New biomarker predicts post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence, offers potential treatment target.
The study looked at a group of prostate cancer patients to see if a specific molecule, miR-330-3p, could predict urinary incontinence after surgery. They found that low levels of miR-330-3p were linked to urinary incontinence. In lab tests, increasing miR-330-3p levels helped prevent inflammation and tissue damage in cells from the urethra. This molecule works by targeting another protein, MMP2, which is involved in tissue remodeling. Overall, miR-330-3p could be a useful marker for predicting urinary incontinence and may help protect the urethra from damage.