Brain white matter abnormalities in female interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome: A MAPP Netwo

[Sherlock]

Just stumbled on this J Urol. 2015 Feb 21 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25711200 :

RESULTS:
Women with IC/BPS exhibited numerous white matter abnormalities that correlated with severity of pain, urinary symptoms, and impaired quality of life.
...
CONCLUSIONS:
The first characterization of brain white matter abnormalities in women with IC/BPS reveals that regional decreases and increases in white matter integrity, across multiple axonal tracts, are associated with symptom severity in IC/BPS. Given that white matter abnormalities closely correlate with hallmark symptoms of IC/BPS, including bladder pain and urinary symptoms, brain anatomical alterations suggest neuropathological contributions to chronic urological pelvic pain.

 

[drob31]

I wonder how much the white matter abnormalities have to do with poor circulation. Neuron's require 3 things to stay healthy: glucose, oxygen, and stimulation. I know allot of people have circulation issues, and circulation issues in the hands and feet usually mean there will be circulation issues in the brain in the form of hypoxia. Such the tissues are depleted of oxygen causing neurological issues such as this.

 

[beaker]

I developed IC after alpha interferon treatment. Seems like it could be the cytokines in the CSF/brain that are causing the issue.

 

[drob31]

I developed IC after alpha interferon treatment. Seems like it could be the cytokines in the CSF/brain that are causing the issue.

Indeed, another factor would be a leaky blood brain barrier that allows macrophages entry into the brain to cause havoc.

 

[Kati]

It is an interesting article considering that IC is co-morbid with ME/CFS as far as I know and in the light of this paper:
Right Arcuate Fasciculus Abnormality in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Would it not be significant?