The Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha Level in Platelet-Rich Plasma Might Be Associated with Treatment Outcome in Patients with Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome or Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection

This study examined the link between cytokine levels in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and treatment outcomes in 40 patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) and 21 patients with recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTI). Patients received four-monthly PRP injections, with successful outcomes in 47.5% of IC/BPS and 52.4% of rUTI cases. Lower tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels in PRP were associated with successful treatment outcomes, suggesting TNF-α as a potential predictor of treatment success. The study also noted higher levels of epidermal growth factor and transforming growth factor-β2 in rUTI patients with successful outcomes. Despite its small sample size and lack of a placebo control, the study indicates the need for further research on cytokines in PRP and their impact on inflammatory bladder disease treatments.