BERKELEY, CA (UroToday.com) - Neurotrophins are expressed in the urothelium and these trophic factors, which are essential for the differentiation, survival, and maintenance of sensory neurons, have been considered key factors in the pathophysiology of overactive bladder (OAB). Our group investigated urinary levels of nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) in healthy individuals and overactive bladder patients, before and after lifestyle intervention plus antimuscarinic treatment. Urinary NGF, BDNF and GDNF concentration was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and normalized against creatinine.
In our study, urinary NGF and BDNF levels were low and stable in individuals of both genders. In patients with OAB, urinary NGF and BDNF were significantly higher, while no significant differences were found for GDNF. Urinary NGF/Cr and BDNF/Cr values normalized after non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatment for OAB symptoms. The reduction in BDNF levels correlated with waning symptoms along with treatment. These data suggest neurotrophins as key elements in OAB pathogenesis, with potential clinical implications.
Written by:
Tiago Antunes-Lopes, MD as part of Beyond the Abstract on UroToday.com. This initiative offers a method of publishing for the professional urology community. Authors are given an opportunity to expand on the circumstances, limitations etc... of their research by referencing the published abstract.
Department of Urology, Hospital de S. João, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
Urinary neurotrophic factors in healthy individuals and patients with overactive bladder - Abstract
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