Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic bladder inflammatory disease of unknown etiology that is often regarded as a neurogenic cystitis. IC is associated with urothelial lesions, voiding dysfunction, and pain in the pelvic/perineal area, and diet can exacerbate IC symptoms. In this study, we used a murine neurogenic cystitis model to investigate the development of pelvic pain behavior. Neuroge...

Bladder disorders associated with interstitial cystitis are frequently characterized by increased contractility and pain. The goals of this study were to examine 1) the effects of blocking proteinase-activated receptor-2 (PAR2) on the exaggerated bladder activity and pain evoked by cystitis and 2) the underlying mechanisms responsible for the role of PAR2 in regulating cystic sensory activity. ...

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is defined as pain in the pelvic organs and related structures of at least 6 months' duration. The pathophysiology of CPP is uncertain, and its treatment presents challenges. Botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A), known for its antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and muscle relaxant activity, has been used recently to treat refractory CPP with promising results. In patients with ...

Background: In this case we describe the rare and not previously documented presentation of cystitis cystica as a large solitary cystic lesion within the bladder wall. Case Presentation: We present a case of a 46-year-old Russian male with a history of lower urinary tract symptoms and suprapubic pain. CT urogram showed a 5.8 cm filling defect/cystic mass related to the base of the bladder and p...

BACKGROUND Mast cells trigger inflammation that is associated with local pain, but the mechanisms mediating pain are unclear. Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a bladder disease that causes debilitating pelvic pain of unknown origin and without consistent inflammation, but IC symptoms correlate with elevated bladder lamina propria mast cell counts. We hypothesized that mast cells mediate pelvic pai...

Objectives: Pentosan Polysulfate (PPS) is the only oral treatment for interstitial cystitis (IC)-bladder pain syndrome (BPS) approved by World Health Organization. Self-evaluation scales can provide more objective results on pre- and post-treatment satisfaction. The aim of this study was to investigate effect pentosan polysulfate symptoms in IC-BPS patients.Methods: This included 37 adult male ...

Chemokines are proinflammatory mediators of the immune response, and there is growing evidence for chemokine/receptor signaling involvement in pronociception. Bladder pain syndrome (BPS)/interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic pain syndrome characterized by pain, pressure, or discomfort perceived to be bladder-related with at least one urinary symptom. We have explored the expression and functi...

PURPOSE During cystitis, increased innervation of the bladder by sensory nerves may contribute to bladder overactivity and pain. The mechanisms whereby cystitis leads to hyperinnervation of the bladder are, however, poorly understood. Since TRP channels have been implicated in the guidance of growth cones and survival of neurons, we investigated their involvement in the increases in bladder inn...

BACKGROUND Interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS) is a bladder disease that causes debilitating pelvic pain of unknown origin, and IC/PBS symptoms correlate with elevated bladder lamina propria mast cell counts. Similar to IC/PBS patients, pseudorabies virus (PRV) infection in mice induces a neurogenic cystitis associated with bladder lamina propria mast cell accumulation and p...

BACKGROUND Endometriosis and interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome share similar symptoms. Interstitial cystitis was once considered rare, but it is now recognized as more common than previously thought. This review examines evidence that patients presenting with symptoms typically attributed to endometriosis or with unresolved pelvic pain after treatment for endometriosis may, in fact...