Time-dependent functional, morphological, and molecular changes in diabetic bladder dysfunction in...

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Endocrinology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Diabetic bladder dysfunction (DBD) is a common complication of diabetes mellitus (DM).
• Understanding the temporal changes in bladder function and molecular markers is crucial for managing DBD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the functional, structural, and molecular changes in the bladder during the progression of diabetes.
• To identify potential molecular targets involved in the development of diabetic bladder dysfunction.

Main Methods:

• Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes in male C57BL/6 mice.
• Functional (cystometry, contractile responses) and structural (histomorphometry) assessments at multiple time points (0-12 weeks).
• Quantification of myosin Va and SLC17A9 protein and mRNA expression.

Main Results:

• Diabetic mice showed impaired bladder function, including reduced voiding efficiency and altered bladder capacity and compliance.
• Significant increases in nonvoiding contractions and contractile responses were observed at 6 weeks, followed by a decrease at 12 weeks.
• Myosin Va and SLC17A9 expression levels were elevated at 6 weeks, with myosin Va partially reverting while SLC17A9 remained high at 12 weeks.

Conclusions:

• Diabetic bladder dysfunction transitions from a compensated to a decompensated state between 9 and 12 weeks post-STZ induction.
• Alterations in myosin Va and SLC17A9 expression are strongly associated with the temporal progression of DBD.