Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 Promotes Bladder Hypertrophy Caused by Partial Bladder Outlet Obstruction

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Non-invasive biomarkers are needed to diagnose bladder outlet obstruction (BOO)-related dysfunction.
• Current diagnostic methods for BOO lack non-invasive molecular markers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate molecular changes and identify biomarkers associated with partial BOO (PBOO).
• To explore the role of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in PBOO and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Main Methods:

• Established a PBOO rat model.
• Utilized RNA sequencing, TMT-labeling proteomics, ELISA, and immunohistochemistry.
• Analyzed serum samples from 60 BPH patients.

Main Results:

• PBOO induced smooth muscle hypertrophy and interstitial cell hyperplasia in rats within 4 weeks.
• After 4 weeks, PBOO led to immune response activation, cell death, and apoptosis.
• FGF2 levels correlated with prostate volume in BPH patients, suggesting its involvement in hypertrophy.

Conclusions:

• Bladder function shifts from compensation to decompensation at 4 weeks post-PBOO.
• FGF2 is implicated in PBOO bladder hypertrophy and correlates with prostate volume in BPH.
• Further research into FGF2 as a biomarker for BOO and BPH is warranted.