Korean researchers have found the cause of a bladder disorder, which they've been unable to completely cure... as no one knew what caused it.<br />Researchers say the discovery could lead to the development of enhanced medication,... and potentially lead to a cure in the not too distant future.<br />Cho Sung-min has more. <br /> Local researchers have identified a cause of overactive bladder,... also known as OAB.<br />OAB is a condition in which patients cannot control the release of urine. <br />Patients can feel a sudden urge to urinate, which can lead to involuntary leakage. <br />It's often associated with damage or infections in muscular or nervous systems in the bladder, but no specific cause was known for sure.<br /><br /> Researchers at Korea Basic Science Institute say they teamed up with experts from Chungnam National University and discovered multiple sets of proteins that cause the bladder disorder.<br />They identified the proteins after conducting experiments on mice. <br /><br /> "Various proteins known to prompt inflammation and aging were spotted in OAB patients' bladders. That gave us a big hint."<br /><br /> The discovery not only provides scientific proof of the cause of OAB, but is also expected to lead to the development of better treatments.<br />Existing medicines are only temporary measures that treat the symptoms. They're known to have significant side effects like constipation, high blood pressure, and upset stomach.<br />For that reason, around half of patients receiving treatment decide to give it up.<br /><br /> "New medicines could now be designed to effectively treat urinary incontinence and cut down side effects of the existing medications." <br /><br /> Thanks to the team's research, patients suffering from the bladder condition could have a permanent cure in the near future... as their discovery is used to create new medications.<br />Cho Sung-min, Arirang News. <br />
