Role of the microbiota-gut-bladder axis in the pathogenesis of diabetic bladder dysfunction
10.12483/j.issn.1009-8291.2026.04.015
- VernacularTitle:肠道微生物群-肠-膀胱轴在糖尿病膀胱发生发展中的作用
- Author:
Shi LI
1
;
Jiayin SUN
1
;
Yifei YUAN
1
;
Zhongqing WEI
1
Author Information
1. Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210003, China
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
diabetic bladder dysfunction;
microbiota-gut-bladder axis;
short-chain fatty acids;
NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 inflammasome;
gut dysbiosis
- From:
Journal of Modern Urology
2026;31(4):382-388
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
The development of diabetic bladder dysfunction(DBD)is closely related to the dysregulation of the microbiotagut-bladder axis. Diabetic conditions significantly alter gut microbiota composition, causing intestinal barrier disruption, endotoxemia, and systemic inflammation. These alterations impair bladder function by activating bladder NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3(NLRP3)inflammasome, inducing oxidative stress, and nerve remodeling. Emerging technologies for microbiota analysis, Mendelian randomization, and targeted marker development have revealed the causal links between specific gut microbiota and DBD. Modulating gut microbiota increases short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs)production and suppresses inflammation; NLRP3 pathway targeting or direct SCFAs delivery are under clinical evaluation. The therapeutic directions for DBD include microbiota regulation therapy, application of probiotics and dietary fiber, as well as clinical translational research on the microbiota-gut-bladder axis. Engineered live bacterial therapies and nanocarrier technologies are emerging research directions. Current controversies focus on the causal role of dysbiosis, safety and long-term efficacy of individualized therapies, and technical bottlenecks. Future efforts require integrating multi-omics, organoid models, and cross-disciplinary collaboration to advance precision diagnostics and therapeutics targeting the microbiota-gut-bladder axis in DBD.
