Effect of melatonin on age associated changes in Guinea pig bladder function.

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Urology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Urinary incontinence prevalence rises with age, yet the aging-bladder dysfunction link remains unclear.
• Melatonin, known for antioxidant properties, may mitigate age-related cellular damage and oxidative stress.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate age-related changes in bladder function in guinea pigs.
• To evaluate the efficacy of melatonin in ameliorating age-induced bladder disturbances.

Main Methods:

• Cystometry was performed on conscious, freely moving young adult (4 months) and senescent (18-20 months) female guinea pigs.
• Senescent animals received daily melatonin (2.5 mg/kg) for 21 days.
• Bladder capacity, detrusor activity, and micturition pressures were assessed.

Main Results:

• Aging significantly increased detrusor overactivity, evidenced by shorter micturition intervals and reduced bladder capacity.
• Senescent animals exhibited lower voiding micturition pressures compared to younger counterparts.
• Melatonin treatment normalized cystometric parameters in aged guinea pigs, resembling those of young adults.

Conclusions:

• Aging in guinea pigs induces detrusor overactivity and alters bladder function.
• Melatonin effectively reversed age-related changes in bladder function.
• Melatonin may offer a therapeutic strategy for managing age-related bladder disorders in humans.