Capsaicin-Induced Apoptosis in MBT-2 Murine Bladder Tumor Cells and Bladder Wall Penetration Effect of the Nano-Encapsulated Capsaicin in Rabbit

PURPOSE@#In this study, we attempted to characterize capsaicin's effects with regard to the apoptosis of murine bladder cancer cells (MBT-2) as well as the pharmacodynamics of nano-encapsulated capsaicin formulation for intravesical instillation.@*MATERIALS AND METHODS@#We assessed the viability of the MBT-2 cells via MTT staining, agarose gel electrophoresis, and flow cytometric apoptosis analysis. Intravesical reagents were instilled into 3 groups of male white New Zealand rabbits. Instillation agents were nano-encapsulated capsaicin dissolved in saline, capsaicin dissolved in saline, and capsaicin dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). We also determined the pharmacokinetics of urine, plasma, and bladder tissue after intravesical capsaicin instillation.@*RESULTS@#Capsaicin treatment was determined to reduce cell viability in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The capsaicin concentrations in the urine of the rabbits decreased in each of the treatment groups, but we noted a more profound reduction of capsaicin concentration in the nano-encapsulated capsaicin group. Plasma concentrations were definitely lower as compared with the levels measured in the bladder tissue and urine. We noted distinctive differences in patterns of concentration change between the capsaicin with normal saline solution (NSS) or DMSO and the nano-encapsulated capsaicin groups. The concentration of nano-encapsulated capsaicin in the tissue appeared to increase directly with tissue depth.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Our results show that capsaicin can induce apoptosis in MBT-2 cells, as well as the excellent permeation properties of nano-encapsulated capsaicin. Treatment with intravesical capsaicin may be a promising alternative therapeutic modality for the treatment of bladder cancer.

Administration of Goji (Lycium chinense Mill.) Extracts Improves Erectile Function in Old Aged Rat Model

PURPOSE: This study investigated the effect of goji (Lycium chinense Mill.) on erectile dysfunction in old-aged rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four 18-month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats (defined as old-aged rats) were used. Treatment groups contained eight rats each: a control group, goji extract of 150 mg/kg/day group, and goji extract of 300 mg/kg/day group. Treatment was by orogastric tube once daily for 6 weeks. After 6 weeks of treatment, testes weight, serum testosterone, superoxide dismutase, nitric oxide (NO)-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-related parameters, intracavernous pressure/mean arterial pressure, and histological changes were examined. RESULTS: Treatments with goji extracts increased serum testosterone level, increased the expression of endothelial NO synthase, neuronal NO synthase, and cGMP, improved the oxidative stress marker, and decreased corporal fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that goji extract may have a positive effect on erectile dysfunction via its antioxidant effects.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antimicrobial Effects of a Novel Herbal Formulation (WSY-1075) in a Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis Rat Model

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects of a multi-herbal formula known as WSY-1075 in the treatment of chronic bacterial prostatitis in a rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Experimental chronic bacterial prostatitis was induced in 32 Wistar rats by instillation of a bacterial suspension (Escherichia coli, 10⁸ colony-forming units [CFU]/mL) into the prostatic urethra. After the induction of prostatitis, the rats were randomly divided into one of 4 treatment groups: control (n=8), ciprofloxacin (n=8), WSY-1075 (400 mg/kg) (n=8), and WSY-1075 (400 mg/kg)+ciprofloxacin (n=8). After 4 weeks of treatment, microbiological data from prostate tissue cultures, level of prostatic pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α], interleukin [IL]-6, and IL-8), anti-oxidant effects (superoxide dismutase [SOD]), and histological findings were noted. RESULTS: The WSY-1075, ciprofloxacin, and WSY-1075+ciprofloxacin groups showed fewer CFUs in prostate tissue cultures than the control group. The WSY-1075, ciprofloxacin and WSY-1075+ciprofloxacin groups showed statistically significantly lower levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8 than the control group. SOD levels in the WSY-1075, ciprofloxacin and WSY-1075+ciprofloxacin groups were significantly higher than in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: This study found that WSY-1075 had anti-microbial effects, anti-inflammatory effects, and anti-oxidative effects in a chronic bacterial prostatitis rat model. We expect the WSY-1075 may be useful for the clinical treatment of chronic bacterial prostatitis.