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Sahai A, Robinson D, Abrams P, Wein A, Malde S. What is the best first choice oral drug therapy for OAB? Neurourol Urodyn 2024; 43:1328-1336. [PMID: 38270332 DOI: 10.1002/nau.25397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
AIMS The management of overactive bladder (OAB) involves lifestyle changes and conservative measures in the first instance with the use of liquid/dietary advice, weight loss, and bladder training. Thereafter oral pharmacotherapy is instigated in symptomatic patients. Antimuscarinics and beta 3 agonists form the main classes of drug therapy in this field. Views on what is the best first line OAB treatment is changing based on recent evidence and adverse event profiles of these medications. METHODS At the ICI-RS meeting 2023, Bristol, UK this topic was discussed and debated as a proposal. The following article summarizes the concepts presented that day as well as the interactive discussion that took place thereafter. RESULTS OAB guidelines are moving in many circumstances to an either antimuscarinic or beta 3 agonist approach based on patient factors. Several studies have raised concerns on the long-term impact of antimuscarinics, in relation to cognition, dementia, cardiovascular events, and mortality all related to antimuscarinic load. Neither antimuscarinics nor beta 3 agonists have good persistence and adherence rates in the medium to long term. Several barriers also exist to prescribing including guidelines recommending utilizing drugs with the lowest acquisition cost and "step therapy." A newer approach to managing OAB is personalized therapy in view of the many possible etiological factors and phenotypes. These concepts are highlighted in this article. CONCLUSIONS Current oral pharmacotherapy in managing OAB is limited by adverse events, adherence and persistence problems. Both antimuscarinics and beta 3 agonists are efficacious but most clinical trials demonstrate significant placebo effects in this field. Personalizing treatment to the individual seems a logical approach to OAB. There is a need for better treatments and further studies are required of existing treatments with high quality longer term outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arun Sahai
- Department of Urology, Guy's Hospital & King's College, London, UK
| | - Dudley Robinson
- Department of Urogynaecology, King's College Hospital & King's College, London, UK
| | - Paul Abrams
- Bristol Urological Institute, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, UK
- University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Alan Wein
- Desai Sethi Urology Institute, University of Miami Miller School of medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
- University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sachin Malde
- Department of Urology, Guy's Hospital & King's College, London, UK
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Zhang Y, Wu X, Liu G, Feng X, Jiang H, Zhang X. Association between overactive bladder and depression in American adults: A cross-sectional study from NHANES 2005-2018. J Affect Disord 2024; 356:545-553. [PMID: 38642902 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.04.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Overactive bladder (OAB) and depression are both common disorders and there is research suggesting an association between the two, but there is a lack of studies with large samples. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between OAB and depressive symptoms. METHODS We used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database for the period 2005 to 2018. OAB was characterized by the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS, score > 3) and depression was diagnosed by the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9, score ≥ 10). There were three models employed in our analysis: (1) Crude model was unadjusted; (2) Model 1 was adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, educational level, and marital status; (3) Model 2 was adjusted for factors in Model 1 plus the remained potential covariates. We used survey-weighted logistic regression models to assess the association between OAB and depression. Subsequently, subgroup analyses and smoothed curve analyses were used to evaluate the reliability of the findings. RESULTS Finally, a total of 6612 participants were included in our study, consisting of 1005 participants with diagnosis of OAB and 5607 participants without diagnosis of OAB. After adjusting for all covariates, there was a significant positive association between OAB and depression (OR: 2.89, 95 % CI: 1.91, 4.37). The severity of OAB was also positively associated with depression. Compared to participants without OAB, the fully adjusted ORs for depression were 2.76 (95 % CI: 1.64, 4.65) for those with mild OAB, 3.79 (95 % CI: 1.68, 8.55) for those with moderate OAB, and 5.21 (95 % CI: 1.39, 19.53) for those with severe OAB. CONCLUSIONS This study revealed a strong association between OAB and depression and a progressive increase in the risk of depression as the severity of OAB (mild, moderate, and severe) increased. Therefore, it is important for clinicians to recognize the assessment of OAB symptoms in patients who are at risk for or have developed depressive symptoms, as well as the mental health of patients with OAB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuyang Zhang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Province, China; Institute of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Province, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Urological and Andrological Diseases Research and Medical Transformation, Anhui Medical University, Anhui Province, China
| | - Xu Wu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Province, China; Institute of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Province, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Urological and Andrological Diseases Research and Medical Transformation, Anhui Medical University, Anhui Province, China
| | - Guodong Liu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Province, China; Institute of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Province, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Urological and Andrological Diseases Research and Medical Transformation, Anhui Medical University, Anhui Province, China
| | - Xingliang Feng
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Hui Jiang
- Department of Urology, Peking University First Hospital Institute of Urology, Peking University Andrology Center, Beijing, China.
| | - Xiansheng Zhang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Province, China; Institute of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Province, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Urological and Andrological Diseases Research and Medical Transformation, Anhui Medical University, Anhui Province, China.
