Journal of Inflammation Research

Inflammation in the Prostate and Bladder: From Molecular Mechanisms to Precision Therapeutics

The Journal of Inflammation Research is pleased to welcome you to submit your research to the Article Collection "Inflammation in the Prostate and Bladder: From Molecular Mechanisms to Precision Therapeutics".

Chronic inflammatory conditions of the prostate and bladder represent a significant and growing global health burden, profoundly impacting patients' quality of life. Prostatitis, particularly chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS), and interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) are complex, multifactorial disorders characterized by persistent pelvic pain, voiding dysfunction, and a debilitating course that often defies conventional treatment. The pathogenesis of these conditions is increasingly understood to involve intricate networks of immune dysregulation, neurogenic sensitization, epithelial barrier dysfunction, and alterations in the local microbiome. Recent advances in multi-omics technologies, including genomics, proteomics, and single-cell transcriptomics, are beginning to unravel the molecular heterogeneity underlying these syndromes. This Article Collection seeks to bring together cutting-edge laboratory and clinical findings that elucidate the molecular basis, cellular processes, and pharmacological aspects of inflammation in the prostate and bladder.

The importance of advancing our understanding of prostate and bladder inflammation cannot be overstated. Despite their high prevalence, the etiology of CP/CPPS and IC/BPS remains poorly understood, and current therapeutic options are often ineffective, leaving many patients with chronic, unremitting symptoms. Furthermore, chronic inflammation in these organs is increasingly recognized as a critical factor in the development of more severe pathologies, including benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer. A deeper mechanistic understanding is urgently needed to identify reliable biomarkers for diagnosis and disease stratification, and to develop targeted, personalized therapeutic strategies. By fostering interdisciplinary research that bridges basic science and clinical translation, this Collection aims to catalyze progress towards precision medicine for inflammatory disorders of the lower urinary tract, ultimately improving patient outcomes and reducing the substantial socioeconomic burden associated with these chronic conditions.

This Article Collection invites contributions that explore all aspects of inflammation in the prostate and bladder, fitting within the journal's scope of molecular basis, cell biology, and pharmacology of inflammation. We welcome original research, reviews, and expert opinions on a range of subtopics, including but not limited to:

• Immune cell infiltration and cytokine signaling in CP/CPPS and IC/BPS
• The role of the microbiome and the gut-prostate/gut-bladder axis in chronic inflammation
• Novel biomarkers and molecular pathways (e.g., pyroptosis, oxidative stress) for diagnosis and therapeutic targeting
• The application of multi-omics and AI-driven approaches for precision diagnostics
• The development of novel anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory therapies

By synthesizing insights across these areas, this Collection will advance our understanding of inflammatory biology in the lower urinary tract and identify new avenues for clinical intervention.

Keywords: Prostatitis; Interstitial Cystitis; Chronic Inflammation; Urinary Tract; Immunomodulation

Meet the Guest Advisors

Dr. Biagio Barone is a Consultant Urologist and Andrologist at the P.O. San Paolo, ASL Napoli 1 Centro, with a distinguished academic background. He is an expert in minimally invasive endoscopic, laparoscopic, and robot-assisted surgery, having earned his specialization in Urology and Andrology with highest honors from the University of Naples Federico II. Dr. Barone is an active and prolific researcher with over 140 peer-reviewed international publications, primarily focusing on urological cancers, with a particular emphasis on bladder cancer, as well as sexual dysfunction and male infertility. His expertise in this area is demonstrated by his recent inclusion in the World’s Top 2% Scientist ranking and his attainment of the National Scientific Qualification as an Associate Professor. He is an active member of several Italian and European scientific societies and is deeply committed to advancing the field through clinical research and international collaboration.

Dr. Dario Del Biondo is the Director of the UOC of Urology at the Ospedale San Paolo di Napoli and one of the youngest heads of urology in Italy. An internationally recognized expert in robotic surgery, he is the inventor of the innovative VON (Vesuvian Orthotopic Neobladder) technique, a robotic procedure for bladder reconstruction that simplifies the surgical process and improves outcomes for patients with bladder cancer. With over 2,000 surgical procedures performed since 2009, his expertise spans open, laparoscopic, endoscopic and robotic surgery, with a strong focus on complex oncological cases. Dr. Del Biondo is also a prolific researcher, having co-authored numerous peer-reviewed articles on topics ranging from robotic urology to imaging for urological conditions. He is deeply committed to advancing the field through innovation, international collaboration, and the training of a new generation of surgeons.