University of Pittsburgh Researchers Present Findings at Annual Meeting of the American Urological Association, May 19-24

Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine will present findings from more than 50 studies at the annual meeting of the American Urological Association, being held May 19 to 24 atthe Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, Calif.

Highlights of the findings include:

SUNDAY, MAY 20
Embargoed for 10 a.m., PT

GREEN TEA MAY PROTECT THE BLADDER FROM BECOMING INFLAMED

Herbal agents could be used to treat inflammatory bladder diseases, according to a preliminary study that looked at the ability of green tea to protect bladder cells from inflammation. The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine study found that components of green tea protected bladder cells from damage in culture. Green tea, reported to have many health benefits, is rich in powerful antioxidants that make it a possible remedy for many medical conditions. It is composed of catechins – plant metabolites that provide it with many antioxidative properties.

Abstract number 299.

MONDAY, MAY 21
Embargoed for 9 a.m., PT

(The following abstract is part of an AUA Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine in Urology press briefing, which will begin at 9 a.m.)

A SIMPLE INJECTION OF stem Cells FROM A WOMAN’S OWN MUSCLE MAY BE AN EFFECTIVE LONG-TERM treatMENT FOR urinary incontinence

Women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) treated using muscle-derived stem cell injections to strengthen their sphincter muscles experience long-term improvements in their condition, according to a study led by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto. The study, which followed patients for more than a year, suggests that the approach is safe, improves patients’ quality of life and may be an effective treatment for SUI.

Abstract number 1331.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 23
Embargoed for 1 p.m., PT

BOTOX: MORE THAN COSMETIC
Men with enlarged prostate can benefit from Botoxinjections up to a year after treatment

Injecting botulinum toxin A, or Botox, into the prostate gland of men with enlarged prostate, eased symptoms and improved quality of life up to a year after the procedure, according to a study by researchers at the Chang Gung University Medical College, Taiwan, and the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Twenty-seven out of 37 patients, or 73 percent, experienced a 30 percent improvement in urinary tract symptoms and quality of life up to one year post-injection. Patients did not experience any significant side effects, including stress urinary incontinence or erectile dysfunction.

Abstract number 1837.

Note to reporters: Full press releases will be available on the EurekAlert! Web site, www.eurekalert.org or by calling Clare Collins at 412-647-3555.