Identification and Validation of Oxidative Stress-Related Diagnostic Marker Genes and Immune Landscape in Ulcerative Interstitial Cystitis by Integrating Bioinformatics and Machine Learning.

PURPOSE: Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic inflammatory disease with autoimmune associations, particularly in ulcerative IC, a severe and refractory subtype. Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in IC pathogenesis, interacting with inflammation and immune cell infiltration. This study aimed to identify oxidative stress-linked biomarkers and explore their relationship with immune cell infiltration to enhance diagnosis and treatment strategies.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

The GSE711783 dataset from GEO was analyzed to identify differentially expressed genes in ulcerative IC. Oxidative stress-related genes were sourced from GeneCards, with hub genes identified via WGCNA and protein-protein interaction networks. Diagnostic markers were refined using machine learning, and a nomogram prediction model was developed. Diagnostic biomarkers were validated in vitro and in vivo, immune infiltration was assessed with CIBERSORT, and potential therapeutic drugs were identified through DSigDB.

RESULTS

Four diagnostic biomarkers-BMP2, MMP9, CCK, and NOS3-were identified and found to be associated with immune cells, including CD4+ T cells and eosinophils. Decitabine was identified as a potential therapeutic candidate. Experimental validation confirmed the expression of these biomarkers.

CONCLUSION

This study identifies BMP2, MMP9, CCK, and NOS3 as key biomarkers, offering valuable insights into the diagnosis and treatment of IC.