Fig. 6.

Pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines significantly influence the development and progression of UI in patients and in a UI animal model. The release of large amounts of IL-1 induces skin injury and inflammation, whereas the downregulation of IL-R2 mitigates IL-1 production during UI. Mesh erosion is associated with the upregulation of IL-5, and this increase in IL-5 expression acts as a biomarker for UI. Moreover, IL-6 induces dyslipidaemia and disrupts MSCs. IL-10 expression is correlated with the levels of serotonin, which reduces the anti-inflammatory properties of IL-10 and increases the proinflammatory response. TNF-α inhibits urethral rhabdosphincter cells and induces inflammation via the P13K and p38MAPK pathways. Through the Smad pathway, TGF-β dysregulation has a dual role. These factors decrease the ECM and inflammation, whereas they accelerate the fibrosis process