Influence of E. coli-induced prostatic inflammation on expression of androgen-responsive genes and transforming growth factor beta 1 cascade genes in rats

From microbes to medicine: harnessing the gut microbiota to combat prostate cancer

The gut microbiome (GM) has been identified as a crucial factor in the development and progression of various diseases, including cancer. In the case of prostate cancer, commensal bacteria and other microbes are found to be associated with its development. Recent studies have demonstrated that the human GM, including Bacteroides, Streptococcus, Bacteroides massiliensis, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Eubacterium rectale, and Mycoplasma genitalium, are involved in prostate cancer development through both direct and indirect interactions. However, the pathogenic mechanisms of these interactions are yet to be fully understood. Moreover, the microbiota influences systemic hormone levels and contributes to prostate cancer pathogenesis. Currently, it has been shown that supplementation of prebiotics or probiotics can modify the composition of GM and prevent the onset of prostate cancer. The microbiota can also affect drug metabolism and toxicity, which may improve the response to cancer treatment. The composition of the microbiome is crucial for therapeutic efficacy and a potential target for modulating treatment response. However, their clinical application is still limited. Additionally, GM-based cancer therapies face limitations due to the complexity and diversity of microbial composition, and the lack of standardized protocols for manipulating gut microbiota, such as optimal probiotic selection, treatment duration, and administration timing, hindering widespread use. Therefore, this review provides a comprehensive exploration of the GM's involvement in prostate cancer pathogenesis. We delve into the underlying mechanisms and discuss their potential implications for both therapeutic and diagnostic approaches in managing prostate cancer. Through this analysis, we offer valuable insights into the pivotal role of the microbiome in prostate cancer and its promising application in future clinical settings.

Lobe-specific responses of TRAMP mice dorsolateral prostate following celecoxib and nintedanib therapy

Delayed cancer progression in the ventral prostate of the Transgenic Adenocarcinoma of the Mouse Prostate (TRAMP) model has been previously reported upon celecoxib and nintedanib co-administration. Herein, we sought to further investigate the effects of these drugs association in some of their direct molecular targets (COX-2, VEGF and VEGFR-2) and in reactive stroma markers (TGF-β, αSMA, vimentin and pro-collagen 1) in the dorsolateral prostate, looking for lobe-specific responses. Male TRAMP mice were treated with celecoxib (10 mg/Kg, i.o.) and/or nintedanib (15 mg/Kg, i.o.) for 6 weeks and prostate was harvested for morphological and protein expression analyses. Results showed that combined therapy resulted in unique antitumor effects in dorsolateral prostate, especially due to the respective stromal or epithelial antiproliferative actions of these drugs, which altogether led to a complete inversion in high-grade (HGPIN) versus low-grade (LGPIN) premalignant lesion incidences in relation to controls. At the molecular level, this duality in drug action was paralleled by the differential down/upregulation of TGF-β signaling by celecoxib/nintedanib, thus leading to associated changes in stroma composition towards regression or quiescence, respectively. Additionally, combined therapy was able to promote decreased expression of inflammatory (COX-2) and angiogenesis (VEGF/VEGFR-2) mediators. Overall, celecoxib and nintedanib association provided enhanced antitumor effects in TRAMP dorsolateral as compared to former registers in ventral prostate, thus demonstrating lobe-specific responses of this combined chemoprevention approach. Among these responses, we highlight the ability in promoting TGF-β signaling and its associated stromal maturation/stabilization, thus yielding a more quiescent stromal milieu and resulting in greater epithelial proliferation impairment.

Hesperidin ameliorates benign prostatic hyperplasia by attenuating cell proliferation, inflammatory response, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition via the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway

Excessively activated transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) exacerbates benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) by triggering epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) as well as epithelial and stromal cell differentiation. Hesperidin (HSP), a flavanone rich in citrus peels, exhibits a safe anti-cancer activity with few side effects. Although HSP reportedly inhibits cell growth in prostate cancer, studies on BPH have not yet been reported. Thus, this study aimed to figure out the therapeutic effect of HSP and its underlying mechanisms in BPH models in vivo and in vitro. To evaluate the anti-BPH effect of HSP in vivo, rats were injected with testosterone propionate (TP; 10 mg/kg, s.c.), finasteride (5 mg/kg, p.o.), and HSP (50 and 100 mg/kg, i.p.) for four weeks. The in vitro efficacy of HSP was evaluated using two prostate cell models, BPH-1 and dihydrotestosterone-stimulated WPMY-1 cells, for studying the interaction between epithelial and stromal cells. Both in vivo and in vitro, HSP inhibited prostate cell proliferation by suppressing the expression of androgen receptor-related markers. In addition, HSP reduced the expression levels of inflammatory and mesenchymal markers by blocking TGF-β1 activation. Collectively, HSP alleviated BPH by attenuating prostate cell proliferation, the inflammatory response, and EMT by regulating the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway. Thus, these results provide evidence for a new therapeutic approach against BPH.

Calreticulin Identified as One of the Androgen Response Genes That Trigger Full Regeneration of the Only Capable Mammalian Organ, the Deer Antler

Deer antlers are male secondary sexual characters that develop to become bone; they are unique appendages that, once lost, can fully regenerate from the permanent bony protuberances or pedicles. Pedicle periosteum (PP) is the tissue that gives rise to the regenerating antlers with three differentiation stages, namely, dormant (DoPP), potentiated (PoPP), and activated (AcPP). Thus far, the transition from the PoPP to the AcPP has not been studied. Our results showed that the AcPP cells maintained their original stem cell features by expressing mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) markers CD73, CD90, and CD105, although they had entered the proliferation mode. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the AcPP compared with those of the PoPP were mainly involved in protein processing, cell cycle, and calcium signaling pathways. Calreticulin (CALR), an androgen response gene, was significantly differentially upregulated in the AcPP cells, and its expression level was negatively regulated by androgens, in contrast to the currently known model systems where all regulation is positive. The downregulation of CALR expression in the AcPP cells in vitro inhibited cell proliferation, induced apoptosis, and inhibited cell cycle progression at G1-S transition. Therefore, CALR is likely a downstream mediator of androgen hormones for triggering initiation of antler regeneration. We believe that the identification of CALR has not only discovered “one critical piece” of the “jigsaw puzzle” in the initiation of antler regeneration but also helps in revealing the mechanism underlying this unique mammalian epimorphic regeneration and has also opened a new avenue for the study of the nature of CALR regulation by androgen (putative binding partners), thus facilitating the identification of potential molecule(s) for investigation as targets for clinical evaluation.

Male Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction: An Underrepresented Endpoint in Toxicology Research

Lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) is nearly ubiquitous in men of advancing age and exerts substantial physical, mental, social, and financial costs to society. While a large body of research is focused on the molecular, genetic, and epigenetic underpinnings of the disease, little research has been dedicated to the influence of environmental chemicals on disease initiation, progression, or severity. Despite a few recent studies indicating a potential developmental origin of male LUTD linked to chemical exposures in the womb, it remains a grossly understudied endpoint in toxicology research. Therefore, we direct this review to toxicologists who are considering male LUTD as a new aspect of chemical toxicity studies. We focus on the LUTD disease process in men, as well as in the male mouse as a leading research model. To introduce the disease process, we describe the physiology of the male lower urinary tract and the cellular composition of lower urinary tract tissues. We discuss known and suspected mechanisms of male LUTD and examples of environmental chemicals acting through these mechanisms to contribute to LUTD. We also describe mouse models of LUTD and endpoints to diagnose, characterize, and quantify LUTD in men and mice.

Aescin Protects against Experimental Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Preserves Prostate Histomorphology in Rats via Suppression of Inflammatory Cytokines and COX-2

