Red propolis reduces inflammation in cyclophosphamide-induced hemorrhagic cystitis in rats

Abstract

Introduction. Cyclophosphamide (CP) is used to treat malignant neoplasia and control autoimmune disease, but one of its metabolites, acrolein, is toxic to the urothelium and can lead to hemorrhagic cystitis and severe discomfort. Objective. To evaluate the ability of red propolis to prevent and treat CP-induced hemorrhagic cystitis in rats. Materials and methods. Red propolis was extracted in 1% gum arabic and administered s.c in the first experiment, groups (IA, IIA, IIIA) and groups (IB, IIB, IIIB) received water, GA or propolis, respectively, for 30 days. Then water (controls) or CP (treatment) was administered i.p. In the second experiment, groups (IVA, VA, VIA) received water i.p., while groups (IVB, VB, VIB) received CP i.p. This was followed by 5 injections at 2-hour intervals with either water, GA or propolis. Bladder tissue was examined according to Gray’s criteria. Results. The total inflammatory histology score was significantly smaller in Group VIB (11.33 ± 2.07). Mild inflammation predominated in Group VIB, while most of the animals in Group IVB had severe inflammation (p= 0.0375). Ulcers were predominantly multiple in Groups IVA and VB but rare or absent in Group VIB (p= 0.0118). Urothelial cells were mostly absent in Groups IVB and VB, and present/normal in Group VIB (p=0.0052). Fibrin was abundant in Groups IVB and VA, but mostly absent in Group VIB (p=0.0273). Conclusions. Red propolis can reduce inflammation in CP-induced hemorrhagic cystitis in rats.