs, in inflammation, hyperplasia and cancer. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the molecular pathways telocytes employ in different contexts of physiology and disease.

Transient receptor potential vanilloid type 4 (TRPV4) in urinary bladder structure and function

Bladder pain syndrome (BPS)/interstitial cystitis (IC) is a urologic, chronic pelvic pain syndrome characterized by pelvic pain, pressure, or discomfort with urinary symptoms. Symptom exacerbation (flare) is common with multiple, perceived triggers including stress. Multiple transient receptor potential (TRP) channels (TRPA1, TRPV1, TRPV4) expressed in the bladder have specific tissue distributions in the lower urinary tract (LUT) and are implicated in bladder disorders including overactive bladder (OAB) and BPS/IC. TRPV4 channels are strong candidates for mechanosensors in the urinary bladder and TRPV4 antagonists are promising therapeutic agents for OAB. In this perspective piece, we address the current knowledge of TRPV4 distribution and function in the LUT and its plasticity with injury or disease with an emphasis on BPS/IC. We review our studies that extend the knowledge of TRPV4 in urinary bladder function by focusing on (i) TRPV4 involvement in voiding dysfunction, pelvic pain, and non-voiding bladder contractions in NGF-OE mice; (ii) distention-induced luminal ATP release mechanisms and (iii) involvement of TRPV4 and vesicular release mechanisms. Finally, we review our lamina propria studies in postnatal rat studies that demonstrate: (i) the predominance of the TRPV4+ and PDGFRα+ lamina propria cellular network in early postnatal rats; (ii) the ability of exogenous mediators (i.e., ATP, TRPV4 agonist) to activate and increase the number of lamina propria cells exhibiting active Ca2+ events; and (iii) the ability of ATP and TRPV4 agonist to increase the rate of integrated Ca2+ activity corresponding to coupled lamina propria network events and the formation of propagating wavefronts.

Imatinib Mesylate Reduces Neurotrophic Factors and pERK and pAKT Expression in Urinary Bladder of Female Mice With Cyclophosphamide-Induced Cystitis

Imatinib mesylate is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that inhibits platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR)-α, -β, stem cell factor receptor (c-KIT), and BCR-ABL. PDGFRα is expressed in a subset of interstitial cells in the lamina propria (LP) and detrusor muscle of the urinary bladder. PDGFRα + interstitial cells may contribute to bladder dysfunction conditions such as interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) or overactive bladder (OAB). We have previously demonstrated that imatinib prevention via oral gavage or treatment via intravesical infusion improves urinary bladder function in mice with acute (4 hour, h) cyclophosphamide (CYP)-induced cystitis. Here, we investigate potential underlying mechanisms mediating the bladder functional improvement by imatinib using a prevention or treatment experimental design. Using qRT-PCR and ELISAs, we examined inflammatory mediators (NGF, VEGF, BDNF, CCL2, IL-6) previously shown to affect bladder function in CYP-induced cystitis. We also examined the distribution of phosphorylated (p) ERK and pAKT expression in the LP with immunohistochemistry. Imatinib prevention significantly (0.0001 ≤ p ≤ 0.05) reduced expression for all mediators examined except NGF, whereas imatinib treatment was without effect. Imatinib prevention and treatment significantly (0.0001 ≤ p ≤ 0.05) reduced pERK and pAKT expression in the upper LP (U. LP) and deeper LP (D. LP) in female mice with 4 h CYP-induced cystitis. Although we have previously demonstrated that imatinib prevention or treatment improves bladder function in mice with cystitis, the current studies suggest that reductions in inflammatory mediators contribute to prevention benefits of imatinib but not the treatment benefits of imatinib. Differential effects of imatinib prevention or treatment on inflammatory mediators may be influenced by the route and frequency of imatinib administration and may also suggest other mechanisms (e.g., changes in transepithelial resistance of the urothelium) through which imatinib may affect urinary bladder function following CYP-induced cystitis.

Scoping review and interpretation of myofascial pain/fibromyalgia syndrome: An attempt to assemble a medical puzzle

BACKGROUND

Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) is a common, overlooked, and underdiagnosed condition and has significant burden. MPS is often dismissed by clinicians while patients remain in pain for years. MPS can evolve into fibromyalgia, however, effective treatments for both are lacking due to absence of a clear mechanism. Many studies focus on central sensitization. Therefore, the purpose of this scoping review is to systematically search cross-disciplinary empirical studies of MPS, focusing on mechanical aspects, and suggest an organic mechanism explaining how it might evolve into fibromyalgia. Hopefully, it will advance our understanding of this disease.