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Cervantes A, Hughes FM, Jin H, Purves JT. Specialized pro-resolution mediators in the bladder: effects of resolvin E1 on diabetic bladder dysfunction in the type 1 diabetic male Akita mouse model. BMC Urol 2024; 24:130. [PMID: 38907230 PMCID: PMC11191353 DOI: 10.1186/s12894-024-01519-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND One of the most common, but least studied, diabetic complication is diabetic bladder dysfunction. Current therapies include glucose control and symptom-based interventions. However, efficacy of these therapies is mixed and often have undesirable side effects. Diabetes is now known to be a chronic inflammatory disease. Specialized pro-resolving mediators are a class of compounds that promote the resolution of inflammation and have been shown to be effective in treating chronic inflammatory conditions. In this study we examine the ability of resolvin E1 to improve signs of diabetic bladder dysfunction. METHODS Male Akita mice (Type 1 diabetic) develop hyperglycemia at 4 weeks and signs of bladder underactivity by 15 weeks. Starting at 15 weeks, mice were given one or two weeks of daily resolvin E1 and compared to age-matched wild type and untreated Akita mice. RESULTS Resolvin E1 did not affect diabetic blood glucose after one week, although there was a slight decrease after two weeks. Diabetes decreased body weight and increased bladder weights and this was not affected by resolvin E1. Evan's blue dye extravasation (an indirect index of inflammation) was dramatically suppressed after one week of resolvin E1 treatment, but, surprisingly, had returned to diabetic levels after two weeks of treatment. Using cystometry, untreated Akita mice showed signs of underactivity (increased void volumes and intercontraction intervals). One week of resolvin E1treatment restored these cystometric findings back to control levels. After two weeks of treatment, cystometric changes were changed from controls but still significantly different from untreated levels, indicating a durable treatment effect even in the presence of increased inflammation at 2 weeks. CONCLUSIONS Resolvin E1 has a beneficial effect on diabetic bladder dysfunction in the type 1 diabetic male Akita mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anissa Cervantes
- Department of Urology, Duke University Medical Center, P.O. Box 3831, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Francis M Hughes
- Department of Urology, Duke University Medical Center, P.O. Box 3831, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
| | - Huixia Jin
- Department of Urology, Duke University Medical Center, P.O. Box 3831, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - J Todd Purves
- Department of Urology, Duke University Medical Center, P.O. Box 3831, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
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Zhang X, Ma L, Li J, Zhang W, Xie Y, Wang Y. Mental health and lower urinary tract symptoms: Results from the NHANES and Mendelian randomization study. J Psychosom Res 2024; 178:111599. [PMID: 38309129 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2024.111599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The clinical observations suggest a correlation between lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTSs) and mental health problems. Nonetheless, establishing a direct causal relationship between them remains challenging. METHODS We initially conducted a cross-sectional study using 2005-2018 the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data. Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression was the primary statistical approach. Additionally, we employed Mendelian randomization (MR) to reducing confounding and reverse causation. Genetic instruments were obtained from publicly available genome-wide association study (GWAS) databases. Inverse Variance Weighted was the primary statistical method. RESULTS The cross-sectional study involved 29,439 participants. Individuals with mental health problems had a higher risk of urinary incontinence (OR:4.38; 95%CI:3.32-5.76; P < 0.01) and overactive bladder (OR:2.31; 95%CI:2.02-2.63; P < 0.01). MR analysis then indicated a potential causal relationship between mental health problems and LUTSs. Depression symptoms was linked with urinary tract infection (UTI) (OR:1.005; 95%CI:1.003-1.008; PFDR < 0.01). Anxiety symptoms was related to the occurrence of UTI (OR:1.024; 95%CI:1.011-1.037; PFDR < 0.01) and bladder calcified/ contracted/ overactive (OR:1.017; 95%CI:1.007-1.027; PFDR < 0.01). The personality trait of neuroticism was related to the occurrence of cystitis (OR:1.072; 95%CI:1.022-1.125; PFDR = 0.02), extravasation of urine and difficulties with micturition (OR:1.001; 95%CI:1.001-1.002; PFDR < 0.01), and urinary frequency and incontinence (OR: 1.001; 95%CI:1.000-1.001; PFDR < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Our study provides various evidence for the correlation between mental health and LUTSs, emphasizing the significance of adopting a holistic approach to LUTSs management that incorporates both physical and psychological factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotian Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Leilei Ma
- Department of Nephrology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Nephrology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Yiran Xie
- Department of Nephrology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Yaoguang Wang
- Department of Nephrology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China.
