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Rationale for using chondroitin sulfate for PBS/IC
Importance of the bladder GAG layer
A functional deficiency of the GAG (glycosaminoglycan) layer is related to the underlying cause of as many as 60-70% of PBS/IC cases.6
The normal bladder urothelium has a high density of glycosaminoglycans, which are present in the form of proteoglycans, and form the so-called ‘GAG layer’. This impermeable protective layer, prevents the penetration of potentially harmful substances such as potassium ions and urinary proteases from penetrating into the deeper layers of the bladder wall.6,7
When this GAG layer is damaged, the protective impermeability function is lost. Potassium, proteases, and other potentially harmful urinary solutes are allowed to penetrate into the bladder, where they may activate sensory neurones. This will result in inflammation and the characteristic symptoms of PBS/IC such as pain and urinary urgency.8,9
Administration of GAG-like therapies, such as Uracyst, restore the GAG layer, and act as a physical barrier to the penetration of these harmful substances i.e. the impermeable nature of the bladder surface is restored.7 Sensory neurones will no longer be activated and inflammation will be reduced. In clinical terms this means the symptoms associated with PBS/IC will be alleviated, and the bladder will be allowed to heal.