METHODS

Systematically searched multiple phrases in MEDLINE, EMBASE, COCHRANE, PEDro, and medRxiv, majority with no time limit. Inclusion/exclusion based on title and abstract, then full text inspection. Additional literature added on relevant side topics. Review follows PRISMA-ScR guidelines. PROSPERO yet to adapt registration for scoping reviews.

FINDINGS

799 records included. Fascia can adapt to various states by reversibly changing biomechanical and physical properties. Trigger points, tension, and pain are a hallmark of MPS. Myofibroblasts play a role in sustained myofascial tension. Tension can propagate in fascia, possibly supporting a tensegrity framework. Movement and mechanical interventions treat and prevent MPS, while living sedentarily predisposes to MPS and recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

MPS can be seen as a pathological state of imbalance in a natural process; manifesting from the inherent properties of the fascia, triggered by a disrupted biomechanical interplay. MPS might evolve into fibromyalgia through deranged myofibroblasts in connective tissue ("fascial armoring"). Movement is an underemployed requisite in modern lifestyle. Lifestyle is linked to pain and suffering. The mechanism of needling is suggested to be more mechanical than currently thought. A "global percutaneous needle fasciotomy" that respects tensegrity principles may treat MPS/fibromyalgia more effectively. "Functional-somatic syndromes" can be seen as one entity (myofibroblast-generated-tensegrity-tension), sharing a common rheuma-psycho-neurological mechanism.

Functional Expression of Transient Receptor Potential and Piezo1 Channels in Cultured Interstitial Cells of Human-Bladder Lamina Propria

The interstitial cells in bladder lamina propria (LP-ICs) are believed to be involved in sensing/afferent signaling in bladder mucosa. Transient receptor potential (TRP) cation channels act as mechano- or chemo-sensors and may underlie some of the sensing function of bladder LP-ICs. We aimed to investigate the molecular and functional expression of TRP channels implicated in bladder sensory function and Piezo1/Piezo2 channels in cultured LP-ICs of the human bladder. Bladder tissues were obtained from patients undergoing cystectomy. LP-ICs were isolated and cultured, and used for real-time reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, immunocytochemistry, and calcium-imaging experiments. At the mRNA level, TRPA1, TRPV2, and Piezo1 were expressed most abundantly. Immunocytochemical staining showed protein expression of TRPA1, TRPV1, TRPV2, TRPV4, TRPM8, as well as Piezo1 and Piezo2. Calcium imaging using channel agonists/antagonists provided evidence for functional expression of TRPA1, TRPV2, TRPV4, Piezo1, but not of TRPV1 or TRPM8. Activation of these channels with their agonist resulted in release of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) from LP-ICs. Inhibition of TRPV2, TRPV4 and Piezo1 blocked the stretch induced intracellular Ca²⁺ increase. Whereas inhibition of TRPA1 blocked H₂O₂ evoked response in LP-ICs. Our results suggest LP-ICs of the bladder can perceive stretch or chemical stimuli via activation of TRPV2, TRPV4, Piezo1 and TRPA1 channels. LP-ICs may work together with urothelial cells for perception and transduction of mechanical or chemical signals in human-bladder mucosa.

Telocytes and Other Interstitial Cells: From Structure to Function

The Special Issue, "Telocytes and Other Interstitial Cells: From Structure to Function" of the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, is dedicated to recent progress in research on interstitial cells [...].

Urothelium-Specific Deletion of Connexin43 in the Mouse Urinary Bladder Alters Distension-Induced ATP Release and Voiding Behavior

Connexin43 (Cx43), the main gap junction and hemichannel forming protein in the urinary bladder, participates in the regulation of bladder motor and sensory functions and has been reported as an important modulator of day-night variations in functional bladder capacity. However, because Cx43 is expressed throughout the bladder, the actual role played by the detrusor and the urothelial Cx43 is still unknown. For this purpose, we generated urothelium-specific Cx43 knockout (uCx43KO) mice using Cre-LoxP system. We evaluated the day-night micturition pattern and the urothelial Cx43 hemichannel function of the uCx43KO mice by measuring luminal ATP release after bladder distention. In wild-type (WT) mice, distention-induced ATP release was elevated, and functional bladder capacity was decreased in the animals' active phase (nighttime) when Cx43 expression was also high compared to levels measured in the sleep phase (daytime). These day-night differences in urothelial ATP release and functional bladder capacity were attenuated in uCx43KO mice that, in the active phase, displayed lower ATP release and higher functional bladder capacity than WT mice. These findings indicate that urothelial Cx43 mediated ATP signaling and coordination of urothelial activity are essential for proper perception and regulation of responses to bladder distension in the animals' awake, active phase.