Inhibition of CXCR4 in Spinal Cord and DRG with AMD3100 Attenuates Colon-Bladder Cross-Organ Sensitization.

BACKGROUND: Cross-sensitization of pelvic organs is one theory for why symptoms of gut sickness and interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome overlap. Experimental colitis has been shown to trigger bladder hyperactivity and hyperalgesia in rats. The chemokine receptor CXCR4 plays a key role in bladder function and central sensitization. We aim to study the role of CXCR4 and its inhibitor AMD3100 in colon-bladder cross-organ sensitization. METHODS: The colitis model was established by rectal infusion of trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid. Western blot and immunofluorescence were used to assess the expression and distribution of CXCR4. Intrathecal injection of AMD3100 (a CXCR4 inhibitor) and PD98059 (an ERK inhibitor) were used to inhibit CXCR4 and downstream extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in the spinal cord and dorsal root ganglion (DRG). Intravesical perfusion of resiniferatoxin was performed to measure the pain behavior counts of rats, and continuous cystometry was performed to evaluate bladder voiding function. RESULTS: Compared to the control group, CXCR4 was expressed more in bladder mucosa and colon mucosa, L6-S1 dorsal root ganglion (DRG), and the corresponding segment of the spinal dorsal horn (SDH) in rats with colitis. Moreover, intrathecal injection of the AMD3100 suppressed bladder overactivity, bladder hyperalgesia, and mastocytosis symptoms caused by colitis. Furthermore, AMD3100 effectively inhibited ERK activation in the spinal cord induced by experimental colitis. Finally, treatment with PD98059 alleviated bladder overactivity and hyperalgesia caused by colitis. CONCLUSION: Increased CXCR4 in the DRG and SDH contributes to colon inflammation-induced bladder overactivity and hyperalgesia partly via the phosphorylation of spinal ERK. Treatment targeting the CXCR4/ERK pathway might provide a potential new approach for the comorbidity between the digestive system and the urinary system.

The nephroprotective effects of Daucus carota and Eclipta prostrata against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.

The overuse of cisplatin (>50 mg/m2) is limited to nephrotoxicity, ototoxicity, gastrotoxicity, myelosuppression, and allergic reactions. The objective of this study was to investigate the nephroprotective effects of Daucus carota and Eclipta prostrata extracts on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in Wistar albino rats. The study involved male Wistar albino rats of 8 weeks weighing 220-270 g. A single injection of 5 mg/kg was injected into the rats for nephrotoxicity. Rats were divided into four groups based on dose conentrations. Blood and urine samples of rats were collected on the 0, 7th, 14th, and 21st days for nephrological analysis. The results showed that Cis + DC/Cis + EP (600 mg/kg) significantly (p < 0.001) increased the body weight and reduced the kidney weight of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats (p < 0.001) as compared to Cis group. The results showed that 600 mg/kg administration of Cis + DC/Cis +EP successfully (p < 0.005) improved the urine and plasmin creatinine, Na, and K level compared to the Cis group. Histopathological results confirmed that Cis + EP/Cis + DC effectively improved the renal abnormalities. It is concluded that the co-administration of Cis + EP extract showed exceptional nephroprotective effects at a dose rate of 600 mg/kg.

Metformin abrogates the voiding dysfunction induced by prolonged methylglyoxal intake.

Methylglyoxal (MGO) is a reactive carbonyl species found at high levels in blood of diabetic patients. The anti-hyperglycemic drug metformin can scavenger MGO and reduce the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Here, we aimed to investigate if MGO-induced bladder dysfunction can be reversed by metformin. Male C57/BL6 mice received 0.5% MGO in drinking water for 12 weeks, and metformin (300 mg/kg, daily gavage) was given in the last two weeks. The bladder functions were evaluated by performing voiding behavior assays, cystometry and in vitro bladder contractions. MGO intake markedly elevated the levels of MGO and fluorescent AGEs in serum and reduced the mRNA expression and activity of glyoxalase (Glo1) in bladder tissues. Glucose levels were unaffected among groups. MGO intake also increased the urothelium thickness and collagen content of the bladder. Void spot assays in conscious mice revealed an increased void volume in MGO group. The cystometric assays in anesthetized mice revealed increases of basal pressure, non-voiding contractions frequency, bladder capacity, inter-micturition pressure and residual volume, which were accompanied by reduced voiding efficiency in MGO group. In vitro bladder contractions to carbachol, α,ß-methylene ATP and electrical-field stimulation were significantly greater in MGO group. Metformin normalized the changes of MGO and AGEs levels, Glo1 expression and activity, urothelium thickness and collagen content. The MGO-induced voiding dysfunction were all restored by metformin treatment. Our findings strongly suggest that the amelioration of MGO-induced voiding dysfunction by metformin relies on its ability to scavenger MGO, preventing its accumulation in blood.

