NGF and interstitial cystitis: This cascade involves activation of the PI3K-AKT pathway and ERK-phosphorylation, as well as activation of the protein kinases PKCγ and PKA, leading to sensitization of ion channels, such as TRPV1 that subsequently enhanced nociceptive activity and inflammatory pain.73,74 Additionally, NGF also produces hypersensitization and elevated NGF levels were found in the plasma of patients from persistent inflammatory pain states, such as bladder pain syndrome chronic prostatitis and chronic migraine.