Advances in Cytokines and Inflammatory Mechanisms in the Pathogenesis of Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome

Bladder discomfort, urgency, and frequency of urination are the hallmarks of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS), a chronic illness. Although the precise etiology remains unclear, numerous clinical investigations have established inflammation as a pivotal factor in its pathogenesis, encompassing uroepithelial damage, mast cell activation, and neuroinflammatory responses. This review delineates the pathological features and classification of IC/BPS, emphasizing the contribution of inflammatory mechanisms and the involvement of cytokines as key mediators in disease progression. The insights presented aim to guide the advancement of innovative treatment approaches.