Neurotrophins in bladder function: what do we know and where do we go from here?

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Neuroscience
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Neurotrophins (NTs) influence neuronal circuits controlling bladder function.
• Urinary symptoms in pathologies like overactive bladder (OAB) and bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC) stem from neuroplastic changes in bladder sensory afferents.
• Elevated NT levels are observed in the bladder walls of patients with these conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of NTs in bladder function.
• To focus on nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).
• To explore the clinical relevance of NTs in urologic conditions.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of current knowledge on NTs in bladder function.
• Focus on experimental models of bladder dysfunction.
• Examination of therapeutic strategies involving NT manipulation.

Main Results:

• NGF and BDNF are present in the bladder, regulating sensory afferents and urothelial cells.
• Upregulation of NTs correlates with bladder hyperactivity and pain in experimental models.
• NT levels in urine may serve as potential biomarkers for OAB and BPS/IC.

Conclusions:

• Significant advancements have been made in understanding NTs' role in bladder function.
• Therapeutic targeting of NTs, such as NGF, is being investigated in preclinical and clinical settings.
• NTs hold potential for future clinical applications in urologic disorders.