Cajal-like interstitial cells as a novel target in detrusor overactivity treatment: true or myth?

Piezo1 Channels as Force Sensors in Mechanical Force-Related Chronic Inflammation

Mechanical damage is one of the predisposing factors of inflammation, and it runs through the entire inflammatory pathological process. Repeated or persistent damaging mechanical irritation leads to chronic inflammatory diseases. The mechanism of how mechanical forces induce inflammation is not fully understood. Piezo1 is a newly discovered mechanically sensitive ion channel. The Piezo1 channel opens in response to mechanical stimuli, transducing mechanical signals into an inflammatory cascade in the cell leading to tissue inflammation. A large amount of evidence shows that Piezo1 plays a vital role in the occurrence and progression of chronic inflammatory diseases. This mini-review briefly presents new evidence that Piezo1 responds to different mechanical stresses to trigger inflammation in various tissues. The discovery of Piezo1 provides new insights for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases related to mechanical stress. Inhibiting the transduction of damaging mechanical signals into inflammatory signals can inhibit inflammation and improve the outcome of inflammation at an early stage. The pharmacology of Piezo1 has shown bright prospects. The development of tissue-specific Piezo1 drugs for clinical use may be a new target for treating chronic inflammation.

The effect of amino acids on the bladder cycle: a concise review

The human bladder maintains a cycle of filling, storing, and micturating throughout an individual's lifespan. The cycle relies on the ability of the bladder to expand without increasing the intravesical pressure, which is only possible with the controlled relaxation of well-complaint muscles and the congruously organized construction of the bladder wall. A competent bladder outlet, which functions in a synchronous fashion with the bladder, is also necessary for this cycle to be completed successfully without deterioration. In this paper, we aimed to review the contemporary physiological findings on bladder physiology and examine the effects of amino acids on clinical conditions affecting the bladder, with special emphasis on the available therapeutic evidence and possible future roles of the amino acids in the treatment of the bladder-related disorders.

Hyperpolarization-Activated Cyclic Nucleotide-Gated Non-selective (HCN) Ion Channels Regulate Human and Murine Urinary Bladder Contractility

Purpose: Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide gated non-selective (HCN) channels have been demonstrated in the urinary bladder in various species. Since they play a major role in governing rhythmic activity in pacemaker cells like in the sinoatrial node, we explored the role of these channels in human and murine detrusor smooth muscle.

Methods: In an organ bath, human and murine detrusor smooth muscle specimens were challenged with the HCN channel blocker ZD7288. In human tissue derived from macroscopically tumor-free cancer resections, the urothelium was removed. In addition, HCN1-deficient mice were used to identify the contribution of this particular isoform. Expression of HCN channels in the urinary bladder was analyzed using histological and ultrastructural analyses as well as quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

Results: We found that the HCN channel blocker ZD7288 (50 μM) both induced tonic contractions and increased phasic contraction amplitudes in human and murine detrusor specimens. While these responses were not sensitive to tetrodotoxin, they were significantly reduced by the gap junction inhibitor 18β-glycyrrhetic acid suggesting that HCN channels are located within the gap junction-interconnected smooth muscle cell network rather than on efferent nerve fibers. Immunohistochemistry suggested HCN channel expression on smooth muscle tissue, and immunoelectron microscopy confirmed the scattered presence of HCN2 on smooth muscle cell membranes. HCN channels seem to be down-regulated with aging, which is paralleled by an increasing effect of ZD7288 in aging detrusor tissue. Importantly, the anticonvulsant and HCN channel activator lamotrigine relaxed the detrusor which could be reversed by ZD7288.

Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that HCN channels are functionally present and localized on smooth muscle cells of the urinary bladder. Given the age-dependent decline of these channels in humans, activation of HCN channels by compounds such as lamotrigine opens up the opportunity to combat detrusor hyperactivity in the elderly by drugs already approved for epilepsy.

