Low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy (LiESWT), as a non-invasive physical therapeutic modality, is increasingly recognized for its potential in treating lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD). This article systematically explores the potential molecular mechanisms through which LiESWT acts on various types of LUTD, including the downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, induction of neovascularization, mobilization and activation of tissue stem cells, regulation of neural regeneration and repair processes, and restoration of lower urinary tract muscle function. It also elaborates the latest therapeutic advances in the application of LiESWT for overactive bladder, underactive bladder, stress urinary incontinence, chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome, and interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome. This review also provides an in-depth analysis of the therapeutic efficacy differences associated with various treatment parameters (energy density, number of shocks, treatment frequency, and total sessions), summarizing the challenges currently faced in clinical translation and proposes future research directions and perspectives, so as to offer new feasible ideas for the treatment of LUTD and provide a theoretical basis for clinical practice.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the novel SARS-CoV-2 virus has caused havoc across the entire world. Even though several COVID-19 vaccines are currently in distribution worldwide, with others in the pipeline, treatment modalities lag behind. Accordingly, researchers have been working hard to understand the nature of the virus, its mutant strains, and the pathogenesis of the disease in order to uncover possible drug targets and effective therapeutic agents. As the research continues, we now know the genome structure, epidemiological and clinical features, and pathogenic mechanism of SARS-CoV-2. Here, we summarized the potential therapeutic targets involved in the life cycle of the virus. On the basis of these targets, small-molecule prophylactic and therapeutic agents have been or are being developed for prevention and treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection.