Male Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction: An Underrepresented Endpoint in Toxicology Research

Area of Science:

• Toxicology
• Environmental Health
• Urology

Background:

• Lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) is common in aging men, causing significant societal costs.
• Research on LUTD largely ignores environmental chemical influences, despite potential developmental origins.
• Male LUTD is an understudied endpoint in toxicology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce toxicologists to male LUTD as a potential area of chemical toxicity research.
• To review the physiology and cellular composition of the male lower urinary tract.
• To discuss known and suspected LUTD mechanisms and relevant environmental chemicals.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on male LUTD and environmental chemical exposure.
• Description of male lower urinary tract physiology and tissue cellularity.
• Examination of established and emerging mouse models for LUTD research.

Main Results:

• Environmental chemicals may play a role in LUTD initiation, progression, and severity.
• Potential developmental origins of male LUTD linked to in-utero chemical exposures.
• Identification of mechanisms through which chemicals may induce LUTD.

Conclusions:

• Male LUTD warrants greater attention within toxicology research.
• Environmental chemical exposure is a plausible, yet under-investigated, factor in male LUTD.
• Standardized mouse models and diagnostic endpoints are crucial for advancing research.