Advances in the molecular pathogenesis and cell therapy of stress urinary incontinence

Abstract

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is very common in women. It affects patients’ mental and physical health, and imposed huge socioeconomic pressure. The therapeutic effect of conservative treatment is limited, and depends heavily on patient persistence and compliance. Surgical treatment often brings procedure-related adverse complications and higher costs for patients. Therefore, it is necessary to better understand the potential molecular mechanisms underlying stress urinary incontinence and develop new treatment methods. Although some progress has been made in the basic research in recent years, the specific molecular pathogenic mechanisms of SUI are still unclear. Here, we reviewed the published studies on the molecular mechanisms associated with nerves, urethral muscles, periurethral connective tissue and hormones in the pathogenesis of SUI. In addition, we provide an update on the recent progresses in research on the use of cell therapy for treating SUI, including research on stem cells therapy, exosome differentiation and gene regulation.

Association of Clustered Dietary Inorganic Salt Intake With Risk of Urinary Incontinence Among Middle-aged and Older US Women: A Cross-Sectional Analysis Utilizing NHANES 2009-2018 Data

“…[43] Calpain-2, a neutral protease ubiquitously expressed in human tissues, is activated in response to increased intracellular Ca² concentrations. [44]A recent study has demonstrated signi cantly elevated mRNA and protein expression levels of calpain-2 in the urethral tissue of patients with SUI compared to healthy controls. This nding suggests a potential role for calpain-2 in the pathogenesis of SUI.…”

Feasibility of non-ablative photothermal 980nm laser endoluminal treatment for stress urinary incontinence

“…These treatments must be maintained continuously, and it is less effective. Slings are commonly used as a surgical treatment for SUI [3]. However, the sling procedure is invasive and inserted into the body, resulting in mesh infection and chronic pain.…”