Our contemporary views on the mechanisms underlying OAB need to be continuously revised to take account of the new developments. In this respect, Meng et al. have proposed three main factors (myogenic, neurogenic and urotheliogenic) as the cause of OAB. Traditional outcomes, such as urodynamic date and voiding diaries may fail to address individual factors. Lee et al. review current knowledge on patient-reported goal achievement in lower urinary tract diseases. Lien and Chou also review the current tools for assessing patients with OAB. They point out the need to assess

CX-4945 molecular weight patients from different aspects, as well as the importance of a simple and effective symptom score to meet the requirement of clinical work. Ishizuka et al. describe

the relationship between cold stress and urinary frequency based mainly on their studies using rats. They suggest the mechanism of cold stress-induced urinary learn more frequency and the role of transient receptor potential channel (TRPM8) in the micturition control system. The potential role of phosphodiesterase inhibitors in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) and BPH-induced LUTS is reviewed in a comprehensive fashion by Zhao and Park, which further emphasizes the important role of the NO cGMP pathway in the pathogenesis of both ED and BPH/LUTS. Aikawa et al. describe the similarity of the response of the heart and bladder to overload, suggesting that angiotensin II may have a similar regulatory role in pathological remodeling, such as muscle growth and collagen production of the obstructed bladder.

Regenerative medicine based on tissue engineering and/or stem cell therapy IKBKE techniques has the potential to improve irreversibly damaged tissues. Imamura et al. demonstrate an interesting strategy for regeneration of urethral sphincters using autologous bone marrow-derived cells. Although the mid-urethral sling (MUS) is highly successful, 5–20% of patients undergoing this procedure experience persistent or recurrent stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Hon et al. have reviewed current practices and surgical procedure for women with recurrent or persistent SUI after initial MUS. They suggest that a less invasive procedure, such as tape shortening or periurethral injection may be indicated for these patients. Park and Kim have written on the subject of combination therapy with an alpha1-blocker and anticholinergic agent for BPH patients with OAB symptoms, recommending low-dose anticholinergic drug combined with alpha1-blocker. Nishizawa et al. have produced an interesting article on the importance of videourodynamic examination before transvaginal mesh/transobturator tape (TVM/TOT) surgery. In closing, we thank Astellas Pharma Inc.