Potential Targets for Overactive Bladder in Older Men Based on Urinary Analysis of Metabolomics

We investigated the association between overactive bladder (OAB) and urinary metabolites in men.

This prospective observational study included 42 men aged 65-80 years. The 3-day frequency volume chart (FVC), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and quality of life score were adapted to assess the micturition behavior. Participants with IPSS urgency score ≥2 were included in the OAB group, and those with IPSS urgency score <2 were included in the control group. We performed a comprehensive metabolomic analysis using urine samples. Metabolites were compared between the groups using an unpaired t test and Fisher's exact test in a nonadjusted analysis. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the association between OAB and the metabolites.

Overall, 23 men were included in the OAB group and 19 in the control group. There were no differences in the background factors except age between the groups. FVC analysis demonstrated that nocturnal urine volume, 24-h micturition frequency, and nocturnal micturition frequency were significantly higher, and the maximum voided volume was significantly lower in the OAB group than in the controls. Metabolomic analysis revealed 14 metabolites that were differentially expressed between the groups. Multivariate analysis indicated that an increase in the levels of 5-iso prostaglandin F2α-VI (5-iPF2a-VI) and 5-methoxyindoleacetic acid was associated with OAB.

Abnormal urinary metabolites, including metabolites in the tryptophan (5-methoxyindoleacetic acid, 3-indoleacetonitrile, and 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid) and arachidonic acid (5-iPF2a-VI) pathways, play a role in the pathogenesis of OAB in older men.