Novel Mediators and Medical Prevention of Bladder Fibrosis After Partial Bladder Outlet Obstruction

Abstract: Introduction: Partial bladder outlet obstruction (pBOO) is a significant problem that can affect renal health. We hypothesize that changes occur in small leucine-rich proteoglycan (SLRP) composition of extracellular matrix over time in this process. We hypothesize that medical treatment of this condition will improve functional and molecular outcomes. Methods: Rats underwent surgical pBOO for 4-16 weeks time, and were compared to shams and untreated control animals. Urodynamic measurements were taken, bladders were weighed, measured for thickness, and frozen for RT-PCR and mass spectrometry. Results: Decorin and biglycan were found to be inversely related over the course of pBOO, with decorin decreasing in RNA and protein expression, and biglycan increasing. Treatment of animals with oxybutynin or tadalafil resulted in favorable urodynamic, histologic and molecular changes. Conclusion: SLRPs are differentially regulated in pBOO. Treatment with oxybutynin or tadalafil delayed progression of pBOO pathology. We believe that the process of pBOO is medically alterable.