Background: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common urogenital condition in aging males, while inflammation and tissue proliferation constitute the main pathophysiological factors. The adverse effects of currently available BPH medications limit patient compliance. We tested the protective effect of aescin against the development of BPH in rats. Methods: A total of 18 male Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups: control (sesame oil 1 mL/kg, s.c.); BPH (testosterone oenanthate 3 mg/kg, s.c., in sesame oil), and BPH-aescin rats (testosterone oenanthate 3 mg/kg, s.c. + aescin 10 mg/kg/day, p.o.). All treatments continued for 4 weeks. Serum and prostatic samples were harvested for biochemical and histopathological examination. Results: Induction of BPH by testosterone increased the prostate weight and prostate weight index, serum testosterone, prostate expression of inflammatory (IL-1β, TNF-α, and COX-2), and proliferative markers (PCNA and TGF-β1). Concurrent treatment with aescin decreased the testosterone-induced increase in prostatic IL-1β, TNF-α, and COX-2 expression by 47.9%, 71.2%, and 64.4%, respectively. Moreover, aescin reduced the prostatic proliferation markers TGF-β1 and PCNA by 58.3% and 71.9%, respectively, and normalized the prostate weight. Conclusion: The results of this study showed, for the first time, that aescin protected against the development of experimental BPH in rats via its anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative effects. These findings warrant further studies to clinically repurpose aescin in the management of BPH.

Periodontitis Exacerbates Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia through Regulation of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation

Epidemiological studies demonstrate that men with periodontitis are also susceptible to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and that periodontal treatment can improve the prostatic symptom. However, molecular links of this relationship are largely unknown. The goal of the current study was to elucidate the effects of experimental periodontitis on the hyperplasia of prostate and whether oxidative stress and inflammation participated in this process. For this purpose, ligature-induced periodontitis, testosterone-induced BPH, and the composite models in rats were established. Four weeks later, all the rats were sacrificed and the following items were measured: alveolar bone loss and histological examination of periodontal tissues were taken to assess the establishment of periodontitis model, prostate index and histological examination of prostate tissues were taken to test the establishment of the BPH model, inflammatory cytokines in plasma were assessed, and Bax/Bcl-2 proteins related to cell apoptosis were analyzed via western blot analysis. To further investigate whether oxidative stress participates in the aggravation of BPH, in vitro models were also conducted to measure the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentration. We found that simultaneous periodontitis and BPH synergistically aggravated prostate histological changes, significantly increased Ki67 proliferation, and reduced apoptosis in rat prostate tissues. Also, our results showed that periodontal ligation induced increased Bcl-2 protein expression, whereas Bax expression was decreased in BPH rats than in normal rats. Compared with the control group, periodontitis and BPH both significantly enhanced inflammatory cytokine levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and CRP. Furthermore, Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide induced enhanced generation of intracellular expression of ROS and H2O2 in BPH-1 cells. Our experimental evidence demonstrated that periodontitis might promote BPH development through regulation of oxidative stress and inflammatory process, thus providing new strategies for prevention and treatment of BPH.

Cross-organ sensitization between the prostate and bladder in an experimental rat model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced chronic pelvic pain syndrome

BACKGROUND

The aim of the current study was to investigate the effects of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) on bladder function via prostate-to-bladder cross-sensitization in a rat model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced prostate inflammation.

METHODS

Male rats were intraprostatically injected with LPS or saline, serving as control. Micturition parameters were examined in a metabolic cage 10 or 14 days later. Subsequently, to evaluate bladder function, cystometry was performed. Micturition cycles were induced by saline infusion and cholinergic and purinergic contractile responses were measured by intravenous injection with methacholine and ATP, respectively. Thereafter, the prostate and bladder were excised and assessed histopathologically for possible inflammatory changes.

RESULTS

Metabolic cage experiments showed increased urinary frequency in rats with LPS-induced CP/CPPS. Cystometry showed a significant increase in the number of non-voiding contractions, longer voiding time and lower compliance in CP/CPPS animals compared to controls. Induction of CP/CPPS led to significantly reduced cholinergic and purinergic bladder contractile responses. Histopathological analysis demonstrated prostatic inflammation in CP/CPPS animals. There were no significant differences between the groups regarding the extent or the grade of bladder inflammation. Prostate weight was not significantly different between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study shows that prostate-to-bladder cross-sensitization can be triggered by an infectious focus in the prostate, giving rise to bladder overactivity and alterations in both afferent and efferent signalling. Future studies are required to fully understand the underlying mechanisms.

