Review Article

The role of bladder microbiota in urinary diseases and cytokine production: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Volume: 7 Number: 3 September 28, 2026
TR EN

The role of bladder microbiota in urinary diseases and cytokine production: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Purpose: The literature examining the relationship between bladder microbiota and urinary diseases and their effect on cytokine production was evaluated through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods :The study was designed according to PRISMA criteria. Google Scholar and PubMed electronic databases were searched, and potential studies were selected according to inclusion/exclusion criteria. Studies were included in the meta-analysis using a random effects model. The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used for bias assessment. 

Result: Results Of the 46 studies included, 12 case-control studies covering the years 2019-2025 were deemed suitable for analysis. Most studies were conducted in China and the USA. In the meta-analysis evaluating the relationship between microbiota and disease, the combined effect size was found to be MD = 1.30 (95% CI: -2.18 – 4.78) and was not statistically significant (Z = 0.73; p = 0.46). Heterogeneity is at a very high level. In the meta-analysis regarding cytokine production, the combined analysis result was found to be MD= 21.05 (95% CI: -9.67–51.77), and this difference was not statistically significant (Z = 1.34, p = 0.18). A very high level of heterogeneity was detected among the studies. 

Conclusion: The included studies have moderate to high methodological quality, and the reliability of the findings is at an acceptable level. The current data are insufficient to draw a definitive conclusion about the effectiveness of the approach evaluated. To obtain stronger evidence, advanced studies with larger sample sizes, using standardized methods, and reporting data suitable for meta-analysis are needed.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

Aydin Adnan Menderes University Research Grant

Project Number

ADU-TPF-23016

Ethical Statement

Ethical committee approval is not required for this study.

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Cell Metabolism, Bacteriology

Journal Section

Review Article

Publication Date

September 28, 2026

Submission Date

July 9, 2026

Acceptance Date

August 25, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 7 Number: 3

APA
Aytar, M., Yalçın, D., & Çevik, Ö. (2026). The role of bladder microbiota in urinary diseases and cytokine production: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Experimental and Applied Medical Science, 7(3), 235-249. https://doi.org/10.46871/eams.1990265
AMA
1.Aytar M, Yalçın D, Çevik Ö. The role of bladder microbiota in urinary diseases and cytokine production: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Exp Appl Med Sci. 2026;7(3):235-249. doi:10.46871/eams.1990265
Chicago
Aytar, Mehmet, Demet Yalçın, and Özge Çevik. 2026. “The Role of Bladder Microbiota in Urinary Diseases and Cytokine Production: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis”. Experimental and Applied Medical Science 7 (3): 235-49. https://doi.org/10.46871/eams.1990265.
EndNote
Aytar M, Yalçın D, Çevik Ö (September 1, 2026) The role of bladder microbiota in urinary diseases and cytokine production: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Experimental and Applied Medical Science 7 3 235–249.
IEEE
[1]M. Aytar, D. Yalçın, and Ö. Çevik, “The role of bladder microbiota in urinary diseases and cytokine production: a systematic review and meta-analysis”, Exp Appl Med Sci, vol. 7, no. 3, pp. 235–249, Sept. 2026, doi: 10.46871/eams.1990265.
ISNAD
Aytar, Mehmet - Yalçın, Demet - Çevik, Özge. “The Role of Bladder Microbiota in Urinary Diseases and Cytokine Production: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis”. Experimental and Applied Medical Science 7/3 (September 1, 2026): 235-249. https://doi.org/10.46871/eams.1990265.
JAMA
1.Aytar M, Yalçın D, Çevik Ö. The role of bladder microbiota in urinary diseases and cytokine production: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Exp Appl Med Sci. 2026;7:235–249.
MLA
Aytar, Mehmet, et al. “The Role of Bladder Microbiota in Urinary Diseases and Cytokine Production: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis”. Experimental and Applied Medical Science, vol. 7, no. 3, Sept. 2026, pp. 235-49, doi:10.46871/eams.1990265.
Vancouver
1.Mehmet Aytar, Demet Yalçın, Özge Çevik. The role of bladder microbiota in urinary diseases and cytokine production: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Exp Appl Med Sci. 2026 Sep. 1;7(3):235-49. doi:10.46871/eams.1990265

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