Carbohydrate hastens hypervolemia achieved through ingestion of aqueous sodium solution in resting euhydrated humans.

PURPOSE: Ingesting beverages containing a high concentration of sodium under euhydrated conditions induces hypervolemia. Because carbohydrate can enhance interstitial fluid absorption via the sodium-glucose cotransporter and insulin-dependent renal sodium reabsorption, adding carbohydrate to high-sodium beverages may augment the hypervolemic response. METHODS: To test this hypothesis, we had nine healthy young males ingest 1087 ± 82 mL (16-17 mL per kg body weight) of water or aqueous solution containing 0.7% NaCl, 0.7% NaCl + 6% dextrin, 0.9% NaCl, or 0.9% NaCl + 6% dextrin under euhydrated conditions. Each drink was divided into six equal volumes and ingested at 10-min intervals. During each trial, participants remained resting for 150 min. Measurements were made at baseline and every 30 min thereafter. RESULTS: Plasma osmolality decreased with water ingestion (P ≤ 0.023), which increased urine volume such that there was no elevation in plasma volume from baseline (P ≥ 0.059). The reduction in plasma osmolality did not occur with ingestion of solution containing 0.7% or 0.9% NaCl (P ≥ 0.051). Consequently, urine volume was 176-288 mL smaller than after water ingestion and resulted in plasma volume expansion at 60 min and later times (P ≤ 0.042). In addition, net fluid balance was 211-329 mL greater than after water ingestion (P ≤ 0.028). Adding 6% dextrin to 0.7% or 0.9% NaCl solution resulted in plasma volume expansion within as little as 30 min (P ≤ 0.026), though the magnitudes of the increases in plasma volume were unaffected (P ≥ 0.148). CONCLUSION: Dextrin mediates an earlier hypervolemic response associated with ingestion of high-sodium solution in resting euhydrated young men. (247/250 words).

Linh Phu Khang Tue Tinh inhibited prostate proliferation in rats induced benign prostatic hyperplasia by testosterone propionate.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the hyperproliferation of the stromal and the epithelial cells within the prostatic transition zone. In recent years, phytotherapy have been studied with the concern for increasing quality of life, improving lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) as well as reducing prostate volume and the frequency of adverse events was similar to that of placebo. Linh Phu Khang Tue Tinh (LPKTT) capsules are formulated from 4 herbs widely used in traditional Vietnamese medicine - Panax notoginseng (Burkill) F.H.Chen - Tam that (radix), Crinum asiaticum L. - Náng hoa trang or giant crinum lily, Polygonum cuspidatum Willd. ex Spreng. (= Reynoutria japonica Houtt) - Cot cu khí or Japanese knotweed (radix), Oldenlandia herbacea (L.) Roxb. (formerly known as Hedyotis diffusa Spreng.) - Bach hoa xà thie^t thao or slender oldenlandia (herb). The preparation has been used in traditional Vietnamese medicine to treat nocturia, weak urine stream, urinary tract infection. According to modern studies, these herbs have anti-inflammation, antitumor, and antioxidant activities. AIMS OF THE STUDY: Evaluating the effects of LPKTT capsules on the development of BPH using a rat model of BPH induced by testosterone propionate (TP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 60 male Wistar rats, 10-12 weeks of age, weight 200-250 g were separated into six groups: (G1) a normal control group that was taken orally phosphate-buffered saline (p.o.; PBS.) with corn oil (subcutaneous injection- Sc); (G2) a BPH model group that received PBS (p.o) with TP (Sc); (G3) a positive control group that received dutasteride (25 µg/kg BW/24 h, p.o.) with TP (Sc); (G4) a positive control group that received alfuzosin HCl (1.8 mg/kg BW/24 h, p.o.) with TP (s.c.) and (G5 and G6) LPKTT groups that received LPKTT at 289.8 or 869.4 mg/kg(p.o.) respectively, with TP (s.c.). BPH model was induced by Sc of TP, 3 mg/kg for 4 weeks. After that, rats were received NaCl/Dutasteride/Alfuzosin/LPKTT for the next 28 days. On the 56th day, assessed the results were through the indicators: micturition frequency, voided volume, total voided volume, the prostate and body weights, the ratio of prostate weight to body weight, prostate histology. RESULTS: LPKTT reduced micturition frequency and increased the voided volume when compared to the control group (p < 0.01). The results were equivalent to those of the alfuzosin ones (G4). LPKTT lowered prostate weight and the ratio of prostate weight to body weight when compared to the control group (p < 0.01). These reductions were the same in the dutasteride ones. Histomorphology in G5 and G6 also showed that LPKTT inhibited TP induced prostatic hyperplasia. The results were similar to that in the dutasteride group. Microscopic images of prostate in G5 and G6 were almost similar to that of G1. CONCLUSION: LPKTT capsules work to inhibit prostate proliferation in rats induced BPH by TP.

