Effect of solifenacin with and without antioxidant supplements on the response to experimental outlet obstruction and overactive bladder dysfunction in rabbits: Part 1

ObjectiveOne of the most common forms of urinary dysfunction is related to the development of overactive bladder (OAB) dysfunction. Solifenacin is a relatively new selective antimuscarinic agent that has been shown to be particularly useful in treating OAB dysfunction in both men and women. Experimentally, we have previously demonstrated that OAB is associated with the generation of free radicals and oxidative damage to the bladder. We tested the hypothesis that the combination of solifenacin + coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) + α-lipoic acid (α-LA) is more effective in treating OAB than the individual compounds.Materials and MethodsIn total, 48 male New Zealand White rabbits were separated into 8 groups of 6 rabbits each. The following oral treatments were given to each group: groups 1 and 5 received vehicle (saline); groups 2 and 6 received solifenacin; groups 3 and 7 received CoQ10 + α-LA; and groups 4 and 8 received solifenacin + CoQ10 + α-LA. After 3 weeks of treatment (by oral gavage), rabbits in groups 1 to 4 received partial outlet obstruction. The rabbits continued their treatments for 4 weeks following surgery. At the end of this 4-week period, each rabbit received cystometry and then underwent an in situ study for OAB.ResultsThe results clearly demonstrated that obstructive bladder dysfunction and the level of OAB were reduced in all three treatment groups, but the combination of solifenacin + antioxidants was significantly more effective than either solifenacin or antioxidants alone.ConclusionThe addition of the antioxidants CoQ10 + α-LA worked synergistically with solifenacin in the treatment of obstructive bladder dysfunction and OAB.