A MAPP Network Case-Control Study of Urologic Chronic Pelvic Pain Compared with Non-Urologic Pain Conditions, 2019, Afari et al

[Andy]

Objectives: Limited research suggests commonalities between urologic chronic pelvic pain syndromes (UCPPS) and other non-urologic chronic overlapping pain conditions (COPCs) including fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and irritable bowel syndrome. The goal of this case-control study was to examine similarities and differences between UCPPS and these other COPCs.

Methods: As part of the Multidisciplinary Approach to the Study of Chronic Pelvic Pain Research Network, we examined 1,039 individuals with UCPPS (n=424), non-urologic COPCs (n=200), and healthy controls (n=415). Validated standardized measures were used to assess urological symptoms, non-urological pain symptoms, and psychosocial symptoms and traits.

Results: Participants with UCPPS had more urologic symptoms than non-urologic COPCs or healthy controls (P<0.001); non-urological COPC group also had significantly worse urological symptoms than healthy controls (P<0.001). Participants with non-urological COPCs reported more widespread pain than those with UCPPS (P<0.001), yet both groups had similarly increased symptoms of anxiety, depression, negative affect, perceived stress, neuroticism, and lower levels of extraversion than healthy controls (P<0.001). Participants with UCPPS with and without COPCs reported more catastrophizing than those with non-urological COPCs (P<0.001).

Discussion: Findings are consistent with the hypothesis of common underlying biopsychosocial mechanisms and can guide the comprehensive assessment and treatment of these conditions regardless of the primary site of pain or diagnosis. Heightened catastrophizing in UCPPS should be examined to inform psychosocial interventions and improve patient care.

Paywall, https://journals.lww.com/clinicalpa...ork_Case_Control_Study_of_Urologic.98776.aspx
Sci hub, paper not available at time of posting.

 

[Dolphin]

Authors:

Afari, Niloofar PhD*; Buchwald, Dedra MD†; Clauw, Daniel MD‡; Hong, Barry PhD§; Hou, Xiaoling MS∥; Krieger, John N. MD¶; Mullins, Chris PhD#; Stephens-Shields, Alisa J. PhD∥; Gasperi, Marianna PhD*; Williams, David A. PhD‡ for the MAPP Research Network

Dedra Buchwald led an NIH ME/CFS research centre in the past. It became clear over time that she had become or was always influenced by biopsychosocial views.

 

[rvallee]

both groups had similarly increased symptoms of anxiety, depression, negative affect, perceived stress, neuroticism, and lower levels of extraversion than healthy controls

At what point does it get embarrassing to keep asking the same questions with the same responses until people get the hint that the questions are irrelevant? Those are all observations that can be superficially confused for the simple reality of being sick and its physiological impacts. None of those are actually testable or observable in any way, they are exactly as accurate as a questionnaire asking participants whether or not they think they have cancer.

Findings are consistent with the hypothesis of common underlying biopsychosocial mechanisms

I guess as long as some people continue pretending that up is down and conclude what they want to be true, regardless of what the data actually show. How does the first sentence I quoted support the conclusion? It basically found nothing of significance and still pretends this means something.

At this point just merge the whole psychosocial thing with astrology for all the difference that it makes.

 

[Milo]

The authors of this paper should be provided this paper and asked whether they will ever start looking into the biology instead of dilly-dallying into the psycho-social landmine field.

MCP-1-Induced Histamine Release from Mast Cells Is Associated with Development of Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome in Rat Models

Abstract
Objective. Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is characterized by overexpression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) in bladder tissues and induction of mast cell (MC) degranulation. This study was undertaken to explore the mechanism of action of MCP-1 in the development of IC/BPS. Methods. A rat model of IC/BPS was developed by perfusing bladders of nine SPF- grade female Sprague-Dawley rats with protamine sulfate and lipopolysaccharide (PS+LPS). MCP-1 and histamine levels in bladder tissue and urine were detected by immunohistochemistry and ELISA. MC degranulation was measured by immunofluorescence techniques and chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 2 (CCR2) was assayed by flow cytometry. Results. Increased MCP-1 expression in bladder tissue and elevated MCP-1 and histamine levels were observed in the urine of LS+LPS-treated rats. This was accompanied by the expression of CCR2 on MC surfaces, suggesting MCP-1 may induce MC degranulation through CCR2. Exposure to LPS stimulated MCP-1 expression in bladder epithelial cells, and exposure to MCP-1 induced histamine release from MCs. Conclusions. MCP-1 upregulation in IC/BPS is one of possible contributing factors inducing histamine release from MCs. CCR2 is involved in the process of mast cell degranulation in bladder tissues. These changes may contribute to the development of symptoms of IC/BPS