UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) is known to be one of the most common types of infections. Women particularly suffer from recurring UTIs, followed by chronic infection, chronic inflammation, and extensive bladder mucosal damage. Furthermore, continuous antibiotic treatments also harm the microbiome (the good bacteria present in the body) and instead promote the advancement of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
A research team has identified the various events that take place during UTI. This helped them in developing a potential technique to fight against this condition. The recent study demonstrated that the sequence of events occurring during the infection created a delicate balance between the action taken to eradicate the bacteria and one done to minimize tissue damage that may occur in between the process. The findings are highly relevant for the Urinary Infection Treatment Market and may help create efficient techniques to reduce UTIs in people.
The key contributor to the maintenance of this balance noted was the NRF2 pathway. This is because it is responsible for regulating both the elimination of bacteria and potential tissue damage. The team treated an animal model of UTI with DMF (Dimethyl Fumarate), an FDA-approved, anti-inflammatory drug. The researchers discovered that the drug is also an NRF2 activator and its intake helped reduce the bacterial burden and tissue damage. The experiments prove that DMF could be appropriate for managing UTIs in the future.
Once the team increased their understanding of the processes following UPES (Uropathogenic E. Coli) infection, they found a new strategy for fighting against the condition. They observed that active NRF2 worked towards both eliminating UPES and neutralizing ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) that protects the urothelial cells. These revelations suggest that drugs that activate NRF2 like DMF could be the key to reducing UPES infections.
The tests performed on an animal model of UTI showcased that treatment of DMF reduced the immune response and restricted the damage done by bacteria to urothelial cells. Further, it promoted the activation of RAB27B, responsible for eliminating bacteria present in the bladder. Researchers believe that this treatment needs to be further explored for combating UTI as per the received result.
The most innovative element of the work is identifying a non-antibiotic-based therapy that can limit the infection while reducing inflammation. Indeed much work needs to be done before the treatment is sent to the clinic; nonetheless, DMF is a ray of hope towards helping millions of women whose quality of life is affected due to UTI.