Therapeutic effect of modulating the NLRP3-regulated transforming growth factor-ß signaling pathway on interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome.

Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is a disorder with complex pathogenesis and lacks effective treatment. Chronic inflammation is the main pathogenesis of Hunner-type IC/BPS. The NLR family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome-related transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß)/Smad signaling pathway plays a crucial role in inflammation-related tissue fibrosis. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and protamine sulfate (LPS/PS) were instilled into the mouse bladder twice a week for 5 consecutive weeks to establish a chronic inflammation-induced IC/BPS model (LPS/PS model). Following LPS/PS treatment, curcumin (oral, 100 mg/kg; a potent NLRP3 modulator) was administered for 2 weeks in the curcumin treatment group, and normal saline was used for the sham group. Bladder function was evaluated by performing the voiding spot assay and examining the status of urothelial denudation and fibrosis in bladder tissues. The expression of NLRP3 inflammasome, interleukin-1ß, TGF-ß, Smad, vimentin, and E-cadherin in bladder tissues was evaluated through immunohistochemistry staining. Results revealed that the repeated instillation of LPS/PS leads to voiding dysfunction, bladder urothelium denudation, and detrusor muscle fibrosis through the upregulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome/IL-1ß-related TGF-ß/Smad pathway and the increased epithelial-mesenchymal transition process in bladder tissues. The downregulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome/IL-1ß-related TGF-ß/Smad pathway in bladder tissues through curcumin effectively mitigated bladder injury in the LPS/PS model. In conclusion, the NLRP3 inflammasome/IL-1ß-related TGF-ß/Smad pathway plays a crucial role in bladder injury in the LPS/PS model, and modulation of this pathway, such as by using curcumin, can effectively mitigate the sequelae of chronic inflammation-induced IC/BPS.

Voiding behavior in awake unrestrained untethered spontaneously hypertensive and Wistar control rats.

The spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR), a genetic model of high blood pressure, has also been studied as a potential model of overactive bladder. In vivo studies have confirmed the presence of surrogate markers of overactive bladder, including detrusor overactivity, increased urinary frequency, decreased bladder capacity and voided volume (VV), and afferent hypersensitivity to bladder irritation. However, these observations were during awake cystometry using implanted bladder catheters tethered to an infusion pump and artificially filled. We conducted experiments in awake unrestrained untethered age-matched female SHRs and Wistar rats to quantify naïve consumption and voiding behavior and the effect of capsaicin desensitization on consumption and voiding behavior. Food and water consumption, body weight, voiding frequency, and VV were recorded. Rats were placed in metabolism cages for 24 h, up to twice a week, from 17 to 37 wk of age. Compared with Wistar rats, SHRs exhibited decrease in VV and did not exhibit diurnal variation in VV between light and dark periods, suggesting that SHRs may have bladder hypersensitivity. Furthermore, SHRs may also have smaller bladder capacities, as they consumed less water, voided less volume (regardless of light cycle), and had equal urinary frequencies compared with age-matched Wistar rats. We detected no change in SHR voiding behavior following capsaicin desensitization, which was in contrast to a prior awake in vivo cystometry study describing increased VV and micturition interval in SHRs and suggests that C-fiber activity may not contribute to bladder hypersensitivity in SHRs.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We characterized the long-term (20 wk) voiding, defecation, and consumption behavior of age-matched spontaneously hypertensive and Wistar rats without the influence of anesthesia or catheters. Spontaneously hypertensive rats exhibited bladder hypersensitiviy that persisted for the 20-wk duration and was unaffected by capsacin desensitization.

