Faculty of Science - Research Talk: An investigation depicting the role of muscarinic receptors in the urinary bladder

Name      : Loong Bi Juin – School of Biomedical Sciences

 Title  : An investigation depicting the role of muscarinic receptors in the urinary bladder

Abstract :

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are a worldwide health issue with considerable bother to the patient. LUTS is defined by effects on bladder storage, bladder voiding and post-micturition. Among all LUTS, urinary incontinence and overactive bladder are the most common. Women display a greater incidence of LUTS compared to their male counterparts. Studies have shown that LUTS occurs due to over-activity of the detrusor smooth muscle in the bladder. The G-protein couple receptors, specifically muscarinic receptors (M₂ and M₃ subtypes), are known to play an important role in mediating bladder contraction or relaxation. Currently, there are many drawbacks to the clinically available anti-muscarinic drugs to treat LUTS due to their undesirable side-effects. Thus, a better understanding of the aforementioned muscarinic receptor subtypes through their manipulation with selective antagonists will provide better insight into the development of better tolerated drug candidates. Additionally, with increasing demands of phytotherapy due to the decreased side-effects, the use of plant extracts as a form of phytotherapy treatment is favorable as an alternative form to treat LUTS.