Mitochondrial dysfunction in urologic disease

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Mitochondrial Biology
• Pathophysiology

Background:

• Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) affect nearly half the global population, stemming from diverse conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.
• Currently, no single mechanism explains LUTS, but emerging evidence links mitochondrial dysfunction to associated conditions.
• Patients with inherited mitochondrial diseases show higher rates of LUTS, highlighting a potential connection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review existing literature on the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in conditions associated with lower urinary tract symptoms.
• To explore mitochondrial dysfunction as an under-investigated area in urinary disease research.

Main Methods:

• Literature search primarily conducted using PubMed.
• Keywords included "lower urinary tract symptoms", "mitochondria", and "urinary dysfunction", with disease-specific searches.
• Included clinical/human studies published before August 2025, excluding urologic cancers and conditions with fewer than three publications on mitochondrial dysfunction.

Main Results:

• Mitochondrial dysfunction emerges as a potential link between various LUTS-associated conditions, including aging, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, stress urinary incontinence, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and overactive bladder.
• Initial findings suggest a promising role for mitochondrial health in urinary function.

Conclusions:

• Mitochondrial dysfunction represents a novel intersection for diseases linked to LUTS.
• Further investment is crucial for elucidating mechanisms and developing targeted treatments for LUTS.
• Mitochondrial modulators warrant consideration as potential therapeutic agents for LUTS.