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Gugliandolo E, Franco GA, Marino Y, Peritore AF, Impellizzeri D, Cordaro M, Siracusa R, Fusco R, D’Amico R, Macrì F, Di Paola R, Cuzzocrea S, Crupi R. Uroprotective and pain-relieving effect of dietary supplementation with micronized palmitoyl-glucosamine and hesperidin in a chronic model of cyclophosphamide-induced cystitis. Front Vet Sci 2024; 10:1327102. [PMID: 38249555 PMCID: PMC10797840 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1327102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Feline idiopathic cystitis is a common, chronic-relapsing disorder of the lower urinary tract. In addition to environmental modification/enrichment, long-term and safe treatment targeting specific pathophysiological changes may be of help. In this context, effective dietary interventions hold clinical promise. Palmitoyl-glucosamine (PGA) and hesperidin (HSP) are safe and authorized feed ingredients for animal nutrition under European regulations. Methods The current study aimed to investigate whether a 3:1 mixture of micronized PGA and HSP could represent a novel mechanism-oriented approach to chronic cystitis management. A newly validated rat model of cyclophosphamide (CYP)-induced chronic cystitis was used (40 mg/kg, three intraperitoneal injections every 3rd day). Animals were randomized to orally receive either vehicle or PGA-HSP at a low (72 + 24 mg/kg) or high (doubled) dose for 13 days, starting 3 days before the chronic CYP protocol, with mesna (2-mercaptoethane-sulfonate) being used as a reference drug. Results Higher PGA-HSP dose was effective at relieving chronic visceral pain, as measured by mechanical allodynia test (von Frey test). The severity of cystitis was also significantly improved, as shown by the reduced sonographic thickening of the bladder wall, as well as the decrease in edema, bleeding and bladder to body weight ratio compared to the vehicle treated group. A significant decrease of MPO activity, MDA level and fibrosis at Masson's trichrome staining was also observed in animals administered PGA-HSP in comparison to vehicle treated ones. The CYP-induced increase in bladder mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines was also significantly counteracted by the study mixture. Moreover, CYP-induced bladder mast cell accumulation and releasability were significantly decreased by PGA-HSP (even at the low dose), as determined by metachromatic staining, chymase and tryptase immunostaining as well as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for histamine and 5-hydoxytriptamine. Discussion PGA-HSP is able to block CYP-induced decrease of tight junction proteins, claudin-1 and occludin, thus preserving the urothelial bladder function. Finally, neuroinflammatory changes were investigated, showing that dietary supplementation with PGA-HSP prevented the activation of neurons and non-neuronal cells (i.e., microglia, astrocytes and mast cells) at the spinal level, and counteracted CYP-induced increase of spinal mRNA encoding for pro-inflammatory cytokines. Altogether, the present findings confirm the uroprotective and pain-relieving effect of PGA-HSP and pave the way to potential and relevant clinical applications of the study supplement in feline idiopathic cystitis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ylenia Marino
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Science, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | | | - Daniela Impellizzeri
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Science, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Marika Cordaro
- BioMorf Department, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Rosalba Siracusa
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Science, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Roberta Fusco
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Science, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Ramona D’Amico
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Science, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Francesco Macrì
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Rosanna Di Paola
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Salvatore Cuzzocrea
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Science, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
- Department of Pharmacological and Physiological Science, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, United States
| | - Rosalia Crupi
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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Chan ASW, Chan SWH, Estivalet AG, Man Leung L, Tam HL, Ho JMC, Hsu WL, Tang PMK, Yan E. Mitigating Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Secondary to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Ameliorating Sexual Function and Psychological Well-Being in Older Men. Am J Mens Health 2023; 17:15579883231205521. [PMID: 38093710 PMCID: PMC10722946 DOI: 10.1177/15579883231205521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in older men (N= 3056) with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and its effects on their sexual function and mental health. Descriptive, correlation, and regression analyses were used to explore the relationships between prostate and lower urinary tract health and psychological well-being. Better prostate and lower urinary tract health positively affected psychological well-being, and sexual function also had a positive influence. LUTS have an adverse impact on sexual function and mental health. Early intervention is crucial for mitigating the negative impact of LUTS on the quality of life in older men. Addressing prostate and lower urinary tract health issues through appropriate interventions may improve psychological well-being. Health care professionals must consider the adverse effects of BPH and LUTS on sexual function and mental health, and implement interventions to enhance the overall quality of life in older men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Siu Wing Chan
