The effect of intraurethrally applied anatolian propolis extract on urethral healing in a rat model

Purpose: Urethral stricture may cause irreversible results, as it prevents normal voiding. Although various endoscopic and open surgical options are available, the results are not always satisfactory so the main purpose is to prevent the formation of urethral scar. Our purpose was to examine the effects of intraurethrally administered Anatolian propolis on healing after an experimental urethral injury. Materials and Methods: A total of 40 Wistar male rats were used. Rats were divided into five equal groups: healthy control (Group 1), urethral damage/pathology (Group 2), solvent control (Group 3), 1-week propolis treatment (Group 4) and 3-week propolis treatment (Group 5). Urethral damage was performed with a 29G needle. Intraurethral, 50% ethanol, was administered in the solvent control group and 30% propolis was administered intraurethrally to the rats in Groups 3 and 4. Penile tissues were taken under deep anesthesia and examined under a light microscope. Results: Irregularities and luminal narrowing in the urethral epithelium and connective tissue were found in Group 2, except for one rat. Similarly, hyperemia-bleeding was observed in all rats except for one rat. Irregularities and hyperemia in the urethral epithelium and connective tissue were found in Group 3, except for two rats. Total improvement was observed in one rat, and more than 50% of fibrosis was observed in four rats in Groups 2 and 3. In Group 4, irregularity was observed in the urethral epithelium in four rats, while no inflammation was found in five rats. All of the rats had <50% fibrosis. In Group 5, six rats had complete recovery and <30% fibrosis. Conclusion: Anatolian propolis applied into the urethra seems to accelerate recovery after urethral trauma and reduces the formation of fibrosis.