Increased Piezo1 channel activity in interstitial Cajal-like cells induces bladder hyperactivity by functionally interacting with NCX1 in rats with cyclophosphamide-induced cystitis

The Piezo1 channel is a mechanotransduction mediator, and Piezo1 abnormalities have been linked to several clinical disorders. However, the role of the Piezo1 channel in cystitis-associated bladder dysfunction has not been documented. The current study aimed to discover the functional role of this channel in regulating bladder activity during cyclophosphamide (CYP)-induced cystitis. One hundred four female rats were randomly assigned to the control, CYP-4h, CYP-48h and CYP-8d groups. CYP successfully induced acute or chronic cystitis in these rats. CYP treatment for 48h or 8d significantly increased Piezo1 channel expression in bladder interstitial Cajal-like cells (ICC-LCs), and the increase in CYP-8d rats was more prominent. In addition, 2.5 μM Grammostola spatulata mechanotoxin 4 (GsMTx4) significantly attenuated bladder hyperactivity in CYP-8d rats by inhibiting the Piezo1 channel in bladder ICC-LCs. Furthermore, by using GsMTx4 and siRNA targeting the Piezo1 channel, we demonstrated that hypotonic stress-induced Piezo1 channel activation significantly triggered Ca²⁺ and Na⁺ influx into bladder ICC-LCs during CYP-induced chronic cystitis. In addition, the Piezo1 channel functionally interacted with the relatively activated reverse mode of Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchanger 1 (NCX1) in bladder ICC-LCs from CYP-8d rats. In conclusion, we suggest that the functional role of the Piezo1 channel in CYP-induced chronic cystitis is based on its synergistic effects with NCX1, which can significantly enhance [Ca²⁺]_i and result in Ca²⁺ overload in bladder ICC-LCs, indicating that the Piezo1 channel and NCX1 are potential novel therapeutic targets for chronic cystitis-associated bladder hyperactivity.

A protein that controls the passage of ions through cell membranes is implicated in interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS). This condition causes chronic pelvic pain and increased urinary frequency and urgency. Current treatment options are unsatisfactory. Researchers led by Longkun Li at the Third Military Medical University in Chongqing, China, and Mingjia Tan at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA, studied the role of this membrane channel protein, called Piezo1. Increased activity of Piezo1 was linked to bladder hyperactivity in rats with drug-induced cystitis. The research also identified a synergistic interaction between Piezo1 and a second membrane channel protein. A drug that inhibits Piezo1 activity reduced bladder hyperactivity in the rats. Drugs targeting these two proteins might help to treat the chronic cystitis of patients with IC/PBS.

Combination of Luteolin and Solifenacin Improves Urinary Dysfunction Induced by Diabetic Cystopathy in Rats

Background

The purpose of the present study was to assess the effect of luteolin and solifenacin on diabetic cystopathy (DCP) and to investigate the mechanism of action. A novel link between the overexpression of c-Kit in the bladder and voiding dysfunction was identified in rats with DCP.

Material/Methods

A rat model of DCP was successfully established by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin and a diet high in glucose and lipids, and animals were treated with luteolin and solifenacin. The effect of luteolin and solifenacin on urinary dysfunction in DCP rats was investigated by assessing bladder pressure and performing a volume test. The protein levels of c-Kit, stem cell factor (SCF), p110, and phosphorylated p110 in the bladder were detected by Western blot analysis and immunohistochemical staining.

Results

In DCP rats, the protein levels of c-Kit, SCF and phosphorylated p110 in the bladder were significantly increased. However, oral treatment of DCP rats with luteolin combined with solifenacin resulted in effective improvement of overactive bladder and reduced the protein expression of c-Kit, SCF, and phosphorylated p110. Moreover, the effect of luteolin combined with solifenacin on maximum voiding pressure and residual urine volume was improved compared to that of luteolin alone.

Conclusions

Luteolin improved overactive bladder in DCP rats, which may be due to SCF/c-kit inhibition, as well as the downregulation of the phosphoinositide-3 kinase signaling pathway. Moreover, solifenacin enhanced the potential pharmacological effect of luteolin in the treatment of DCP.

