In this Review, Ochodnicky and colleagues discuss the clinical and experimental evidence that supports a role for neurotrophins in the neural control of bladder function and in the emergence of lower urinary tract symptoms related to overactive bladder (OAB) and bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis. They also consider the potential utility of neurotrophins as urinary biomarkers for improving the accuracy of OAB diagnosis and monitoring therapy efficacy, and review proof-of-principle clinical evidence that confirms nerve growth factor as a potential target in the treatment of bladder disorders.
- Peter Ochodnicky
- Célia D. Cruz
- Francisco Cruz
