Dietary macronutrient content affects inflammatory and fibrotic factors in normal and obstructed bladders.

AIMS: To investigate the effects of diets on factors and markers of inflammation and fibrosis in unobstructed and obstructed bladders of male Wistar rats.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Partial BOO was surgically induced in twelve-week old rats after feeding on different diets for eight (8) weeks. Feeding continued for 4 weeks after surgery. Rats were divided into sham-operated and BOO groups as follow: control, high-carbohydrate (HCD), high-fat (HFD) and high-protein (HPD). After the feeding period, bladder weight, CRP, nerve growth factor (NGF), tissue growth factor-β (TGF-β), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1 α), platelet-derived growth factor-A (PDGF-A) and CXCL12 were all determined.

KEY FINDINGS: In both unobstructed and obstructed bladders, CRP was increased in animals fed on the HFD (P < 0.05). NGF was increased in animals fed on HFD and HPD but decreased only in HCD-BOO. CXCL12 was increased in animals fed on HFD and HPD (P < 0.05) and decreased in HCD. The HCD-BOO group exhibited a decrease in CXCL12, while CXCL12 increased in HFD-BOO. TGF-β was elevated in HFD and all the dietary-BOO groups, but animals with obstructed bladders fed on the HPD and HCD had significant reduction in TGF-β expression. CTGF was increased in HFD- and HPD-fed animals. HIF-1α, PDGF-A and collagen were increased in both HFD dietary groups and HPD-BOO.

SIGNIFICANCE: Feeding on a high fat diet results in increased activity of factors and mediators of inflammation and fibrosis in both unobstructed and obstructed rat bladders. This might increase predisposition to or further worsen symptoms in BOO.