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Effect of severity and duration of bladder outlet obstruction on catalase and superoxide dismutase activity
Connor M Callaghan1, Catherine Schuler, Robert E Leggett
1Department of Pharmacy Practice, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Albany, New York, USA; Department of Research, Stratton VA Medical Center, Albany, New York, USA.
Objectives:
To study the effects of partial bladder outlet obstruction on the cell's anti-oxidant defense mechanisms, superoxide dismutase and catalase, in order to elucidate how the bladder responds to oxidative stress.
Methods:
Four groups of eight rabbits were subjected to partial bladder outlet obstruction for 4, 8 and 12 weeks. Eight sham rabbits were used as the control group. The bladders were removed under anesthesia, and the muscle and mucosa were separated, frozen and stored at -80°C for analysis. Superoxide dismutase and catalase assays were carried out on these tissues. The groups were also categorized by severity (mild, intermediate and severe) of decompensation, as well as duration.
Results:
When separated by duration, catalase activity of the mucosa was significantly higher in the control and the 12-weeks obstructed rabbits. This activity was lower than the control in the 4- and 8-weeks obstructed rabbits. When separated by severity, catalase activity of the mucosa was significantly higher and severely decompensated than the muscle in the controls. When separated by duration or severity, superoxide dismutase activity of the muscle was significantly lower than controls for all obstructed rabbits. The activities of both superoxide dismutase and catalase were significantly reduced in the severely decompensated bladder smooth muscle, but not in the 12-weeks obstructed bladder smooth muscle.
Conclusions:
Partial bladder outlet obstruction has significant effects on the activity of both superoxide dismutase and catalase in the bladder, with variations that are dependent on the severity and duration of the obstruction.
Insights
Partial bladder outlet obstruction impacts antioxidant defenses. Superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in bladder tissues change based on obstruction severity and duration, affecting cellular response to oxidative stress.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Biochemistry
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Partial bladder outlet obstruction (PB0) is a common condition.
- PB0 can lead to oxidative stress in bladder tissues.
- Antioxidant defense mechanisms, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase, are crucial for cellular protection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of PB0 on SOD and catalase activity in rabbit bladders.
- To understand how bladder antioxidant defenses respond to varying degrees and durations of obstruction.
- To elucidate the cellular mechanisms underlying bladder response to oxidative stress induced by PB0.
Main Methods:
- Rabbits underwent partial bladder outlet obstruction for 4, 8, or 12 weeks, with a control group.
- Bladder tissues (muscle and mucosa) were analyzed for superoxide dismutase and catalase activity.
- Groups were categorized by obstruction duration and severity (mild, intermediate, severe).
Main Results:
- Catalase activity in bladder mucosa varied with obstruction duration and severity.
- Superoxide dismutase activity in bladder muscle was reduced in all obstructed rabbits compared to controls.
- Severely decompensated bladder smooth muscle showed reduced SOD and catalase activity.
Conclusions:
- Partial bladder outlet obstruction significantly alters SOD and catalase activity in bladder tissues.
- The observed changes in antioxidant enzyme activity are dependent on both the duration and severity of the obstruction.
- These findings highlight the complex interplay between PB0, oxidative stress, and cellular defense mechanisms in the bladder.

