The cause of<unk> /BPS is not known. However, several explanations have been proposed and include the following: autoimmune theory, nerve theory, mast cell theory, leaky lining theory, infection theory, and a theory of production of a toxic substance in the urine. Other suggested etiological causes are neurologic, allergic, genetic, and stress-psychological. In addition, recent research shows that those with<unk>  may have a substance in the urine that inhibits the growth of cells in the bladder epithelium. An infection may then predispose those people to develop<unk> . Evidence from clinical and laboratory studies confirms that mast cells play a central role in<unk> /BPS possibly due to their ability to release histamine and cause pain, swelling, scarring, and interfere with healing. Research has shown a proliferation of nerve fibers is present in the bladders of people with<unk>  which is absent in the bladders of people who have not been diagnosed with<unk> . Regardless of the origin, most people with<unk> /BPS struggle with a damaged urothelium, or bladder lining. When the surface glycosaminoglycan (GAG) layer is damaged (via a urinary tract infection (UTI), excessive consumption of coffee or sodas, traumatic injury, etc.), urinary chemicals can "leak" into surrounding tissues, causing pain, inflammation, and urinary symptoms. Oral medications like pentosan polysulfate and medications placed directly into the bladder via a catheter sometimes work to repair and rebuild this damaged/wounded lining, allowing for a reduction in symptoms. Most literature supports the belief that<unk> 's symptoms are associated with a defect in the bladder epithelium lining, allowing irritating substances in the urine to penetrate into the bladder—a breakdown of the bladder lining (also known as the adherence theory). Deficiency in this glycosaminoglycan layer on the surface of the bladder results in increased permeability of the underlying submucosal tissues. GP51 has been identified as a possible urinary biomarker for<unk>  with significant variations in GP51 levels in those with<unk>  when compared to individuals without<unk> . Numerous studies have noted the link between<unk> , anxiety, stress, hyper-responsiveness, and panic. Another proposed cause for<unk>  is that the body's immune system attacks the bladder. Biopsies on the bladder walls of people with<unk>  usually contain mast cells. Mast cells containing histamine packets gather when an allergic reaction is occurring. The body identifies the bladder wall as a foreign agent, and the histamine packets burst open and attack. The body attacks itself, which is the basis of autoimmune disorders. Additionally,<unk>  may be triggered by an unknown toxin or stimulus which causes nerves in the bladder wall to fire uncontrollably. When they fire, they release substances called neuropeptides that induce a cascade of reactions that cause pain in the bladder wall. Genes Some genetic subtypes, in some people, have been linked to the disorder. * An antiproliferative factor is secreted by the bladders of people with<unk> /BPS which inhibits bladder cell proliferation, thus possibly causing the missing bladder lining. * PAND, at gene map locus 13q22–q32, is associated with a constellation of disorders (a "pleiotropic syndrome") including<unk> /BPS and other bladder and kidney problems, thyroid diseases, serious headaches/migraines, panic disorder, and mitral valve prolapse.
Interstitial cystitis
Bladder cancer
Hemorrhagic cystitis
Endometriosis
Eosinophilic cystitis
Urinary tract infection
Emphysematous cystitis
Prostatitis