The Dome Wall of Bladder Acts as a Pacemaker Site in Detrusor Instability in Rats

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to confirm that the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) in the dome wall of the bladder are pacemaker cells, and that the dome wall of the bladder acts as a pacemaker site in the detrusor instability (DI) rat model. MATERIAL AND METHODS The model of DI in Wistar rats was established and urodynamic studies measuring the bladder volume and pressure were performed. The detrusor excitability was investigated using the amplitude and frequency of phasic contraction of strips. The localization and quantity of ICCs was identified by immunohistochemistry and c-KIT protein expression in the rat bladder. PCR assay and Western blot were used to assess the expression of HCN2 and Cx43. RESULTS The bladder capacity, residual volume, voiding volume, and maximum voiding pressure were significantly increased in the DI group. The contraction frequency and amplitude of the strips from the dome of the bladder in the DI group were higher than the triangle, body, and base parts. Both the concentration of c-KIT positive ICCs cells and expression of the c-KIT protein in the dome wall were higher than in other parts of the bladder. The expression of HCN2 and Cx43 in each part of the DI rat group were obviously higher than each part in the control group. Compared to the body, base, and triangle parts, the expression of HCN2 and Cx43 in the dome wall were obviously higher in the DI group. CONCLUSIONS The quantity of ICCs was higher in the dome wall and the dome wall of bladder acts as a pacemaker site in the DI rat model.

Cyclophosphamide-induced HCN1 channel upregulation in interstitial Cajal-like cells leads to bladder hyperactivity in mice

Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels are confirmed to be expressed in bladder interstitial Cajal-like cells (ICC-LCs), but little is known about their possible role in cystitis-associated bladder dysfunction. The present study aimed to determine the functional role of HCN channels in regulating bladder function under inflammatory conditions. Sixty female wild-type C57BL/6J mice and sixty female HCN1-knockout mice were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups, respectively. Cyclophosphamide (CYP)-induced cystitis models were successfully established in these mice. CYP treatment significantly enhanced HCN channel protein expression and I_h density and significantly altered bladder HCN1 channel regulatory proteins. Carbachol (CCH) and forskolin (FSK) exerted significant effects on bladder ICC-LC [Ca²⁺]_i in CYP-treated wild-type (WT) mice, and HCN1 channel ablation significantly decreased the effects of CCH and FSK on bladder ICC-LC [Ca²⁺]_i in both naive and CYP-treated mice. CYP treatment significantly potentiated the spontaneous contractions and CCH (0.001–10 μM)-induced phasic contractions of detrusor strips, and HCN1 channel deletion significantly abated such effects. Finally, we demonstrated that the development of CYP-induced bladder overactivity was reversed in HCN1−/− mice. Taken together, our results suggest that CYP-induced enhancements of HCN1 channel expression and function in bladder ICC-LCs are essential for cystitis-associated bladder hyperactivity development, indicating that the HCN1 channel may be a novel therapeutic target for managing bladder hyperactivity.

The role of the peripheral cannabinoid system in the pathogenesis of detrusor overactivity evoked by increased intravesical osmolarity in rats

The cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 are localized in the urinary bladder and play a role in the regulation of its function. We investigated the pathomechanisms through which hyperosmolarity induces detrusor overactivity (DO). We compared urinary bladder activity in response to blockade of CB1 and CB2 receptors using AM281 and AM630, respectively, in normal rats and after hyperosmolar stimulation. Experiments were performed on 44 rats. DO was induced by intravesical instillation of hyperosmolar saline. Surgical procedures and cystometry were performed under urethane anaesthesia. The measurements represent the average of 5 bladder micturition cycles. We analysed basal, threshold, and micturition voiding pressure; intercontraction interval; compliance; functional bladder capacity; motility index; and detrusor overactivity index. The blockage of CB1 and CB2 receptors diminished the severity of hyperosmolar-induced DO. In comparison with naïve animals the increased frequency of voiding with no significant effect on intravesical voiding pressure profile was observed as a result of the blockage of CB1 and CB2 receptors. These results demonstrate that hyperosmolar-induced DO is mediated by CB1 and CB2 receptors. Therefore, the cannabinoid pathway could potentially be a target for the treatment of urinary bladder dysfunction.

