Uroprotective effects of berberine and curcumin in cyclophosphamide‐induced interstitial cystitis: Fid-Bau Portal

Uroprotective effects of berberine and curcumin in cyclophosphamide‐induced interstitial cystitis

Demir, Murat / Altındağ, Fikret

In this study, it was aimed to investigate the effects of berberine (BER) and curcumin (CUR) in the experimental model of cystitis induced by cyclophosphamide (CYP). A total of 36 Wistar‐Albino female rats were used in the study. Rats were randomly divided into six groups (n = 6). Normal control group, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) group, CYP group (75 mg/kg), CYP + BER (75 mg/kg CYP and 50 mg/kg BER), CYP + CUR group (75 mg/kg CYP and 50 mg/kg CUR), CYP + BER + CUR group (75 mg/kg CYP and 50 mg/kg BER and 50 mg/kg CUR). Severe edema, hyperemia, hemorrhage, necrosis, and thinning of the epithelial layer were observed in the CYP group. BER and CUR treatment significantly reduced these pathologies. Masson‐Trichrome staining was severe in the CYP group and moderate in the CYP + BER, CYP + CUR, and CYP + BER + CUR groups. In the CYP group, there was a severe expression of caspase‐3, TNF‐α and IL‐6, and mild expression of IL‐10. BER and CUR treatment decreased the expression of caspase‐3, TNF‐α, and IL‐6 and increased the expression of IL‐10. The findings of the study reveal that BER and CUR treatments may reduce CYP‐induced bladder damage by reducing apoptosis and inflammation and ameliorating histopathological changes.