Conclusions
Our data suggest that VET is effective by reducing age-associated hyperinflammatory conditions in bladder mucosa and in enhancing the host response to infection.
Results
In the ovariectomized aged model, VET not only mitigated uterine atrophy but was also associated with reduced rUTIs, number of bacterial reservoirs, dampened immune response, and promotion of terminal differentiation of urothelial cells. Bladder tertiary lymphoid tissue lesions were also reduced with VET, with an associated decrease in signals important for bladder tertiary lymphoid tissue formation. Finally, we determined that VET reverses age-associated upregulation of inflammatory genes and pathways. Conclusions: Our data suggest that VET is effective by reducing age-associated hyperinflammatory conditions in bladder mucosa and in enhancing the host response to infection.