Anesthetic protocols for urodynamic studies of the lower urinary tract in small rodents-A systematic review.

Urodynamic studies in rats and mice are broadly used to examine pathomechnisms of disease and identify and test therapeutic targets. This review aims to highlight the effects of the anesthetics on the lower urinary tract function and seeks to identify protocols that allow recovery from anesthesia and repeated measurements while preserving the function which is being studied. All studies published in English language, which compared the data obtained under various types of anesthesia and the urodynamics performed in awake animals were included. It appears that urethane, an anesthetic recommended extensively for the investigation of lower urinary tract function, is appropriate for acute urodynamic studies only. Major advantages of urethane are its stability and ability to preserve the micturition reflex. Due to its toxicity and carcinogenicity, urethane anesthesia should not be used for recovery procedures. This review evaluated available alternatives including propofol, isoflurane and combinations of urethane, ketamine/xylazine, ketamine/medetomidine, and/or fentanyl/fluanisone/midazolam. Different effects have been demonstrated among these drugs on the urinary bladder, the urethral sphincter, as well as on their neuroregulation. The lowest incidence of adverse effects was observed with the use of a combination of ketamine and xylazine. Although the variations in the reviewed study protocols represent a limitation, we believe that this summary will help in standardizing and optimizing future experiments.

The anxiolytic sertraline reduces the impact of psychological stress on bladder function in mice.

AIMS: To determine if treatment with the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) sertraline reduces the bladder dysfunction caused by water avoidance stress in mice. MAIN METHODS: Adult female mice were randomly allocated to (1) Unstressed, (2) Stressed or (3) Stress + Sertraline experimental groups. Stressed mice were subjected to water avoidance for 1 h/day for 10 days and received sertraline or vehicle in drinking water, starting 10-days prior to the first stress exposure. Age matched control/unstressed mice were house under normal conditions without stress exposure. Voiding behaviour was assessed throughout the experimental protocol. After the final stress exposure, a blood sample was taken to measure plasma corticosterone levels and bladders were removed, catheterised and intravesical pressure responses recorded during distension and in response to pharmacological agents. KEY FINDINGS: Plasma corticosterone levels in sertraline-treated animals were equivalent to unstressed controls and significantly decreased compared to the stressed group. Voiding frequency was significantly increased in the stressed group, and treatment with sertraline significantly decreased voiding frequency, however, this remained elevated compared to unstressed control animals. Bladders from stressed mice displayed enhanced maximal contractile response to the muscarinic agonist carbachol and greater release of ACh in the serosal fluid, which was reduced to control levels by sertraline treatment. Spontaneous phasic contractions were not altered by stress but were significantly reduced in bladders from sertraline treated animals, relative to controls. SIGNIFICANCE: These results indicate that management of voiding dysfunction caused by psychological stress may be aided by the addition of an SSRI such as sertraline.

Tadalafil ameliorates bladder overactivity by restoring insulin-activated detrusor relaxation via the bladder mucosal IRS/PI3K/AKT/eNOS pathway in fructose-fed rats.

The pathophysiologies of metabolic syndrome (MS) and overactive bladder (OAB) might overlap. Using fructose-fed rats (FFRs) as a rodent model of MS we investigated the effects of tadalafil (a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor) on the dysregulated insulin signalling in the bladder mucosa and bladder overactivity. Micturition behaviour was evaluated. Concentration-response curves on detrusor relaxation to insulin stimulation were examined. Expression and phosphorylation of proteins in the insulin signalling pathway were evaluated by Western blotting. Levels of detrusor cGMP and urinary nitrite and nitrate (NOx) were measured. We observed FFRs exhibited metabolic traits of MS, bladder overactivity, and impaired insulin-activated detrusor relaxation in organ bath study. A high-fructose diet also impeded insulin signalling, reflected by overexpression of IRS1/pIRS1Ser307 and pIRS2Ser731 and downregulation of PI3K/pPI3KTyr508, AKT/pAKTSer473, and eNOS/peNOSSer1177 in the bladder mucosa, alongside decreased urinary NOx and detrusor cGMP levels. Tadalafil treatment restored the reduced level of mucosal peNOS, urinary NOx, and detrusor cGMP, improved the insulin-activated detrusor relaxation, and ameliorated bladder overactivity in FFRs. These results suggest tadalafil may ameliorate MS-associated bladder overactivity by restoring insulin-activated detrusor relaxation via molecular mechanisms that are associated with preservation of IR/IRS/PI3K/AKT/eNOS pathway in the bladder mucosa and cGMP production in the bladder detrusor.

