<![CDATA[Background: Estrogen deficiency after menopause contributes to structural and functional alterations of the bladder, including impaired urothelial proliferation, increased oxidative stress, and chronic inflammation. Ki-67 reflects cellular proliferative activity, whereas interleukin-6 (IL-6) represents a key pro-inflammatory mediator involved in tissue injury. Ipomoea batatas L., a purple sweet potato rich in anthocyanins and phytoestrogenic compounds, may exert regenerative and anti-inflammatory effects on estrogen-sensitive tissues. Purpose: To evaluate the effect of Ipomoea batatas L. ethanol extract on bladder Ki-67 expression and IL-6 levels in a surgically induced estrogen deficiency (menopause-like) Wistar rat model. Method: This experimental study used a post-test-only control group design. Thirty-six female Wistar rats were randomly allocated into two groups: a control group receiving distilled water and a treatment group receiving Ipomoea batatas L. ethanol extract at 40 mg/kg body weight/day for one month. Menopause was induced through ovariectomy. Bladder tissue samples were collected for assessment of Ki-67 and IL-6 levels. Data normality and homogeneity were assessed using the Shapiro-Wilk and Levene tests, respectively. Between-group comparisons were performed using the independent samples t-test. Results: The treatment group showed significantly lower IL-6 levels than the control group (14.11 ± 2.45 vs. 28.28 ± 3.58; mean difference 14.17; 95% CI 12.09–16.24; p < 0.001). Conversely, Ki-67 expression was significantly higher in the treatment group than in the control group (24.94 ± 3.06 vs. 13.56 ± 2.31; mean difference 11.39; 95% CI 9.55–13.22; p < 0.001). Both differences corresponded to very large effect sizes (Cohen’s d = 4.62 for IL-6 and 4.20 for Ki-67). Conclusion: Ipomoea batatas L. ethanol extract significantly reduced bladder IL-6 levels and increased Ki-67 expression in menopause-induced Wistar rats. These findings suggest that Ipomoea batatas L. may have potential anti-inflammatory and pro-regenerative effects on bladder tissue under estrogen-deficient conditions.]]>
