Improvement of Bladder Dysfunction by Quisqualis indica Extract in a Partial Bladder Outlet Obstruction Female Rat...

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Urology
• Natural Products Research

Background:

• Bladder dysfunction significantly impacts quality of life, with limited treatment options.
• Female bladder dysfunction has distinct causes from male benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
• Novel therapeutic strategies are needed for female bladder dysfunction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the therapeutic potential of Quisqualis indica extract (QIE) in a female bladder dysfunction model.
• To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of QIE in ameliorating bladder dysfunction.
• To assess QIE's effects on inflammation, fibrosis, and smooth muscle hypercontractility.

Main Methods:

• A partial bladder outlet obstruction (pBOO) model was established in female Sprague Dawley rats.
• QIE was administered orally for 7 weeks, followed by voiding pattern analysis and cystometry.
• Histological analysis, gene expression profiling, and pharmacological contraction studies were performed.

Main Results:

• QIE administration normalized voiding patterns, reduced intravesical pressure, and improved inter-contraction intervals.
• Histological analysis showed decreased smooth muscle hypertrophy and collagen deposition.
• QIE downregulated pro-inflammatory cytokines and fibrosis markers, and attenuated detrusor muscle hypercontractility by modulating muscarinic receptor signaling.

Conclusions:

• QIE effectively ameliorates key aspects of female bladder dysfunction, including voiding abnormalities, inflammation, fibrosis, and hypercontractility.
• The therapeutic effects of QIE are mediated by modulating muscarinic receptor signaling and fibrotic pathways.
• QIE represents a promising natural product-based therapeutic candidate for female bladder dysfunction.