Urinary reabsorption in the rat kidney by anticholinergics.

Anticholinergics, therapeutic agents for overactive bladder, are clinically suggested to reduce urine output. We investigated whether this effect is due to bladder or kidney urine reabsorption. Various solutions were injected into the bladder of urethane-anesthetized SD rats. The absorption rate for 2 h was examined following the intravenous administration of the anticholinergics imidafenacin (IM), atropine (AT), and tolterodine (TO). The bilateral ureter was then canulated and saline was administered to obtain a diuretic state. Anticholinergics or 1-deamino-[8-D-arginine]-vasopressin (dDAVP) were intravenously administered. After the IM and dDAVP administrations, the rat kidneys were immunostained with AQP2 antibody, and intracellular cAMP was measured. The absorption rate was ~ 10% of the saline injected into the bladder and constant even when anticholinergics were administered. The renal urine among peaked 2 h after the saline administration. Each of the anticholinergics significantly suppressed the urine production in a dose-dependent manner, as did dDAVP. IM and dDAVP increased the intracellular cAMP levels and caused the AQP2 molecule to localize to the collecting duct cells' luminal side. The urinary reabsorption mechanism through the bladder epithelium was not activated by anticholinergic administration. Thus, anticholinergics suppress urine production via an increase in urine reabsorption in the kidneys' collecting duct cells via AQP2.

Trimetazidine Protects from Mercury-Induced Kidney Injury.

INTRODUCTION: The presence of mercury in the environment is a worldwide concern. Inorganic mercury is present in industrial materials, is employed in medical devices, is widely used in batteries, is a component of fluorescent light bulbs, and it has been associated with human poisoning in gold mining areas. The nephrotoxicity induced by inorganic mercury is a relevant health problem mainly in developing countries. The primary mechanism of mercury toxicity is oxidative stress. Trimetazidine (TMZ) is an anti-ischemic drug, which inhibits cellular oxidative stress, eliminates oxygen-free radicals, and improves lipid metabolism. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the administration of TMZ protects against mercuric chloride (HgCl2) kidney damage. METHODS: Adult male Wistar rats received only HgCl2 (4 mg/kg bw, sc) (Hg group, n = 5) or TMZ (3 mg/kg bw, ip) 30 min before HgCl2 administration (4 mg/kg bw, sc) (TMZHg group, n = 7). Simultaneously, a control group of rats (n = 4) was studied. After 4 days of HgCl2 injection, urinary flow, urea and creatinine (Cr) plasma levels, Cr clearance, urinary glucose, and sodium-dicarboxylate cotransporter 1 (NaDC1) in urine were determined. Lipid peroxidation (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels were measured in kidney homogenates. RESULTS: Rats only treated with HgCl2 showed an increase in urea and Cr plasma levels, urinary flow, fractional excretion of water, glucosuria, and NaDC1 urinary excretion as compared with the control group and a decrease in Cr clearance. TMZHg group showed a decrease in urea and Cr plasma levels, urinary flow, fractional excretion of water, glucosuria, NaDC1 urinary excretion, and an increase in Cr clearance when compared to the Hg group. Moreover, MDA and GSH levels observed in Hg groups were decreased and increased, respectively, by TMZ pretreatment. CONCLUSION: TMZ exerted a renoprotective action against HgCl2-induced renal injury, which might be mediated by the reduction of oxidative stress. Considering the absence of toxicity of TMZ, its clinical application against oxidative damage due to HgCl2-induced renal injury should be considered. The fact that TMZ is commercially available should simplify and accelerate the translation of the present data "from bench to bedside." In this context, TMZ become an interesting new example of drug repurposing.

Bounded Integer Modeling of Symptom Scales Specific to Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Secondary to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.

