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Yu WR, Jhang JF, Jiang YH, Kuo HC. The Pathomechanism and Current Treatments for Chronic Interstitial Cystitis and Bladder Pain Syndrome. Biomedicines 2024; 12:2051. [PMID: 39335564 PMCID: PMC11428245 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12092051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2024] [Revised: 08/14/2024] [Accepted: 09/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is a chronic and debilitating condition characterized by symptoms such as bladder pain, frequent urination, and nocturia. Pain is typically perceived in the lower abdomen, pelvic floor, or urethra, causing significant discomfort and impacting quality of life. Due to the similarity of its symptoms with those of overactive bladder and acute bacterial cystitis, patients often face misdiagnosis and delayed appropriate treatment. Hunner's (HIC) and non-Hunner's IC (NHIC), each with distinct clinical presentations, urothelial dysfunction, chronic inflammation, and central sensitization and thus multimodal symptomatic treatment approaches, may be the most common pathogeneses of IC/BPS. Treatment of IC/BPS should involve identifying the different clinical phenotypes and underlying pathophysiology causing clinical symptoms and developing strategies tailored to the patient's needs. This review discusses the roles of urine biomarkers, bladder inflammation, and glycosaminoglycans in the pathogenesis of IC/BPS. Various bladder treatment modalities are explored, including glycosaminoglycan replenishment, botulinum toxin A injection, platelet-rich plasma injection, low-energy shock waves, immunosuppression, and low-dose oral prednisolone. Pelvic floor muscle physiotherapy and bladder therapy combined with psychiatric consultation can help alleviate psychological stress and enhance the quality of life of patients with IC/BPS. Elucidating the pathological mechanisms and exploring diverse treatment options would help advance the care of individuals suffering from this challenging bladder condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Ru Yu
- Department of Nursing, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien 970, Taiwan
- Department of Urology, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, and Tzu Chi University, Hualien 970, Taiwan
- Institute of Medical Science, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 970, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Fong Jhang
- Department of Urology, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, and Tzu Chi University, Hualien 970, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Hong Jiang
- Department of Urology, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, and Tzu Chi University, Hualien 970, Taiwan
| | - Hann-Chorng Kuo
- Department of Urology, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, and Tzu Chi University, Hualien 970, Taiwan
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Homma Y, Akiyama Y, Kim JH, Chuang YC, Jeong SJ, Meng E, Kitta T, Jhang JF, Furuta A, Lee KS, Maeda D. Definition Change and Update of Clinical Guidelines for Interstitial Cystitis and Bladder Pain Syndrome. Low Urin Tract Symptoms 2024; 16:e12532. [PMID: 39267358 DOI: 10.1111/luts.12532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2024] [Revised: 07/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/17/2024]
Abstract
The clinical guidelines for interstitial cystitis (IC) and bladder pain syndrome (BPS) have been revised by updating our previous guidelines. The symptoms of IC and BPS, collectively called as hypersensitive bladder (HSB) symptoms, are virtually indistinguishable between IC and BPS; however, IC and BPS should be considered as a separate entity of disorders. We define IC as a bladder disease with Hunner lesions, usually associated with HSB symptoms and bladder inflammation, and BPS as a condition with HSB symptoms in the absence of Hunner lesions and any confusable diseases. Pathophysiology totally differs between IC and BPS. IC involves immunological inflammation probably resulting from autoimmunity, while BPS is associated with the interaction of multiple factors such as neurogenic inflammation, exogenous substances, urothelial defects, psychological stress, and neural hyperactivity. Histopathology also differs between IC and BPS. IC is associated with severe inflammation of the whole bladder accompanied by plasma cell infiltration and urothelial denudation, while BPS shows little pathological changes. Management should begin with a differential diagnosis of IC or BPS, which would require cystoscopy to determine the presence or absence of Hunner lesions. The patients should be treated differently based on the diagnosis following the algorithm, although pain management would be common to IC and BPS. Clinical studies are also to be designed and analyzed separately for IC and BPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukio Homma
- Department of Interstitial Cystitis Medicine, Kyorin University, Mitaka, Japan
| | | | - Jang Hwan Kim
- Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yao-Chi Chuang
- Kaohsiung Chang Gang Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | | | - En Meng
- Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | - Jia-Fong Jhang
- Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital and School of Medicine, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Akira Furuta
- Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Daichi Maeda
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
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Hu JC, Tzeng HT, Lee WC, Li JR, Chuang YC. Promising Experimental Treatment in Animal Models and Human Studies of Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8015. [PMID: 39125584 PMCID: PMC11312208 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2024] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain Syndrome (IC/BPS) remains a mysterious and intricate urological disorder, presenting significant challenges to healthcare providers. Traditional guidelines for IC/BPS follow a hierarchical model based on symptom severity, advocating for conservative interventions as the initial step, followed by oral pharmacotherapy, intravesical treatments, and, in refractory cases, invasive surgical procedures. This approach embraces a multi-tiered strategy. However, the evolving understanding that IC/BPS represents a paroxysmal chronic pain syndrome, often involving extravesical manifestations and different subtypes, calls for a departure from this uniform approach. This review provides insights into recent advancements in experimental strategies in animal models and human studies. The identified therapeutic approaches fall into four categories: (i) anti-inflammation and anti-angiogenesis using monoclonal antibodies or immune modulation, (ii) regenerative medicine, including stem cell therapy, platelet-rich plasma, and low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy, (iii) drug delivery systems leveraging nanotechnology, and (iv) drug delivery systems assisted by energy devices. Future investigations will require a broader range of animal models, studies on human bladder tissues, and well-designed clinical trials to establish the efficacy and safety of these therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju-Chuan Hu
- Department of Urology, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung 407, Taiwan; (J.-C.H.); (J.-R.L.)
| | - Hong-Tai Tzeng
- Institute for Translational Research in Biomedicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan;
| | - Wei-Chia Lee
- Division of Urology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan;
| | - Jian-Ri Li
- Department of Urology, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung 407, Taiwan; (J.-C.H.); (J.-R.L.)
- Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
- College of Nursing, Hungkuang University, Taichung 433, Taiwan
| | - Yao-Chi Chuang
- Division of Urology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan;
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Mohammad A, Laboulaye MA, Shenhar C, Dobberfuhl AD. Mechanisms of oxidative stress in interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome. Nat Rev Urol 2024; 21:433-449. [PMID: 38326514 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-023-00850-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is characterized by bladder and/or pelvic pain, increased urinary urgency and frequency and nocturia. The pathophysiology of IC/BPS is poorly understood, and theories include chronic inflammation, autoimmune dysregulation, bacterial cystitis, urothelial dysfunction, deficiency of the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) barrier and urine cytotoxicity. Multiple treatment options exist, including behavioural interventions, oral medications, intravesical instillations and procedures such as hydrodistension; however, many clinical trials fail, and patients experience an unsatisfactory treatment response, likely owing to IC/BPS phenotype heterogeneity and the use of non-targeted interventions. Oxidative stress is implicated in the pathogenesis of IC/BPS as reactive oxygen species impair bladder function via their involvement in multiple molecular mechanisms. Kinase signalling pathways, nociceptive receptors, mast-cell activation, urothelial dysregulation and circadian rhythm disturbance have all been linked to reactive oxygen species and IC/BPS. However, further research is necessary to fully uncover the role of oxidative stress in the pathways driving IC/BPS pathogenesis. The development of new models in which these pathways can be manipulated will aid this research and enable further investigation of promising therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashu Mohammad
- Department of Urology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Mallory A Laboulaye
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Chen Shenhar
- Department of Urology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Amy D Dobberfuhl
- Department of Urology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA.
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Yu WR, Kuo HC. Multimodal therapies and strategies for the treatment of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome in Taiwan. Low Urin Tract Symptoms 2024; 16:e12508. [PMID: 37987028 DOI: 10.1111/luts.12508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is a chronic disease characterized by bladder pain, frequency, and nocturia. The most common pathologies include chronic inflammation and bladder urothelium dysfunction. According to the bladder condition with or without Hunner's lesions, IC/BPS can be divided into "IC" in patients with Hunner's lesion (HIC) and "BPS" in those without Hunner's lesion (NHIC). Previous studies have reported greater central sensitization and interorgan cross-talk in patients with NHIC. Multimodal treatments have been recommended in clinical guidelines under the biopsychosocial model. The bladder-gut-brain axis has also been speculated, and multimodal therapies are necessary. Unfortunately, currently, no treatment has been reported durable for IC/BPS. Patients with IC/BPS usually experience anxiety, depression, holistic physical responses, and even threats to social support systems. The lack of durable treatment outcomes might result from inadequate diagnostic accuracy and differentiation of clinical phenotypes based on the underlying pathophysiology. Precision assessment and treatment are essential for optimal therapy under definite IC/BPS phenotype. This article reviewed currently available literature and proposed a diagnosis and treatment algorithm. Based on bladder therapy combined with suitable physical and psychological therapies, a well-grounded multimodal therapy and treatment algorithm for IC/BPS following a diagnostic protocol are indispensable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Ru Yu
- Department of Nursing, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
- Department of Urology, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation and Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Hann-Chorng Kuo
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
- Department of Urology, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation and Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
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Vahlensieck W. [Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS)]. UROLOGIE (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2023:10.1007/s00120-023-02080-x. [PMID: 37115301 DOI: 10.1007/s00120-023-02080-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In this review, aspects of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) are presented against the background of the German S2k guideline on this disease. OBJECTIVE Quite often this disease, characterized by bladder or lower abdominal pain (permanent or intermittent) and pollakisuria without pathogenic bacteria in the urine culture, is diagnosed much too late. MATERIALS AND METHODS The debate on disease definition, aspects on pathophysiology and epidemiology are presented. For diagnosis, disease severity must be determined and relevant differential diagnoses like bladder cancer must be excluded. Conservative measures (clothing, food, sexuality, sport, bladder training, sufficient fluid intake, prevention of hypothermia) are effective especially in early stages of the disease. Combination drug therapy with mucosa stabilizing, anti-inflammatory, psychotropic, and pain-reducing drugs should be adjusted individually. Inpatient rehabilitation, hydrodistension, laser- and electrocoagulation, neuromodulation (sacral or pudendal) or hyperbaric oxygen therapy may help after pharmacotherapy failure. Cystectomy and urinary diversion are used in irreversible shrunken urinary bladder. RESULTS If all treatment modalities are consequently used, many patients may reach a state that is more bearable. CONCLUSION With a high level of suffering in many patients with IC/BPS, all available treatment modalities should be known and used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winfried Vahlensieck
- Fachklinik Urologie, Kurpark-Klinik, Kurstr. 41-45, 61231, Bad Nauheim, Deutschland.
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