Protective effects of 2-mercaptoethane sulfonate (MESNA) on protamine sulfate induced bladder damage

Abstract

Objective: This morphological and biochemical study aims to investigate the putative protective effects of 2-mercaptoethane sulfonate (MESNA) on protamine sulfate (PS) induced bladder injury. Material and methods: Wistar albino female rats were catheterized and intravesically infused with phosphate buffered solution-PBS (control group) or PS (PS group) dissolved in PBS. In the PS + MESNA group after the PS instillation MESNA (50 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally for three days. Bladder morphology was investigated by light and scanning electron microscopy. Tissue samples were also obtained to determine bladder malondialdehyde and glutathione levels. Results: In the PS group ulcerated areas, an irregular mucus layer, inflammatory cell infiltration, increased number of mast cells were observed. In the PS + MESNA group a relatively normal urothelial topography, glycosaminoglycan layer and decreased number of mucosal mast cells and inflammatory cells were observed. Increased malondialdehyde levels as a result of PS induction lead us to propose that free radicals may have a critical role in this injury. The decrease in malondialdehyde and increase in glutathione levels in the PS + MESNA group was in accordance with morphological findings. Conclusion: Based on the results, MESNA treatment significantly prevented PS induced degenerative changes in the bladder.