The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), the quality of life (QoL) score, and the benign prostatic hyperplasia impact index (BII) are three different scales commonly used to assess the severity of lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH-LUTS). Based on a phase II clinical trial including 403 patients with moderate to severe BPH-LUTS, the objectives of this study were to (i) develop traditional pharmacometric and bounded integer (BI) models for the IPSS, QoL score, and BII endpoints, respectively; (ii) compare the power and type I error in detecting drug effects of BI modeling with traditional methods through simulation; and (iii) obtain quantitative translation between scores on the three abovementioned scales using a BI modeling framework. All developed models described the data adequately. Pharmacometric modeling using a continuous variable (CV) approach was overall found to be the most robust in terms of type I error and power to detect a drug effect. In most cases, BI modeling showed similar performance to the CV approach, yet severely inflated type I error was generally observed when inter-individual variability (IIV) was incorporated in the BI variance function (g()). BI modeling without IIV in g() showed greater type I error control compared to the ordered categorical approach. Lastly, a multiple-scale BI model was developed and estimated the relationship between scores on the three BPH-LUTS scales with overall low uncertainty. The current study yields greater understanding of the operating characteristics of the novel BI modeling approach and highlights areas potentially requiring further improvement.

[Mechanism of the Long-lasting Potentiating Effect of Distigmine on Urinary Bladder Motility].

Distigmine bromide (distigmine) is a carbamate cholinesterase (ChE) inhibitor, which is mainly used for the treatment of myasthenia gravis. Distigmine is also used in Japan for the treatment for underactive bladder and glaucoma. The effectiveness of distigmine for underactive bladder treatment has been confirmed by many clinical reports, and this effect is thought to be caused by potentiating urinary bladder smooth muscle contraction due to inhibition of acetylcholine degradation during micturition. However, the pharmacological effects of distigmine on urinary bladder smooth muscle have not been well studied. The most distinctive pharmacological feature of distigmine is that it shows long-lasting effects than other ChE inhibitors; however, few studies have investigated the persistence of the enhancing effect of distigmine on the contractile function of urinary bladder smooth muscle. Moreover, this mechanism remains unclear. In this review, we present our findings on the mechanism of the potentiating effect of distigmine on isolated guinea pig urinary bladder smooth muscle contraction. We also discuss the long-lasting potentiating effect of distigmine on urinary bladder motility and the mechanism of these effects using guinea pig urinary bladder smooth muscle in vivo and in vitro. In addition, we present our investigations on the long-lasting mechanism of distigmine using recombinant human acetylcholinesterase.

Prostate-to-bladder cross-sensitization in a model of zymosan-induced chronic pelvic pain syndrome in rats.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) on bladder function and pathophysiology. METHODS: To create a model for CPPS, rats were intraprostatically injected with zymosan or saline, serving as control. Metabolic cage experiments were performed 7, 14, or 21 days after zymosan injection and after 14 days in the control group. Thereafter, cystometry was performed in which simulated micturition cycles were induced by saline infusion and contractile responses to the cholinergic agonist methacholine and the purinergic agonist ATP were measured. Following cystometry, the prostate and urinary bladder were excised and assessed histopathologically for possible inflammatory changes. RESULTS: Metabolic cage data revealed a significantly increased urinary frequency in zymosan treated rats. Likewise, the volume per micturition was significantly lower in all CPPS groups compared to controls. Cystometry showed a significant increase in the number of nonvoiding contractions, longer voiding time, and a trend towards lower compliance in CPPS rats compared to controls. Induction of CPPS led to significantly reduced cholinergic and purinergic contractile responses. Histopathological analysis demonstrated prostatic inflammation in all CPPS groups, in particular in later stage groups. Both the extent and grade of bladder inflammation were significantly higher in CPPS groups compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS: The current findings demonstrate a potential prostate-to-bladder cross-sensitization leading to symptoms of bladder overactivity and signs of bladder inflammation. Future clinical studies are required to verify the outcomes of the current study and enable advancement of patient care.

