Differentiating interstitial cystitis from similar conditions commonly seen in gynecologic practice

Urinary Sphingosine-1-Phosphate as a Biomarker for Bladder Pain Syndrome

IMPORTANCE

Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a signaling molecule involved in inflammation and bladder contraction.

OBJECTIVES

The aims of this case-control pilot study were to compare urinary S1P concentrations in bladder pain syndrome (BPS) participants to controls and determine whether these concentrations correlate with disease severity and duration.

STUDY DESIGN

Adult females with BPS and controls were enrolled. Bladder pain syndrome participants completed an O'Leary-Sant questionnaire. Information on duration of symptoms and treatment history was obtained. Urinary S1P and creatinine concentrations were determined. Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare groups, and Spearman correlation was used to test for associations between concentrations and duration and severity of symptoms.

RESULTS

Twenty-five participants were in each group. Median S1P concentration was 1,225 ng/dL in the BPS group and 2,183 ng/dL in the control group, which was significantly different (P < 0.0001). This difference did not persist when normalized to urinary creatinine (P = 0.58). No differences were noted in urinary S1P concentrations between treated and untreated participants (P = 0.53) or with symptom scores of 13 or greater and less than 13 (P = 0.69). Sphingosine-1-phosphate levels did not correlate with O'Leary-Sant scores (P = 0.08) or duration of symptoms (P = 0.67). Results did not change when using S1P concentrations normalized to creatinine.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated successful quantification of human urinary S1P concentrations. A difference in urinary S1P was found between BPS participants and controls but not when normalized to creatinine. While this is the first study to investigate urinary S1P as a biomarker for BPS, results suggest that it may have a potential role as a biomarker requiring further research.

Acute Pelvic Pain: Role of Imaging in the Diagnosis and Management

Acute pelvic pain is defined as a new symptom that has been present for less than 3 months. It is a common symptom seen in 15%-24% of women and is the indication for 20% of laparoscopies and 2%-10% of outpatient gynecologic visits. The pregnancy status and correlation of the physical symptoms with clinical findings are important. Ultrasound is the imaging modality of choice, not only to diagnose gynecological causes, but also bowel or urinary tract related causes of pelvic pain. When an ultrasound scan is inconclusive, a computed tomography scan is the preferred means of additional imaging and is particularly useful in gastrointestinal and urogenital causes of pelvic pain. Gynecological causes of acute pelvic pain include uterine, tubal, or ovarian pathology; non-gynecological causes include bowel diseases, such as appendicitis and diverticulitis; urogenital causes such as ureteral, bladder stones, and urinary tract infection as well as vascular causes. Ultrasound imaging alone may provide a definitive diagnosis in underlying conditions that require prompt medical or surgical intervention in gynecological conditions, such as ovarian torsion, ectopic pregnancy, and non-gynecological condition, such as in acute appendicitis.

Laser Treatment for Patients With Vulvodynia and Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome: A Case Series (The UNICORN-3 Study)

Introduction Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is a chronic pain disorder characterized by urgency, frequency of urination, and pelvic pain. Women with IC/BPS often experience sexual dysfunction, vulvodynia, and vaginal health issues. Combined erbium and neodymium yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) laser treatments targeting the vagina and vulva have shown promise in improving symptoms. Our study aims to investigate the effectiveness of these combined laser treatments in women with IC/BPS and vulvodynia. Methods Women diagnosed with vulvodynia and IC/BPS underwent combined laser treatment using vaginal erbium:YAG laser (VEL) and neodymium:YAG laser (Nd:YAG). Various parameters were evaluated, including the vulvodynia test, numeric rating scale (NRS-11) for pain, interstitial cystitis symptom index and problem index (ICSI and ICPI), pelvic pain and urgency/frequency symptom score (PUF), and mean urination volume/daily urination frequency in a three-day urination diary. Treatment was administered three times, with intervals of one month between each session, and follow-up evaluations were conducted at six and 12 months. All statistical analyses were designed and programmed by the AI chatbot GPT-4 (chatGPT-4). Results Fifteen female patients diagnosed with vulvodynia and IC/BPS were treated with three sessions of VEL + Nd:YAG. Significant improvements were observed in the vulvodynia test, NRS-11 scores, PUF, ICSI scores, ICPI scores, mean urination volume, and daily urination frequency at six and 12 months (p<0.01). Short-term improvements in IC/BPS pain scores correlated with improvements in the vulvodynia test (p=0.007), suggesting a synergistic effect. However, no significant correlations were found at 12 months. Conclusion Combined laser treatments targeting the vagina and vulva showed significant therapeutic effects in women with IC/BPS and vulvodynia. The addition of Nd:YAG to the VEL treatment enhanced outcomes. Short-term improvements in IC/BPS pain scores correlated with improvements in the vulvodynia test, indicating a synergistic effect. Long-term improvements in both vulvodynia and IC/BPS symptoms may occur independently. These findings highlight the importance of comprehensive approaches for treating coexisting vulvodynia and IC/BPS.

