Inflammatory bladder disorders such as interstitial cystitis (IC) deserve attention since a major problem of the disease is diagnosis. IC affects millions of women and isClinical and animal models of acute and chronic urinary bladder inflammation have provided several lines of evidence suggesting a central role of mast cells, sensory nerves, and neurokinin (NK)-1 receptors. Fundamental work regarding the participation of sensory nerves and mast cells in cystitis provides indirect evidence, such as increased numbers of mast cells in the detrusor and submucosa, and morphological evidence of mast cell activation and degranulation. [1][2][3][4] In addition, the extensive tissue remodeling seen in some clinical forms of bladder inflammation such as interstitial cystitis, 4 along with increased urinary levels of histamine and tryptase 5 suggest a role for mast cells. Because both mast cells 6 -8 and NK-1 receptors are increased in bladder biopsies of interstitial cystitis (IC) patients, 9,10 it is tempting to propose a role for sensory peptides-mast cell communication in the pathogenesis of this disorder.Experimentally, we have used classical morphometric analysis and microarray technology to determine the role of mast cells, NK-1 receptors, and bacterial toxins in animal models of cystitis. Time-course experiments indicated early and late genes involved in bladder inflammatory responses. 11 The availability of mice genetically deficient in neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R Ϫ/Ϫ ) allowed us to propose a mandatory role of SP receptors in cystitis. 12 We also determined genes that depend on the presence of tissue mast cells for their expression by comparing inflammatory responses in mast cell-deficient (Kit W /

In this study, self-organizing map (SOM) gene cluster techniques are applied to the analysis of cDNA microarray analysis of gene expression changes occurring in the early stages of genitourinary inflammation. We determined the time course of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced gene expression in experimental cystitis. Mice were euthanized 0.5, 1, 4, and 24 h after LPS instillation into the urinary bladder, and gene expression was determined using four replicate Atlas mouse cDNA expression arrays containing 588 known genes at each time point. SOM gene cluster analysis, performed without preconditions, identified functionally significant gene clusters based on the kinetics of change in gene expression. Genes were classified as follows: 1) expressed at time 0; 2) early genes (peak expression between 0.5 and 1 h); and 3) late genes (peak expression between 4 and 24 h). One gene cluster maintained a constant level of expression during the entire time period studied. In contrast, LPS treatment downregulated the expression of some genes expressed at time 0, in a cluster including transcription factors, protooncogenes, apoptosis-related proteins (cysteine protease), intracellular kinases, and growth factors. Gene upregulation in response to LPS was observed as early as 0.5 h in a cluster including the interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor, alpha- and beta-nerve growth factor (alpha- and beta-NGF), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (VEGF R1), C-C chemokine receptor, and P-selectin. Another tight cluster of genes with marked expression at 1 h after LPS and insignificant expression at all other time points studied included the protooncogenes c-Fos, Fos-B, Fra-2, Jun-B, Jun-D, and Egr-1. Almost all interleukin genes were upregulated as early as 1 h after stimulation with LPS. Nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) pathway genes collected in a single cluster with a peak expression 4 h after LPS stimulation. In contrast, most of the interleukin receptors and chemokine receptors presented a late peak of expression 24 h after LPS coinciding with the peak of neutrophil infiltration into the bladder wall. Selected cDNA microarray observations were confirmed by RNase protection assay. In conclusion, the cDNA array experimental approach provided a global profile of gene expression changes in bladder tissue after stimulation with LPS. SOM techniques identified functionally significant gene clusters, providing a powerful technical basis for future analysis of mechanisms of bladder inflammation.

Inflammation underlines all major bladder pathologies and represents a defense reaction to injury involving a mandatory participation of mast cells and sensory nerves. Mast cells are particularly frequent in close proximity to epithelial surfaces where they are strategically located in the bladder and release their mediators in response to inflammation. Tryptase is specifically produced by mast cells and modulates inflammation by activating protease-activated receptors (PARs). We recently found that PAR-4 mRNA is up-regulated in experimental bladder inflammation regardless of the initiating stimulus. Because it has been reported that PAR-1, PAR-2, and PAR-3 may also be involved in the processes of inflammation, we used immunohistochemistry to characterize the expression of all known PARs in normal, acute, and chronic inflamed mouse bladder. We found that all four PARs are present in the control mouse bladder, and follow a unique distribution. All four PARs are co-expressed in the urothelium, whereas PAR-1 and PAR-2 are predominant in the detrusor muscle, and PAR-4 is expressed in peripheral nerves and plexus cell bodies. The strong expression of PARs in the detrusor muscle indicates the need for studies on the role of these receptors in motility whereas the pres- Inflammation underlines all major bladder pathologies and represents a defense reaction to injury caused by physical damage, chemical substances, microorganisms, or other agents. In consequence to inflammation, products of mast cell degranulation such as tryptase can be found in the urine of both cancer and cystitis patients.

RE, Saban R. VEGF receptors and neuropilins are expressed in the urothelial and neuronal cells in normal mouse urinary bladder and are upregulated in inflammation. Am J Physiol

Background: Originating from Africa, India, and the Middle East, frankincense oil has been important both socially and economically as an ingredient in incense and perfumes for thousands of years. Frankincense oil is prepared from aromatic hardened gum resins obtained by tapping Boswellia trees. One of the main components of frankincense oil is boswellic acid, a component known to have anti-neoplastic properties. The goal of this study was to evaluate frankincense oil for its anti-tumor activity and signaling pathways in bladder cancer cells.