The ameliorative effect of vinpocetine against gentamicin-induced uterine-injury in rats involves the inflammasome/caspase-1/IL-1β pathway.

BACKGROUND

There is limited data regarding the hazardous effect of gentamicin (GM) on the uterus and whether or not vinpocetine (Vinpo) ameliorates it. The present study aimed to identify the possible protective effect of Vinpo in GM-induced uterine injury in rats.

METHODS

Female rats were assorted in control-group, Vinpo-group, GM-group, and Vinpo plus GM group. Serum and uterine GM concentration were measured. Uterine oxidative stress parameters besides inflammatory and apoptotic biomarkers were evaluated. Uterine histopathological examination and interlukin-1beta (IL-1β) immune-histochemical study were detected.

RESULTS

GM significantly increased uterine oxidative stress, inflammatory and apoptotic biomarkers. Histopathological picture of uterine damage and increased IL-1β immunoexpression were detected. Vinpo significantly ameliorated the distributed GM concentration, oxidative stress, inflammatory and apoptotic biomarkers with a prompt improvement in histopathological picture and a decrease in IL-1β immunoexpression.

CONCLUSION

Vinpo protective effect against GM-induced uterine injury involves modulation of inflammasome/caspase-1/IL-1β signaling pathway.