Artificial urinary conduit construction using tissue engineering methods

Introduction

Incontinent urinary diversion using an ileal conduit is the most popular method used by urologists after bladder cystectomy resulting from muscle invasive bladder cancer. The use of gastrointestinal tissue is related to a series of complications with the necessity of surgical procedure extension which increases the time of surgery. Regenerative medicine together with tissue engineering techniques gives hope for artificial urinary conduit construction de novo without affecting the ileum.

Material and methods

In this review we analyzed history of urinary diversion together with current attempts in urinary conduit construction using tissue engineering methods. Based on literature and our own experience we presented future perspectives related to the artificial urinary conduit construction.

Results

A small number of papers in the field of tissue engineered urinary conduit construction indicates that this topic requires more attention. Three main factors can be distinguished to resolve this topic: proper scaffold construction along with proper regeneration of both the urothelium and smooth muscle layers.

Conclusions

Artificial urinary conduit has a great chance to become the first commercially available product in urology constructed by regenerative medicine methods.

Does diabetes affect the distribution and number of interstitial cells and neuronal tissue in the ureter, bladder, prostate, and urethra of humans?

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the distribution and number of interstitial cells (ICs) and neuronal tissue in the ureter, bladder, prostate, and urethra of human patients with and without diabetes.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Human tissue was obtained from patients who had undergone radical cystectomy for bladder cancer (10 diabetic and 11 non-diabetic males). Interstitial cells were stained immunohistochemically with anti-human CD117 (c-kit) rabbit polyclonal antibody, Vimentin, and Connexin-43. Neural tissue was stained with synaptophysin. The number of ICs and neurons was evaluated and compared between the groups (diabetic versus non-diabetic).

RESULTS

The mean number of c-kit (+) ICs in bladder lamina propria was significantly decreased in diabetics (32.40 ±12.96 versus 57.18 ±25.37, p = 0.036). The mean number of ICs in the detrusor muscle was significantly decreased in diabetics (40.50 ±16.79 versus 64.55 ±22.08, p = 0.013). Between the groups, no significant differences were detected regarding the number of ICs at the level of the ureter, urethra, and prostate. No significant differences were detected regarding the number of nerves in the ureter, bladder, prostate, and urethra of both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The number of ICs may be decreased in the lamina propria and detrusor muscle of the human bladder in diabetes. This can be an underlying cause of lower urinary tract (LUT) dysfunction in diabetics. Research into the development of drugs targeting or stimulating IC function in order to prevent diabetic LUT dysfunction is warranted.

Pressure-flow nomogram for women with lower urinary tract symptoms

INTRODUCTION

Results of urodynamic studies performed in female patients are often difficult to interpret. The objective of the study was to develop a nomogram that would help in diagnosing functional bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) in neurologically intact women with any kind of lower urinary tract symptoms.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

From the urodynamic database adult women were chosen with maximal flow rate (Q max ) ≤ 12 ml/s in a pressure-flow study. Four criteria were used to identify a group of patients suspected of BOO: thickened bladder wall, presence of bladder diverticula, subjective improvement on α-blockers and improvement of voiding symptoms on any form of treatment. The line separating high and low pressure zones on the pressure-flow chart was established according to the position of patients who met at least one of them.

RESULTS

Sixty-seven patientswere investigated. Twenty-one women met at least one of the specified criteria. They had significantly higher voiding pressures (p det(Qmax) 35 cm H2O vs. 16.5 cm H2O; p = 0.002). A new nomogram with one separating line (p det(Qmax) = 1.5 × Q max + 10) was proposed. The difference in the distribution of women fulfilling the criteria between high pressure zone and low pressure zone was highly significant (19/35 vs. 2/32; p < 0.0001). Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of our nomogram in identifying patients suspected of BOO was 90.5%, 65.2%, 54.3% and 94% respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The new nomogram can be considered a screening test which efficiently excludes obstruction among women with low Q max in a pressure-flow study.