E-cadherin expression is inversely correlated with aging and inflammation in the prostate

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a prostatic disease that is significantly associated with aging. However, it is not well understood how aging contributes to BPH pathogenesis. Several factors associated with an increased risk of BPH are also associated with increasing age, including chronic inflammation and declining epithelial barrier function. Thus, this study explored the potential associations between aging, loss of adherens junction protein E-cadherin and the presence of inflammatory mediators in prostate tissue specimens from healthy young donor and BPH patients.

METHODS

Serial prostate sections from a cohort of five donors aged 15-26 years and 13 BPH patients aged 50-77 years were immunostained with E-cadherin, COX-2, CD4, CD8, CD20 and CD68. E-cadherin and COX-2 H-Scores and the number of inflammatory cells were calculated for the same area in donor, normal adjacent prostate to BPH (NAP) and BPH specimens. Quantification and statistical correlation analyses were performed for comparisons between groups.

RESULTS

E-cadherin was decreased in aged NAP tissues and in BPH compared to young donor tissue. E-cadherin was inversely correlated with age and infiltration of inflammatory cells in NAP compared to young healthy donor prostate. Stromal COX-2 was positively correlated with age and inflammation. E-cadherin was further down-regulated in BPH, while COX-2 H-Scores were not significantly altered in BPH compared to NAP.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that aging is associated with down-regulation of E-cadherin and up-regulation of stromal COX-2 immunostaining in the prostate. E-cadherin immunostaining was inversely associated with age and inflammation, while stromal COX-2 immunostaining was positively associated with age and inflammation in the prostate. These findings suggest that the prostate epithelial barrier is altered and inflammation is increased with age in the prostate. These changes are further exacerbated in BPH, and may be involved in BPH pathogenesis.

Rauwolfia vomitoria extract suppresses benign prostatic hyperplasia by reducing expression of androgen receptor and 5α-reductase in a rat model

OBJECTIVE

Herbal medicine is an important therapeutic option for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a common disease in older men that can seriously affect their quality of life. Currently, it is crucial to develop agents with strong efficacy and few side effects. Herein we investigated the effects of the extract of Rauwolfia vomitoria, a shrub grown in West Africa, on BPH.

METHODS

Rats with testosterone-induced BPH were treated with R. vomitoria. Prostates were histologically analyzed by Hematoxylin and eosin staining. Proliferation index and the expression levels of androgen receptor and its associated proteins were quantified through immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting. Androgen receptor target genes were examined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The sperm count and body weight of rats were also measured.

RESULTS

The oral administration of R. vomitoria extract significantly reduced the prostate weight and prostate weight index in BPH rats, supported by the decreased thickness of the prostate epithelial layer and increased lumen size. Similar effects were observed in the BPH rats treated with the reference drug, finasteride. R. vomitoria extract significantly reduced the testosterone-induced proliferation markers, including proliferating cell nuclear antigen and cyclin D1, in the prostate glands of BPH rats; it also reduced levels of androgen receptor, its associated protein steroid 5α-reductase 1 and its downstream target genes (FK506-binding protein 5 and matrix metalloproteinase 2). Notably, compared with the finasteride group, R. vomitoria extract did not significantly reduce sperm count.

CONCLUSION

R. vomitoria suppresses testosterone-induced BPH development. Due to its milder side effects, R. vomitoria could be a promising therapeutic agent for BPH.

Testosterone regulates the intracellular bacterial community formation of uropathogenic Escherichia coli in prostate cells via STAT3

BACKGROUND

UPEC can internalize clonally in prostate to form biofilm-like intracellular bacterial communities (IBCs) for recurrent or chronic infection. We previously indicated that the exposure of prostate cells to testosterone could suppress UPEC invasion and their persistent survival within cells by effectively inhibiting the JAK/STAT1 signaling pathway. However, the regulatory mechanism by which testosterone affects UPEC-induced prostatitis via STAT3, another latent transcription factor signaling pathway is still unclear. The present study aimed to clarify the role of STAT3 in the process of UPEC-induced inflammation and colonization in prostate epithelial cells.

METHODS

The effects of testosterone-mediated inhibition were compared between the prostatitis by different UPEC strains (CFT073 and J96) through the specific GFP-UPEC-infected prostate cell model. Fluorescence microscopy was used for UPEC IBCs detection and quantifying, and Flow cytometry, RT-PCR and western blotting were used for analyzing related gene and protein expressions. Pretreatment of JAK and STAT3 inhibitors were also applied to verify the regulation of transduction pathway in testosterone-mediated anti-UPEC infection.