- Department of Applied Social Sciences, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
| | | | | | - Lok Man Leung
- Department of Applied Social Sciences, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
| | - Hon Lon Tam
- Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Jacqueline Mei Chi Ho
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
| | - Wing Leung Hsu
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Well-Being, University of Sunderland, UK
| | - Patrick Ming Kuen Tang
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Elsie Yan
- Department of Applied Social Sciences, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
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Baars C, van Ginkel C, Heesakkers J, Scholtes M, Martens F, Janssen D. The Burden of Urinary Tract Infections on Quality of Life and Healthcare in Patients with Interstitial Cystitis. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2761. [PMID: 37893834 PMCID: PMC10606447 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11202761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) patients are more susceptible to urinary tract infections (UTIs), likely worsening pre-existing symptoms. However, this receives limited attention in guidelines. This study aimed to explore the burden of UTIs on IC/BPS patients' quality of life and their healthcare. METHODS Two quantitative retrospective database studies were conducted in cystoscopically proven IC/BPS patients: one compiled existing patient survey data (n = 217) from July 2021 to examine physical and emotional UTI burden, and the other used a patient file database (n = 100) from January 2020 to May 2022, focusing on UTI prevalence, healthcare use, urine cultures and antibiotic resistance. RESULTS A delay in diagnosis was seen in 70% of patients, due to doctors confusing IC/BPS symptoms with UTIs. The UTI prevalence was over 50%; these patients also report anxiety for new UTIs (70%) and worsening of IC/BPS symptoms (60%). Additionally, for UTI+ patients, healthcare consumption was significantly increased in both studies. Antibiotic resistance (80% of cultures) and prophylactic antibiotic use were common. CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight the burden of UTIs on quality of life in IC/BPS patients and the healthcare system. These results emphasize the need for improved UTI guidelines concerning diagnosis, management and prevention for IC/BPS patients to improve quality of life and care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cléo Baars
- Department of Urology, Radboudumc, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (C.B.); (F.M.); (D.J.)
| | - Charlotte van Ginkel
- Department of Urology, Radboudumc, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (C.B.); (F.M.); (D.J.)
| | - John Heesakkers
- Department of Urology, Maastricht UMC+, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands;
| | - Mathilde Scholtes
- Interstitial Cystitis Patient Association ICP, 4000 AB Tiel, The Netherlands;
| | - Frank Martens
- Department of Urology, Radboudumc, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (C.B.); (F.M.); (D.J.)
| | - Dick Janssen
- Department of Urology, Radboudumc, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (C.B.); (F.M.); (D.J.)
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Hashimoto K. Emerging role of the host microbiome in neuropsychiatric disorders: overview and future directions. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:3625-3637. [PMID: 37845499 PMCID: PMC10730413 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02287-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
The human body harbors a diverse ecosystem of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, collectively known as the microbiota. Current research is increasingly focusing on the potential association between the microbiota and various neuropsychiatric disorders. The microbiota resides in various parts of the body, such as the oral cavity, nasal passages, lungs, gut, skin, bladder, and vagina. The gut microbiota in the gastrointestinal tract has received particular attention due to its high abundance and its potential role in psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. However, the microbiota presents in other body tissues, though less abundant, also plays crucial role in immune system and human homeostasis, thus influencing the development and progression of neuropsychiatric disorders. For example, oral microbiota imbalance and associated periodontitis might increase the risk for neuropsychiatric disorders. Additionally, studies using the postmortem brain samples have detected the widespread presence of oral bacteria in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease. This article provides an overview of the emerging role of the host microbiota in neuropsychiatric disorders and discusses future directions, such as underlying biological mechanisms, reliable biomarkers associated with the host microbiota, and microbiota-targeted interventions, for research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Hashimoto
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan.
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