Ajuga iva water extract antihypertensive effect on stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats, vasorelaxant effects ex vivo and in vitro activity of fractions.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Ajuga iva (L.) Schreb. (Labiatae) (AI) is used in folk medicine for a variety of ailments, including diabetes mellitus and hypertension. AIM OF THE STUDY: In this work, we aimed to investigate the antihypertensive and vasorelaxant effects of AI aqueous extract in stroke prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR-SP). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Male SHR-SP rats were orally force-fed AI aqueous extract (500 mg/kg body weight) daily for one week. Systolic blood pressure and urine output were recorded in vivo by non-invasive methods. AI vasoactive effects on noradrenaline contractile response and acetylcholine-evoked relaxation were assessed ex vivo on aorta rings of treated and untreated SHR-SP rats. AI extract was then subjected to bio-guided fractionation using solvents of increasing polarity. For each fraction, in vitro vasorelaxation assay was performed on noradrenaline-precontracted aorta of Wistar rats, in the absence/presence of N-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA). HPLC analysis of AI total extract, and the most in vitro active AI residual aqueous extract fraction (A1) was performed using naringin, naringenin, apigenin, apigenin 7-O-glucoside as marker compounds. RESULTS: AI aqueous extract (500 mg/kg) significantly (P < 0.05) decreased systolic blood pressure (SBP) in SHR-SP rats, while not affecting the urine output. In ex vivo experiments, the total extract decreased contractile response to noradrenaline of aortic rings isolated from AI-treated SHR-SP rats with or without addition of N-nitro-L-arginine, but endothelium dependent relaxation evoked by acetylcholine in noradrenaline-contracted aortic rings was not affected by the extract treatment. In vitro experiments on AI aqueous extract fractions showed that its polar fraction was the only one affecting in vitro noradrenaline induced contractions, but only in an endothelium dependent manner. This fraction was shown by HPLC-UV to contain flavonoid glycosides among other polar compounds whose activity and mode of action may be modified in vivo by metabolization. CONCLUSION: These results support the use of AI as antihypertensive treatment in folk medicine. The systolic blood pressure decrease may be attributed at least in part to vasorelaxant glycosylated/polar phenolic compounds as flavonoids and/or their metabolites.

Spinal Dopaminergic Mechanisms Regulating the Micturition Reflex in Male Rats with Complete Spinal Cord Injury.

Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) often causes micturition dysfunction. We recently discovered a low level of spinally-derived dopamine (DA) that regulates recovered bladder and sphincter reflexes in SCI female rats. Considering substantial sexual dimorphic features in the lower urinary tract, it is unknown if the DA-ergic mechanisms act in the male. Histological analysis showed a similar distribution of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)+ neurons in the lower cord of male rats and the number increased following thoracic SCI. Subsequently, focal electrical stimulation in slices obtained from L6/S1 spinal segments of SCI rats elicited detectable DA release with fast scan cyclic voltammetry. Using bladder cystometrogram and external urethral sphincter (EUS) electromyography in SCI male rats, intravenous (i.v.) administration of SCH 23390, a D1-like receptor (DR1) antagonist, induced significantly increased tonic EUS activity and a trend of increased residual volume, whereas activation of these receptors with SKF 38393 did not influence the reflex. Meanwhile, blocking spinal D2-like receptors (DR2) with remoxipride had no effect but stimulating these receptors with quinpirole elicited EUS bursting to increase voiding volume. Further, intrathecal delivery of SCH 23390 and quinpirole resulted in similar responses to those with i.v. delivery, respectively, which indicates the central action regardless of delivery route. In addition, metabolic cage assays showed that quinpirole increased the voiding frequency and total voiding volume in spontaneous micturition. Collectively, spinal DA-ergic machinery regulates recovered micturition reflex following SCI in male rats; spinal DR1 tonically suppress tonic EUS activity to enable voiding and activation of DR2 facilitates voiding.

