The sympathetic nervous system is one component of the nervous regulatory system of the physiological function of the lower genitourinary tract. Our knowledge on the role of this sympathetic system has advanced during the last decade due to the characterization of b3-adrenoceptors (b3-ARs) in the urogenital system.
This review focuses on the pharmacological and molecular evidence supporting the functional roles of β3-AR in male genitourinary tissues of various species.
An electronic search in two different databases was performed including MEDLINE (PubMed) and EMBASE from 2010 to 2016. b3-agonists may be a promising alternative to antimuscarinics in the treatment of overactive bladder (OAB) based on available evidence.
Although more recent studies have evaluated the involvement of b3-ARs in the physiological control and regulation of various tissues of the lower genitourinary tract mainly urinary bladder, penis, urethra, ureter, there are few innovations in the pipe-line. Among the β3-agonists, mirabegron is a unique drug licensed for the treatment of OAB who are unable to tolerate antimuscarinic agents. Many drugs classified as β3-agonists are still under investigations for the treatment of OAB, lower urinary tract symptoms, ureteral stones, benign prostate hyperplasia, prostate cancer and erectile dysfunction.
This review discusses the potential roles of β3-AR as new therapeutic targets by evaluating the results of preclinical and clinical studies related to male lower genitourinary tract function. Looking to the future, the potential benefits of β3-AR agonists from experimental and clinical investigations may provide an attractive therapeutic option.
Current drug targets. 2017 Jan 20 [Epub ahead of print]
Ecem Kaya, Suresh C Sikka, Didem Yilmaz Oral, Isil Ozakca, Serap Gur
Departments of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ankara University, Turkey., Department of Urology, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, United States., Tulane University, Health Sciences Center Department of Urology, 1430 Tulane Avenue, SL-42, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States.