From Assessment for New Targets to Comprehensive Assessment

Most agents designed to modulate the function of the lower urinary tract act upon efferent pathways targeting neurotransmitter mechanisms. Meanwhile, researchers are actively investigating pharmaceutical agents for the central neural system, also primarily utilizing neurotransmitters. The article in this issue [1] interestingly delves into the possibility and opens discussion on modulating the central nervous system itself to treat lower urinary tract symptoms. Microtubules are an essential component of the cell and play a role in the cell's mechanical framework as well as in cellular processes. They are especially crucial for mitosis and cell division, which makes them an important target for cancer therapy. Hur and Lee [1] discuss the latest trends in relation to the expanding list of microtubule-targeting agents with applications ranging from anticancer treatment to therapy for various central nervous system disorders. This article offers some interesting ideas regarding urologic problems. Currently, there is a global interest surrounding phytotherapy; its efficacy as a palliative and possible curative agent is under scientific scrutiny. Treatments for several diseases, including osteoporosis, gastritis, functional dyspepsia, and bronchitis have benefited from research into new phytotherapeutic agents. Phytotherapy uses natural products (plants, animals, and minerals) in a processed form, primarily through drying and other similar rudimentary methods; it should be distinguished from studies of natural compounds where a single efficacious agent is identified and distilled from a natural resource. Panax ginseng introduced in this issue [2] is a widely regarded single-component efficacious agent, primarily investigated in East Asia for a long time. It is also a considered a good candidate to for preclinical studies. However, one must be wary of the fact that most natural compounds fail to either reach third phase clinical prerequisite criteria, or achieve clinical efficacy. With the advent of an aging society, the need for emergency intervention and acute treatment of cerebrovascular disease has increased; there has been a corresponding increase in the volume of research on the subject as well. This heightened level of research has resulted in a significant improvement in patients' survival rates. This increase in survival rates necessitates the curative rehabilitation of those who have survived otherwise debilitating events. However, treatment for voiding dysfunctions in the wake of acute treatment for cerebrovascular accidents has received less attention than those for motor dysfunction or cognitive impairment. The current study [3] focuses on the effect of aerobic exercise on cognitive function in patients with ischemic stroke, primarily on cell death and neurogenesis. It is an interpretation on the curative effects of exercise rehabilitation from a molecular standpoint. The global ischemia model used in this study may also be used as a neurogenic bladder model. We hope our readers appreciate the possibilities of adult neurogenesis following cerebrovascular disease and its potential use in treating voiding dysfunction.