Urinary incontinence

New research in rodents has shown that antagonizing the ligand-gated cation channel TRPV1 increases the threshold for activation of the micturition reflex. The research team found this effect to be mediated by capsaicin-sensitive pathways. In animals with detrusor overactivity induced by capsaicin or citric acid, administration of TRPV1 blockers prevented lowering of the micturition threshold volume and reduction of voiding interval.

Cefalu, J. S. et al. Selective pharmacological blockade of the TRPV1 receptor suppresses sensory reflexes of the rodent bladder. J. Urol. 182, 776–785 (2009).

Pediatrics

Investigators in Japan have developed a computer algorithm that can predict the spontaneous resolution of primary vesicoureteral reflux. The so-called 'prognostic calculator' successfully predicted reflux resolution in 80.5% of the children studied, and was found to be more accurate in younger individuals (mean age 3 years). If externally validated, such a tool could prove useful in identifying candidates for surgery or watchful waiting.

Shiraishi, K. et al. Validation of a prognostic calculator for prediction of early vesicoureteral reflux resolution in children. J. Urol. 182, 687–690 (2009).

Kidney cancer

Characterization of a single nucleotide polymorphism in the anti-apoptotic bcl2 gene of more than 200 people with renal cancer has detected a strong association between the CC variant and poor survival. Patients with this genotype expressed Bcl2 at markedly lower levels than those harboring the CA or AA variants. The proliferative activity of malignant tissue was also higher in the former group.

Hirata, H. et al. The bcl2−938CC genotype has poor prognosis and lower survival in renal cancer. J. Urol. 182, 721–727 (2009).

Radiotherapy

Administering contrast to men for retrograde urethrography is less painful using drip infusion via a clamp than with the traditional balloon method. Patients undergoing the latter reported distressing pain levels upon inflation of the balloon, while those in the clamp group reported either no pain (69%) or mild pain (31%). Furthermore, the clamp technique was successful in all cases, whereas the balloon method was not.

Bern-Mestre, J. D. et al. Urethrography in men: conventional technique versus clamp method. Radiology 252, 240–246 (2009).