Amniotic fluid stem cells ameliorate bladder dysfunction induced by chronic bladder ischemia in rat.

Area of Science:

• Regenerative Medicine
• Urology
• Cardiovascular Research

Background:

• Atherosclerosis-induced chronic bladder ischemia can lead to bladder overactivity.
• This condition is characterized by impaired bladder function and increased oxidative stress.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the protective effects of human amniotic fluid-derived stem cells (hAFSCs) against bladder overactivity in a rat model.
• To evaluate the impact of hAFSCs on oxidative stress and inflammatory markers in chronic bladder ischemia.

Main Methods:

• Adult female Sprague-Dawley rats underwent arterial balloon endothelial injury (AEI) to induce chronic bladder ischemia.
• Rats received hAFSCs treatment at different time points (1, 3, or 7 days post-AEI).
• Bladder function, iliac artery morphology, and markers of oxidative stress (8OHdG, MDA) and inflammation (TNF-alpha) were assessed.

Main Results:

• Arterial balloon endothelial injury induced bladder overactivity, characterized by decreased voided volumes and increased residual volumes.
• hAFSCs treatment significantly improved bladder overactivity and normalized iliac artery wall thickness.
• Treatment with hAFSCs reduced elevated levels of 8OHdG, MDA, and TNF-alpha, indicating decreased oxidative stress and inflammation.

Conclusions:

• hAFSCs demonstrate a protective effect against bladder overactivity induced by chronic bladder ischemia.
• The therapeutic benefits of hAFSCs are likely mediated by the down-regulation of oxidative stress and TNF-alpha expression.
• hAFSCs represent a potential therapeutic strategy for managing bladder dysfunction associated with chronic ischemia.