The Role of Urinary VEGF in Observational Studies of BPS/IC Patients: A Systematic Review

Background: Bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC) is a chronic pain condition, often underdiagnosed, with an important impact on patient quality of life. More recently, an association between VEGF and its receptors has been suggested in BPS/IC pathophysiology, due to their role in promoting angiogenesis and inflammation, which can enhance bladder pain. Eventually, VEGF may be used as a biomarker for the diagnosis and prognostication of BPS/IC. To further clarify this issue, this review aims to critically summarize the available information, giving rise to a solid starting point for future studies. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed and Embase, using the queries “urinary VEGF”, “urinary VEGF” AND “pain”, “urinary VEGF” AND “lower urinary tract symptoms” and “urinary VEGF” AND “LUTS” from January 2016 to February 2022. Results: A total of 1026 papers were identified from which 7 articles were included in this study, which assessed 1036 participants. Regarding VEGF levels, overactive bladder (OAB) and healthy patients were used for comparison with BPS/IC patients. VEGF concentration seems to be higher when compared to healthy patients and overactive bladder (OAB) patients. Higher levels of VEGF were associated with pain severity, while a decrease in VEGF concentration was associated with pain and symptom improvement in women. However, these findings were not constant in all studies. Conclusions: There is a trend toward a relevant association between increased VEGF levels and pain or symptom severity in BPS/IC patients. Although there are some discrepancies among the studies and the number of patients included is small, VEGF and its receptors should be considered for future studies regarding its use in BPS/IC pathophysiology, diagnosis and prognostication.

Association of endometriosis with interstitial cystitis in chronic pelvic pain syndrome: Short narrative on prevalence, diagnostic limitations, and clinical implications

Introduction: Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge affecting women of all ages globally. The syndrome is not well understood, but the association of interstitial cystitis (IC) with endometriosis in causing CPP should not be overlooked in managing this cohort. Herein, we present a mini review of this association to evaluate the literature in determining the prevalence of endometriosis and IC concomitantly in patients with CPP, diagnostic limitations, and clinical implications.

Methods: A Medline search of the key words “evil twins’ syndrome,” “interstitial cystitis,” “bladder pain syndrome,” and “endometriosis” was conducted for full-text articles published in English over the past 20 years. The search yielded 40 articles, of which 21 were selected. Cross-referencing bibliographies of each publication yielded an additional 25 references.

Results: Both endometriosis and IC share a similar array of symptoms that are often exacerbated during the perimenstrual period. Multiple authors have reported the frequent coexistence of these two conditions. Over 80% of patients with CPP were found to have both conditions. The prevalence of endometriosis and IC coexistence was greater than that of each condition separately.

Conclusions: It is crucial to look beyond the traditionally diagnosed endometriosis as the cause of CPP. This is true especially in patients whose previous treatment was ineffective. Simultaneous assessment for both conditions is essential to avoid the frequently delayed diagnosis and prevent unsuccessful medical and surgical therapies.

