Causative significance of bladder blood flow in lower urinary tract symptoms

Abstract

The association between metabolic syndrome and lower urinary tract symptoms has been attracting enormous interest and attention. This enthusiasm is based on the presence of many common risk factors being involved in both metabolic syndrome and lower urinary tract symptoms, as shown by various epidemiological studies. Metabolic syndrome and lower urinary tract symptoms have many pathophysiological features in common, particularly overactive bladder. Herein, we analyze the pathophysiological relationship between metabolic syndrome and lower urinary tract symptoms with a special emphasis on bladder blood flow. We also propose a new treatment strategy for treating lower urinary tract symptoms from the viewpoint of bladder blood flow. © 2011 The Japanese Urological Association.