[Anti-inflammatory action of a hyaluronic acid-chondroitin sulfate preparation in an in vitro bladder model].

PURPOSE

Interstitial cystitis and BPS (bladder pain syndrome) are chronic inflammatory diseases of the bladder. They are as yet imperfectly understood diseases, possibly originating from damage to the glycosaminoglycan layer of the bladder epithelium . Hyaluronic acid-containing preparations are currently utilised for palliation of the symptoms and protection of the bladder epithelium . The aim of the work described here was the evaluation of one of these preparations containing chondroitin sulfate together with hyaluronic acid.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The preparation was evaluated for its anti-inflammatory potential as well as regarding the tolerance by the bladder epithelium. The urothelial cell line T24 was employed as an in vitro model of the human bladder because of its ability to react to adequate stimuli with the release of interleukin 6. To this end the cells were treated with hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate. Subsequently, TNF-alpha was applied to induce inflammation. The severity of inflammation was measured on the basis of the IL-6 released by the cells in comparison to untreated control cultures.

RESULTS

A reduction of TNF-alpha-induced IL-6 release after treatment with hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate was observed, indicating the anti-inflammatory action of the preparation. As shown by the large number of living cells after treatment the test preparation did not affect cell viability even in high concentrations. These data suggest a good tolerance of the product by the patients.

CONCLUSION

The administration of the preparation in patients suffering from interstitial cystitis or BPS appears promising. In additional, the presented work demonstrates the feasibility of the cell culture model for the screening of new therapeutic approaches.