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Urinary bladder voiding is a complex mechanism depending upon interplay among detrusor, urothelium, sensory and motor neurons and connective tissue cells. The identity of some of the latter cells is still controversial. We presently attempted to clarify their phenotype(s) in the human urinary bladder by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and immunohistochemistry. At this latter aim, we used CD34, PDGFRa, aSMA, c-Kit and calreticulin antibodies. Both, TEM and immunohistochemistry, showed cells that, sharing several telocyte (TC) characteristics, we identified as TC; these cells, however, differed from each other in some ultrastructural features and immunolabelling according to their location. PDGFRa/calret-positive, CD34/c-Kit-negative TC were located in the sub-urothelium and distinct in two subtypes whether, similarly to myofibroblasts, they were aSMA-positive and had attachment plaques. The sub-urothelial TC formed a mixed network with myofibroblasts and were close to numerous nerve endings, many of which nNOS-positive. A third TC subtype, PDGFRa/aSMA/c-Kit-negative, CD34/calret-positive, ultrastructurally typical, was located in the submucosa and detrusor. Briefly, in the human bladder, we found three TC subtypes. Each subtype likely forms a network building a 3-D scaffold able to follow the bladder wall distension and relaxation and avoiding anomalous wall deformation. The TC located in the sub-urothelium, a region considered a sort of sensory system for the micturition reflex, as forming a network with myofibroblasts, possessing specialized junctions with extracellular matrix and being close to nerve endings, might have a role in bladder reflexes. In conclusions, the urinary bladder contains peculiar TC able to adapt their morphology to the organ activity.Keywords: lamina propria sub-urothelium and submucosa detrusor mast cells myofibroblasts CD34 PDGFRa c-Kit aSMA calreticulin

Study design: Thirty-six patients with unsatisfactory treatment of neurogenic bowel dysfunctions (NBD) were enrolled from Spinal Units and Rehabilitation Centers in Italy. Treatment was for 3 weeks using a newly developed integrated system with an enema continence catheter for transanal irrigation (Peristeen, Coloplast A/S Kokkedal Denmark). Objectives: To evaluate the effects of Peristeen Anal Irrigation on NBD and patient quality of life (QoL). Setting: Italy. Methods: Lesion level, ambulatory status and hand functionality were determined in all patients. NBD symptoms and QoL were evaluated before and after treatment, using a specific questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using McNemar Test and Sign Test. Results: Thirty-six patients were enrolled, and 32 patients completed the study. At the end of the treatment, 28.6% of patients reduced or eliminated their use of pharmaceuticals. Twenty-four patients became less dependent on their caregiver. There was a significant increase in patients' opinion of their intestinal functionality (P ¼ 0.001), QoL score (P ¼ 0.001) and their answers regarding their degree of satisfaction (P ¼ 0.001). A successful outcome was recorded for 68% of patients with fecal incontinence, and for 63% of patients with constipation. Conclusion: Peristeen Anal Irrigation is a simple therapeutic method for managing NBD and improving QoL. It should be considered as the treatment of choice for NBD, playing a role in the neurogenic bowel analogous to that of intermittent clean catheterization in bladder treatment.

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Introduction Disorders of the reproductive system and menstrual abnormalities often associated with loss of libido and inability to reach orgasm are common in adults of both sexes with an end-stage renal disease. These symptoms may significantly contribute to depression and reduce the sexual activity of women. Aim To determine if sexual function, as well as hormonal status, improves after kidney transplantation, comparing a group of pre-menopausal women during dialysis and after a successful renal transplantation. Methods We enrolled 58 women that received kidney transplantation. Patients included were 18–45 years old, on hemodialysis for more than 6 months following a fully functioning kidney transplantation, and on a stable corticosteroids immunosuppressive regimen for at least 6 months. All women underwent a general and urogynecological examination, a hormonal profile determination, and filled out the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and a Beck Depression Inventory questionnaire administered during dialysis and 12 months after transplantation. Main Outcome Measures We evaluated the prevalence of Female Sexual Dysfunction according to the FSFI cutoff points, sexual hormonal status, and menstrual status during dialysis and 12 months after kidney transplantation. Results Nineteen out of 58 women left the study prematurely. Thirty-nine women (mean age 36 ± 5.9 years) completed the study. A total of 74% of the patients had menstrual disturbances during dialysis, as opposed to 45% after transplantation (P < 0.001). Sixteen out of 39 (41%) patients acknowledged having an active sexual life during dialysis. Thirty-four out of 39 (88%) transplanted patients acknowledged having an active sexual life (Fischer’s exact test P = 0.000039). The hormonal profile and FSFI results improved significantly after transplantation. Conclusion This study demonstrates that a successful transplantation should improve the sexual life in women with chronic renal failure.