Trigonal-sparing versus trigonal-involved Botox injection for treatment of idiopathic overactive bladder: A randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate safety and efficacy of trigone-involved Botox injections in comparison with trigone-sparing injections in refractory idiopathic overactive bladder (OAB). MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and three patients randomly received a 100-IU intradetrusal injection of Botox either sparing the trigone (52 patients) or involving the trigone (51 patients). Patients were prospectively evaluated at 1, 3, and 6 months. Efficacy was evaluated by 3-day voiding diaries, OAB symptom score (OABSS), and pressure flow study. Any complications were recorded. An ascending cystogram was done at 3 months for detection of vesicoureteral reflux. Urinary tract infection (UTI) was estimated on urine culture basis. Primary outcome was the difference of total OABSS at 3 months. RESULTS: The mean age ± SD was 34.3 ± 10 years (range 18-59 years). There was a reduction of episodes of all components of OAB in both groups in comparison with baseline by the end of the study but without significant difference between both groups. The trigonal-sparing group had less score of frequency compared with the trigonal-involved group throughout the study period (P < .05). There was no difference in OABSS at 3 months (1.5 ± 0.4 vs 1.6 ± 0.3, P .875). Two patients in the trigonal-involved group out of 51 (3.9%) were in need of clean intermittent catheterization because of voiding difficulty and a postvoid residual > 200 mL. There was a higher rate of UTI in the trigonal-involved group ranging from 5.6% up to 11.7% at each follow-up visit. No patient had reflux. CONCLUSION: Trigone injections are not superior to trigone-sparing injections. On the contrary, the incidence of UTI and voiding difficulty were higher. The concept of reflux induced by trigonal injection has not been proven.

Receptor GPR91 contributes to voiding function and detrusor relaxation mediated by succinate.

AIM: Succinate activates the receptor GPR91 identified in the bladder. The present study aims to unravel the mechanisms of bladder relaxation by succinate and how the receptor is involved in structural and functional changes of the bladder. METHODS: Physiological recordings of bladder function were carried out by cystometry and organ bath from C57BL/6 mice, homozygous GPR91-/- mice, and Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. GPR91 expression was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction and tissue morphology was examined by light (Masson trichrome) and fluorescence microscopy. Nitric oxide (NO) and ATP secretion were measured. RESULTS: Bladders of GPR91 KO mice had a greater mass to body weight ratio with a thicker bladder wall compared to C57BL/6 mice. They also displayed increased basal and maximal bladder pressures, and decreased intercontraction intervals, bladder capacity, micturition volume, and compliance. During cystometry, bladders of SD rats and C57BL/6 mice instilled with succinate (10 mM) showed signs of relaxation while bladders of GPR91 KO mice were unresponsive. Similarly, in organ bath, succinate relaxed bladder strips preincubated with carbachol, except GPR91 KO ones. Relaxation was stronger in the presence of urothelium and independent of NO synthesis. Bladder strips from all mice groups showed similar responses to KCl, carbachol, and electrical stimulation. In vitro, succinate increased NO secretion in urothelial cell culture of both C57BL6 and GPR91 KO mice while ATP secretion was potently decreased by succinate in C57BL6 culture only. CONCLUSION: Succinate through GPR91 is essential to bladder structure and contraction. GPR91 relaxes the detrusor partially by decreasing urothelial ATP secretion.

Diverse role of gut microbiota on reduction of ascites and intestinal injury in malignant ascites effusion rats treated with Euphorbia kansui stir-fried with vinegar.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Euphorbia kansui (EK) is the dried root of Euphorbia kansui S.L.Liou ex S.B.Ho. Clinically, processing with vinegar is for reducing toxicity of EK, and EK stir-fried with vinegar (VEK) is used to treat ascites and edema. VEK has been confirmed to reduce ascites by accelerating the promotion of intestinal contents. AIM OF THE STUDY: The study aimed to investigate whether gut microbiota could affect the expelling water retention effects and the intestinal oxidative damage of EK and VEK on malignant ascites effusion (MAE) rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pseudo-germ-free (PGF) MAE rats or probiotic intervented MAE rats were treated with EK/VEK. Related indicators such as serum, ascites, urine, feces, gastrointestinal tissues were analyzed, and the structure of the gut microbiota were also studied. The relationship between gut microbiota and the expelling water retention effects of EK/VEK where then further investigated. RESULTS: VEK reduce the volume of ascites by promoting urine and feces excretion, AQP8 protein and mRNA expression, when comparing with the MAE rats, also VEK could regulate the disordered gut microbiota in MAE rats. Mixed antibiotics could diminish VEK's expelling water retention effects in MAE rats, but increased oxidative damage in intestine. While existence of gut microbiota (especially probiotics) played an important role in the protection of intestines in VEK treated MAE rats. CONCLUSION: VEK had obvious pharmacological effect on MAE and could regulate gut microbiota, but gut microbiota was not a necessary condition for its pharmacological effects. The probiotics played a synergistic role with VEK in the effects of expelling water retention and intestinal protection.