Abstract
Background
Hemorrhagic cystitis often develops in patients treated with cyclophosphamide (CP). Vincamine (vinca alkaloid) is the source of the synthetic derivative vinpocetine (Vinpo). Worldwide, Vinpo is used as a cerebroprotective drug. As it has anti-oxidant, anti-thrombotic and anti-inflammatory effects but the power of Vinpo to prevent CP induced cystitis has not been studied.
Aim of study
This research was planned to explore the effect of Vinpo (10–30 mg/kg, orally) administered 1 or 4 h before inducing cystitis by CP injection (300 mg/kg, i.p.) on the urinary bladder of mice.
Results
Administration of Vinpo 30 mg/kg, 4 h before CP injection ameliorated inflammatory markers. It reduced inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF-α), and BCL2 Associated X (Bax) expression in the bladder and increased the total antioxidant capacity level. Histological examination of the bladder has further supported these results. The present study suggests a protective effect of Vinpo (30 mg/kg, 4 h before CP injection) against CP-induced bladder inflammation.
Conclusion
This proposes that Vinpo 30 mg/kg may become a promising pharmacological drug to prevent urinary adverse effects in patients treated with chemotherapy using CP.