Wade Bushman, MD, PhD, the Robert F. and Dolores K. Schnoes Chair in Urologic Research, was recently awarded a 4-year Merit Award from the Veteran’s Administration to study the role of prostate inflammation in Benign Hyperplasia (BPH) and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS). Recent large clinical studies have revealed, unexpectedly, that prostate inflammation is strongly associated with LUTS in aging men and may be as important as prostate enlargement in producing the symptoms typically attributed to BPH.
In his project “Role of Inflammation and Fibrosis in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Lower Urinary Tract Symptom,” Dr. Bushman and his colleagues will use a database of 300 patients who underwent detailed urodynamic evaluation prior to surgical treatment of BPH. The correlation of prostate inflammation with bladder function on urodynamic evaluation will be the first ever functional study of the effects of prostate inflammation. The studies are expected to make a significant impact on the understanding and treatment of BPH/LUTS in aging men and advance the ongoing effort to develop new and more effective treatments for patients with this condition.
Dale Bjorling, DVM, O’Brien Center co-director, is a co-investigator on the grant. The researchers will utilize the Rodent Urinary Function Testing Facility.