The effect of intravesical hyaluronic acid therapy on urodynamic and clinical outcomes among women with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome

OBJECTIVE

Treatment of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is often delayed because of a lack of objective data during diagnosis. This study was conducted to determine the clinical validity of using urodynamic studies to investigate the effect of intravesical hyaluronic acid (HA) treatment among women with IC/BPS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty patients with IC/BPS undergoing 6-month intravesical instillation of HA were recruited. Pretreatment evaluation involved a urinalysis and urinary culture, urinary cytology, a 3-day voiding diary, and cystoscopy with hydrodistention of the bladder. Urodynamic study was performed before and after HA treatment. Symptomatic changes were assessed using a questionnaire covering lower urinary tract symptoms, the O'Leary-Sant symptom index and problem indexes (ICSI and ICPI), and the visual analog scale for pain and urgency. Patient demographics, urinary symptoms, ICSI/ICPI scores, pain and urgency scores, and urodynamic results before and after HA treatment were compared.

RESULTS

Urinary frequency, nocturia, urgency, pelvic pain, bladder capacity, ICSI, and ICPI were significantly improved after HA treatment. Comparing urodynamic parameters, the volumes at first desire to void (FDV) and maximum cystometric capacity were significantly increased after HA treatment. Before HA treatment, a negative correlation existed between the ICSI and ICPI and urodynamic parameters, including maximum flow rate and bladder capacity, but there were no significant correlations after treatment. Before HA treatment, a negative correlation was discovered between nocturia and FDV. However, after HA treatment, there were no significant correlations between urinary symptoms and urodynamic parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that the improvement of urinary symptoms of IC/BPS after HA treatment is associated with increased FDV and maximum cystometric capacity. The value of FDV and the frequency of nocturia after treatment may become useful objective indicators for prognosis of IC/BPS.

Evaluation of the Effects of Prostate Radiation Therapy on Occludin Expression and Ultrasonography Characteristics of the Bladder

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effects of radiation dose in prostate radiation therapy (RT) on occludin expression and ultrasonography characteristics of the bladder.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Urine samples of 64 prostate RT patients were collected before, at regular intervals during, and 3 months after RT. Occludin expression analysis was performed, and bladder wall echogenicity and echotexture were investigated by ultrasound and the gray-scale histogram analysis method. The bladder equivalent uniform dose (EUD) was derived from individually produced dose treatment plan for each patient. Clinical scoring for bladder-specific symptoms was done using the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group Acute Radiation Morbidity Scoring Criteria Scale.

RESULTS

Thirty patients (47%) experienced at least 1 of the studied bladder symptoms (grade ≥1 endpoints), including urinary pain, frequency, urgency, straining, incontinence, hematuria, dysuria, and nocturia. For these patients there were significant changes in urine occludin levels after starting the treatment compared with the baseline urine samples (P=.023). The mean bladder EUD that caused a significant change in occludin level, which occurred after the 15th RT session, was 26.9 Gy (range, 13.2-36.5 Gy, P=.020). In all patients a significant reduction in bladder echogenicity (P=.0137) and a significant change in its echotexture (P=.047) was found after the 10th RT session, after which the EUD to the bladder reached 17.9 Gy (range, 8.8-24.3 Gy).

CONCLUSIONS

Significant changes in occludin expression level and bladder wall echogenicity and echotexture occurred during prostate RT. Our findings suggest that a significant reduction in bladder echogenicity and increase in occludin expression during treatment can be associated with acute urinary complications.

Impaired Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase Function in Patients with Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder Syndrome

Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase (NKA) is abundantly expressed in the basolateral membrane of epithelial cells, which is necessary for tight junction formation. The tight junction is an urothelial barrier between urine and the underlying bladder. Impairment of tight junctions allows migration of urinary solutes in patients with interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS). We evaluated NKA expression and activity in bladder samples from patients with IC/PBS. The study group consisted of 85 patients with IC/PBS, and the control group consisted of 20 volunteers. Bladder biopsies were taken from both groups. We determined the expression and distribution of NKA using NKA activity assays, immunoblotting, immunohistochemical staining, and immunofluorescent staining. The protein levels and activity of NKA in the study group were significantly lower than the control group (1.08 ± 0.06 vs. 2.39 ± 0.29 and 0.60 ± 0.04 vs. 1.81 ± 0.18 µmol ADP/mg protein/hour, respectively; P < 0.05). Additionally, immunofluorescent staining for detection of CK7, a marker of the bladder urothelium, predominantly colocalized with NKA in patients in the study group. Our results demonstrated the expression and activity of NKA were decreased in bladder biopsies of patients with IC/PBS. These findings suggest that NKA function is impaired in the bladders from patients with IC/PBS.

Interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome: the influence of modern diagnostic criteria on epidemiology and on Internet search activity by the public

Interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS) is a chronic debilitating condition that is characterised by suprapubic pain and urinary symptoms such as urgency, nocturia and urinary frequency. The prevalence of the condition is increasing due to more inclusive diagnostic criteria. Herein, we review the evolving epidemiology of IC/PBS and investigate health seeking behaviour for the condition through Internet search activity. Study selection was performed in accordance with PRISMA. In addition, global search trends for the terms ‘Interstitial Cystitis’ and ‘Painful Bladder Syndrome’ from 2005 to 2015 were also evaluated using the ‘Google Trends’ search application. The mean search activity per month was recorded and mean activity at annual intervals calculated. Regional search activity by country and city was also measured. Prevalence rates for IC/PBS vary according to diagnostic criteria and range from 2% to 17.3% among the general population. Increased prevalence is associated with female gender and females with one first-degree relative affected. There has been an increase in global mean search activity for IC/PBS on an annual basis since 2005. The greatest increase in search activity was in USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland and India respectively. The top five cities for search activity for IC/PBS were in the USA. As diagnostic criteria for IC/PBS continues to become more inclusive it is likely that the prevalence will continue to increase. This is particularly true for the USA and Canada as these regions have demonstrated the greatest increase in Internet search activity for IC/ PBS.

Similarities between interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome and vulvodynia: implications for patient management

Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) and vulvodynia are chronic pain syndromes that appear to be intertwined from the perspectives of embryology, pathology and epidemiology. These associations may account for similar responses to various therapies.

Association of chronic pelvic pain and endometriosis with signs of sensitization and myofascial pain

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate sensitization, myofascial trigger points, and quality of life in women with chronic pelvic pain with and without endometriosis.

METHODS

A cross-sectional prospective study of women aged 18-50 years with pain suggestive of endometriosis and healthy, pain-free volunteers without a history of endometriosis. Patients underwent a physiatric neuromusculoskeletal assessment of clinical signs of sensitization and myofascial trigger points in the abdominopelvic region. Pain symptoms, psychosocial, and quality-of-life measures were also assessed. All participants with pain underwent laparoscopic excision of suspicious lesions to confirm endometriosis diagnosis by histologic evaluation.

RESULTS

Patients included 18 with current, biopsy-proven endometriosis, 11 with pain only, and 20 healthy volunteers. The prevalence of sensitization as measured by regional allodynia and hyperalgesia was similar in both pain groups (83 and 82%) but much lower among healthy volunteers (15%, P<.001). Nearly all women with pain had myofascial trigger points (94 and 91%). Adjusting for study group, those with high anxiety (odds ratio [OR] 1.05, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.004-1.099, P=.031) and depression (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.005-1.113, P=.032) scores were more likely to have sensitization. Pain patients with any history of endometriosis had the highest proportion of sensitization compared with the others (87% compared with 67% compared with 15%; P<.001). Adjusting for any history of endometriosis, those with myofascial trigger points were most likely sensitized (OR 9.41, 95% CI 1.77-50.08, P=.009).

CONCLUSION

Sensitization and myofascial trigger points were common in women with pain regardless of whether they had endometriosis at surgery. Those with any history of endometriosis were most likely to have sensitization. Traditional methods of classifying endometriosis-associated pain based on disease, duration, and anatomy are inadequate and should be replaced by a mechanism-based evaluation, as our study illustrates.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT00073801.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II.

Evaluation of the impact of the urinary symptoms on quality of life of patients with painful bladder syndrome/chronic pelvic pain and radiation cystitis: EURCIS study

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the impact of urinary symptoms of Painful Bladder/Pelvic Pain Syndrome and Radiation Cystitis (PBCPPS) on the Quality of Life, and self-esteem of the patient.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

An observational, multicenter, epidemiological and cross-sectional study was performed on patients with Painful Bladder/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome and Radiation Cystitis. Data was recorded on severity of urinary symptoms and QoL impairment using the PUF Score. The patients evaluated the QoL deterioration grade through the King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ), and the level of their anxiety and self-esteem with the Goldberg's Anxiety Scale (GAS) and Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), respectively. Post-hoc comparisons were performed between the results of the KHQ of this study and a sample of patients with urinary incontinence (UI). Results on RSES were analyzed with data from the general population and from patients with erectile dysfunction.

