Project description:The pathogenesis of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) remains incompletely understood. Bladder fibrosis is a significant histopathological feature of IC/BPS, particularly in non-Hunner-type IC (NHIC). Transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily C member 3 (TRPC3) is known to play a crucial role in myocardial and renal fibrosis. This study investigates the involvement of TRPC3 in bladder fibrosis associated with IC/BPS. A rat model of IC/BPS was established using cyclophosphamide (CYP, 50 mg/kg, intraperitoneally, every 3 days for 3 doses). Bulk RNA sequencing was used to identify differentially expressed transient receptor potential (TRP) channel genes in CYP-induced cystitis rats, whereas single-cell RNA sequencing was utilized to pinpoint the cell type predominantly expressing transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily C member 3 (TRPC3) . TRPC3 inhibition was achieved through intraperitoneal injection of Pyrazole 3 (Pyr3, 0.1 mg/kg or 1 mg/kg). Suprapubic mechanical allodynia was assessed using up-down method with von Frey filaments and micturition frequency was assessed by cystometry. The expression of TRPC3 and components of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β)/Smad signaling pathway (TGF-β, p-Smad2, and p-Smad3) in the bladder was analyzed by Western blot. Bladder fibrosis was assessed through Masson’s staining and detection of fibrosis markers (Vimentin, Collagen I, and Collagen III) using Western blot. The RNA and protein expression of TRPC3 was up-regulated in CYP-induced cystitis rats. TRPC3 inhibition led to significant improvements in suprapubic mechanical allodynia and reduced micturition frequency in CYP-induced cystitis rats. Western blot analyses revealed that markers of bladder fibrosis (Vimentin, Collagen I, and Collagen III) were markedly upregulated in CYP-induced cystitis rats. Masson’s staining showed an increased area of collagen fibers. Additionally, inhibition of TRPC3 resulted in significant downregulation of the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway (TGF-β, p-Smad2, and p-Smad3) in CYP-induced cystitis rats. TRPC3 activation contributes to bladder fibrosis in IC/BPS. Inhibition of TRPC3 ameliorates suprapubic mechanical allodynia and micturition frequency in CYP-induced cystitis rats by downregulating the TGF-β/Smad pathway. TRPC3 represents a potential therapeutic target for managing bladder fibrosis in IC/BPS.
Project description:Previously, we demonstrated using a rat model of spinal cord injury (SCI) that bladder wall tissue compliance significantly increased within the first 2 weeks following injury. In order to explore the potential molecular-level mechanisms of this event, the present study quantified molecules pertinent to bladder tissue remodeling and changes in mechanical properties. An initial gene array analysis followed by real-time qPCR revealed that the message levels for tropoelastin and lysyl oxidase were as high as 8-fold in SCI rats compared to normal. Furthermore, both the message and protein levels of TGF-beta1 and IGF-1, known stimulators of elastin synthesis, in SCI rat bladders were significantly higher compared to those of normal rats. Taken together, it can be speculated that functional changes of the bladder associated with SCI induce release of select growth factors, which, in turn, stimulate elastogenesis that lead to alteration of biomechanical properties of the wall tissue.
Project description:Metzincins and related genes (MARGS) play important roles in ECM remodeling in fibrotic conditions. In this investigation, gene expression was examined in a rat model to investigate whether the previously described MARGS based fibrosis classifier had diagnostic value in an experimental rat model of lithium-induced renal fibrosis
Project description:The aim of this cDNA array study is to search for advanced markers related to the pathogenesis of ketamine-induced cystitis. The result revealed a number of gene expressions involved in chronic wound healing response and collagen accumulation, which were closely related to fibrosis progression in the connective tissue of mice urinary bladder.