Effect of intravesical tarantula cubensis extract (Theranekron) on inflammation in an interstitial cystitis rat model

Objectives: To reveal the histopathological and immunological outcomes of intravesical treatment with tarantula cubensis extract (TCE) in a rat model of interstitial cystitis.Methods: A total of 30 female Wistar albino rats were divided into three groups: group 1 (control group), group 2 (disease group), and group 3 (treatment group). The rat model of interstitial cystitis was created by biweekly intraperitoneal administra-tion of cyclophosphamide (CYP). In group 3, TCE (a venom extracted from a brown spider known as tarantula cubensis) was administered intravesically after the model had been created. Urothelial degeneration, necrosis, ulcer, bleeding, edema, inflammation and mast cell count, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and hydroxyproline parameters were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance, chi-square tests, and Kruskal-Wallis tests.Results: All parameters were found to be lower in the rats in group 1 than in the other groups, and IL-6 and MPO values were found to be higher in group 2 (p < .001). The mean TNF-alpha value was highest in group 2 (p = .078). No difference was found between all groups regarding ulcer (p = .087). Urothelial degeneration, necrosis, edema, inflammation, hemorrhage and fibroblast proliferations, and hydroxyproline values were higher in group 3 (p < .001).Conclusions: Intravesical TCE instillation produces an anti-inflammatory effect by reducing the levels of inflammatory parameters such as IL-6, TNF-alpha, and MPO in bladder tissue. It also accelerates tissue healing by increasing hydroxyproline and fibroblast proliferation.