RESULTS

A total of 530 cases, mostly female patients, who had been diagnosed with PBCPPS, were analyzed. High levels of deterioration in QoL were described: KHQ scores were significantly higher when compared with patients with UI (P<.01). Involvement of self-esteem was higher in patients with RC and men, who obtained scores similar to those of patients with erectile dysfunction.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with Painful Bladder Syndrome/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome and Radiation Cystitis present high levels of anxiety, and significant reductions in both quality of life and self-esteem. Especially for men, this affectation is similar to that caused by erectile dysfunction.

Activation of extrinsic apoptotic pathway from bladder biopsy in patients with interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the intrinsic or extrinsic pathway of apoptosis from bladder biopsy that was performed in interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS). Although previous studies have reported observations of the dysfunction, denudation, and thinning of the bladder urothelium in patients associated with an increase of cell apoptosis, the molecular mechanism is unclear.

METHODS

The study group consisted of 32 patients with IC/PBS, and the control group consisted of 12 volunteers without any symptoms of IC. Bladder biopsies were obtained from both the groups. The expression of apoptosis-associated proteins was observed by detecting the Bcl-2/Bax ratio and the levels of cleaved caspase-9, Fas, cleaved caspase-8, and cleaved caspase-3 to differentiate intrinsic or extrinsic pathway. The data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U test.

RESULTS

Increased levels of cleaved caspase-3 were found in the IC/PBS group relative to the control group (P <.05). The levels of the extrinsic apoptotic pathway proteins, Fas and cleaved caspase-8, were also increased in the study group compared with the control group (P <.05). There was no significant difference in the levels of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway proteins, including cleaved caspase-9 and the Bcl-2/Bax ratio, between the control and study groups.

CONCLUSION

Our findings demonstrate the activation of extrinsic apoptotic pathway from bladder biopsy in patients with IC/PBS. This study might help us to clarify the molecular changes and lead to a better understanding of this bladder disease.

Diet and its role in interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) and comorbid conditions

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? Nearly 90% of patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) report sensitivities to a wide variety of dietary comestibles. Current questionnaire-based literature suggests that citrus fruits, tomatoes, vitamin C, artificial sweeteners, coffee, tea, carbonated and alcoholic beverages, and spicy foods tend to exacerbate symptoms, while calcium glycerophosphate and sodium bicarbonate tend to improve symptoms. At present we recommend employing a controlled method to determine dietary sensitivities, such as an elimination diet, in order to identify sensitivities while at the same time maintain optimal nutritional intake. We review current literature with regard to diet's effect upon IC/BPS and common comorbidities (irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, neuropathic pain, vulvodynia, and headache) with a focus upon questionnaire-based investigations. We discuss the pathologic mechanisms that may link diet and IC/BPS related-pain, concentrating upon specific comestibles such as acidic foods, foods high in potassium, caffeine, and alcohol. Up to 90% of patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) report sensitivities to a wide variety of comestibles.   Pathological mechanisms suggested to be responsible for the relationship between dietary intake and symptom exacerbation include peripheral and/or central neural upregulation, bladder epithelial dysfunction, and organ 'cross-talk', amongst others.   Current questionnaire-based data suggests that citrus fruits, tomatoes, vitamin C, artificial sweeteners, coffee, tea, carbonated and alcoholic beverages, and spicy foods tend to exacerbate symptoms, while calcium glycerophosphate and sodium bicarbonate tend to improve symptoms. Specific comestible sensitivities varied between patients and may have been influenced by comorbid conditions. This suggests that a controlled method to determine dietary sensitivities, such as an elimination diet, may play an important role in patient management.

Urodynamic evaluation of female cats with idiopathic cystitis

OBJECTIVE

To compare values of urodynamic measurements of cats with idiopathic cystitis (IC) with previously published data for healthy female cats.

ANIMALS

11 female cats with IC.

