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.
Researchers say the discovery could lead to the development of enhanced medication,... and potentially lead to a cure in the not too distant future.
Cho Sung-min has more.
Local researchers have identified a cause of overactive bladder,... also known as OAB.
OAB is a condition in which patients cannot control the release of urine.
Patients can feel a sudden urge to urinate, which can lead to involuntary leakage.
It's often associated with damage or infections in muscular or nervous systems in the bladder, but no specific cause was known for sure.

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.
They identified the proteins after conducting experiments on mice.

"Various proteins known to prompt inflammation and aging were spotted in OAB patients' bladders. That gave us a big hint."

The discovery not only provides scientific proof of the cause of OAB, but is also expected to lead to the development of better treatments.
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.
For that reason, around half of patients receiving treatment decide to give it up.

"New medicines could now be designed to effectively treat urinary incontinence and cut down side effects of the existing medications."

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.
Cho Sung-min, Arirang News.