Evaluation of the Proliferation Markers in Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome: An Experimental Model

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the level of nerve growth factor (NGF) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) in an animal model of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/ BPS) and identify correlations between them. Methods: IC/BPS modeling was performed on white New Zealand female rabbits divided into six groups depending on the methods of modeling. Urine and blood levels of NGF and EGF were determined by the ELISA method. The correlation between the indicators was calculated by the Pearson correlation coefficient. Results: An increase in the concentration of NGF and EGF was detected in animals of all experimental groups; a significantly high level of these factors in blood and urine was determined in a toxic model created with the introduction of urine into the submucosal layer of the bladder wall. The correlation between NGF and EGF tended to increase by 14 days. There was a strong correlation between these indicators in the urine of animals with IC/BPS created by a 70% alcohol solution (p<0.01). A strong correlation between these indicators was observed in blood of animals with IC/BPS created by the administration of protamine sulfate and in animals of toxic model (p<0.01). Conclusion: An increase in the levels of proliferation markers is likely due to chronic inflammation process and urine toxicity. The presence of a correlation between NGF and EGF and their strengthening as the disease progresses indicates an increase in the proliferation processes. Proliferation markers can be used in the diagnosis and monitoring of IC/BPS.