PROCEDURES

2 sequential cystometrograms and 2 urethral pressure profiles were obtained for each cat. All tracings were evaluated for evidence of overactive urinary bladder (OAB). Maximum urethral pressure (MUP), maximum urethral closure pressure (MUCP), and functional profile length were recorded.

RESULTS

Only 3 cats had obvious micturition events. None of the 11 cats had evidence of OAB. Although not significant, threshold pressure was lower in cats with IC than in healthy cats (mean ± SD, 89.0 ± 12.0 cm H(2)O vs 75.7 ± 16.3 cm H(2)O, respectively); however, the total volume infused was significantly lower in cats with IC (4.8 ± 2.1 mL/kg vs 8.3 ± 3.2 mL/kg). The MUCP was significantly higher in cats with IC than in healthy cats (158.0 ± 47.7 cm H(2)O vs 88.9 ± 23.9 cm H(2)O, respectively). The MUP was also significantly higher in all portions of the urethra in cats with IC.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

No evidence of OAB was identified in any cat evaluated; therefore, medications used to target this abnormality did not appear justified. The high MUCP in cats with IC suggested that α(1)-adrenoceptor antagonists or skeletal muscle relaxants may be useful in this disease, and if these data were applicable to male cats, then α(1)-adrenoceptor antagonism may help prevent recurrent obstructive IC. Further studies are indicated to determine the effects, if any, these drugs might have in cats with IC.

Decrease of Trefoil factor 2 in cats with feline idiopathic cystitis

OBJECTIVE

To obtain new insights into aetiological backgrounds, and to search for diagnostic biomarkers by assessing the difference in urinary proteins between cats with spontaneous feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) and healthy controls.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Urine supernatants of 18 cats with FIC and 18 healthy control cats, and bladder biopsies of two FIC diseased cats and four healthy controls were included in the study. The Bradford method was used to determine protein quantity in urine supernatants. Urine was separated by two-dimensional (2-D) gel electrophoresis. Selected protein spots were excised from two-dimensional gels and analysed with tandem mass spectrometry. Validation of Trefoil factor 2 expression was realized with Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Western blot signal intensities were quantified with image quant software.

RESULTS

Eleven differentially expressed protein spots were identified between the 2-D gels of cats with FIC and control cats. Ten spots (only visible in the FIC gel) were identified as albumin and one spot (only visible in the control gel) was identified as Trefoil factor 2.Using quantification of Western blot signal intensities and immunohistochemistry a decrease in Trefoil factor 2 (TFF2) in cats with FIC could be revealed for the first time.

CONCLUSION

Deficiency in TFF2 possibly leads to impaired repairing abilities and immune response of the urothelium. The result could be a greater susceptibility to injury, inflammation and relapse. Therefore TFF2 deficiency might be an important event in FIC pathogenesis. Detection of a decrease in urinary TFF2 could serve as diagnostic biomarker, facilitating diagnosis. As FIC can serve as an animal model for human painful bladder syndrome/interstitial cystitis, the findings of this study might also be valuable for interstitial cystitis research and should be further investigated.

Gating of sensory information differs in patients with interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome

PURPOSE

Altered sensory processing in interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome cases may result from a deficiency of the central nervous system to adequately filter incoming visceral afferent information. We used prepulse inhibition as an operational measure of sensorimotor gating to examine early pre-attentive stages of information processing in females with interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome and healthy controls.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We assessed prepulse inhibition in 14 female patients with interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome and 17 healthy controls at 60 and 120-millisecond prepulse-to-startle stimulus intervals. We evaluated group differences in prepulse inhibition, and relationships between prepulse inhibition, neuroticism and acute stress ratings.

RESULTS

Patients showed significantly decreased prepulse inhibition at 60 and 120-millisecond prepulse intervals. The prepulse inhibition deficit was related to acute stress ratings in the patients. However, increased neuroticism appeared to mitigate the prepulse inhibition deficit in those with interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome, possibly reflecting greater vigilance.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to healthy controls, female patients with interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome had decreased ability to adequately filter incoming information and perform appropriate sensorimotor gating. These results suggest that a possible mechanism for altered interoceptive information processing in interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome cases may be a general deficit in filtering mechanisms due to altered pre-attentive processing.