Physical activity effects on bladder dysfunction in an obese and insulin-resistant murine model

Area of Science:

• Metabolic Syndrome
• Urology
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Obesity and insulin resistance are linked to bladder dysfunction.
• The role of physical activity in mitigating these effects requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine how physical activity influences bladder function and molecular changes in an obese, insulin-resistant mouse model.
• To investigate the impact of a high-fat diet and physical activity on the insulin signaling pathway in bladder tissue.

Main Methods:

• Wistar rats were divided into four groups based on diet (standard vs. high-fat) and physical activity (swimming vs. sedentary).
• Urodynamic studies (UDS) assessed bladder function.
• Quantitative real-time PCR analyzed gene expression in the insulin pathway (IRS1/IRS2/PI3K/AKT/eNOS).

Main Results:

• Physical activity reduced body weight gain in rats on both standard and high-fat diets.
• The high-fat diet group without physical activity exhibited higher insulin levels, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and significant bladder dysfunction (increased micturition frequency, postvoid pressure; decreased capacity, compliance).
• Physical activity was associated with overexpression of the insulin signaling pathway, while a high-fat diet led to its underexpression.

Conclusions:

• The insulin signaling pathway is implicated in high-fat diet-induced bladder dysfunction.
• Physical activity may serve as a protective strategy against diet-induced bladder dysfunction by positively influencing the insulin pathway.