RESULTS

This study revealed that testosterone effectively suppresses UPEC infection and IBC formation in prostate cells through the JAK/STAT3 pathway. The results show that CFT073 and J96 UPEC infection rates and colony numbers were dose-dependently reduced in RWPE-1 cells pretreated with 5 and 20 μg/mL testosterone at 0 and 24 h post-infection. Further, testosterone reduced the amounts of UPEC infecting and surviving within the prostate cells, as well as suppressed the size of IBCs formed. We demonstrated that pretreating testosterone effectively inhibited UPEC infection along with dose-dependent suppression of STAT3 and the phosphorylated-STAT3 expression in prostate cells, especially in 24 h J96 UPEC infected groups. The STAT inhibitor, SOCS3 also up-regulated at the same time. In addition, we pretreated the JAK1 or STAT3 inhibitor with testosterone to block the signaling transduction before CFT073 and J96 UPEC infection, and found the significant restoring in both the sizes of IBCs and bacterial numbers in RWPE-1 cells. Therefore, our results suggest that the suppression of STAT3 by testosterone treatment attenuate UPEC growing within IBCs and interfere with their infection to prostate cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, our study demonstrates that testosterone suppresses the initial infection of prostate epithelial cells by UPEC and reduces the survival of UPEC within IBCs after infection. These results indicate a critical role for STAT3 in facilitating UPEC infection and persistence, and its participation in driving testosterone-suppressive responses in prostate epithelial cells. In conclusion, this study suggests that testosterone may be beneficial in treating clinically recurrent UPEC infections and, thus, the persistent recurrence of prostatic inflammation.

Grape Powder Supplementation Attenuates Prostate Neoplasia Associated with Pten Haploinsufficiency in Mice Fed High-Fat Diet

SCOPE

Previous studies have identified potent anticancer activities of polyphenols in preventing prostate cancer. The aim of the current study is to evaluate the chemopreventive potential of grape powder (GP) supplemented diets in genetically predisposed and obesity-provoked prostate cancer.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Prostate-specific Pten heterozygous (Pten+/f ) transgenic mice are fed low- and high-fat diet (LFD and HFD, respectively) supplemented with 10% GP for 33 weeks, ad libitum. Prostate tissues are characterized using immunohistochemistry and western blots, and sera are analyzed by ELISA and qRT-PCR. Pten+/f mice fed LFD and HFD supplemented with 10% GP show favorable histopathology, significant reduction of the proliferative rate of prostate epithelial cells (Ki67), and rescue of PTEN expression. The most potent protective effect of GP supplementation is detected against HFD-induced increase in inflammation (IL-1β; TGF-β1), activation of cell survival pathways (Akt, AR), and angiogenesis (CD31) in Pten+/f mice. Moreover, GP supplementation reduces circulating levels of oncogenic microRNAs (miR-34a; miR-22) in Pten+/f mice. There are no significant changes in body weight and food intake in GP supplemented diet groups.

CONCLUSIONS

GP diet supplementation can be a beneficial chemopreventive strategy for obesity-related inflammation and prostate cancer progression. Monitoring serum miRNAs can facilitate the non-invasive evaluation of chemoprevention efficacy.

Transforming growth factor beta 1 impairs benign prostatic luminal epithelial cell monolayer barrier function

Our recent studies identifying the presence of luminal secretory protein PSA in the stroma, decreased E-cadherin expression, and reduced number of tight junction kiss points in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) tissues suggest that epithelial barrier permeability is increased in BPH. However, the cause of increased epithelial permeability in BPH is unclear. Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) has been reported to be up-regulated in clinical BPH specimens and TGF-β1 overexpression induced fibrosis and inflammation in a murine model. TGF-β1 was reported to repress the expression of E-cadherin in benign prostatic cells. However, whether and how TGF-β1 up-regulation affects epithelial barrier permeability is unknown. Here, in vitro benign prostatic epithelial cell lines BHPrE1 and BPH-1 were utilized to determine the impact of TGF-β1 treatment on epithelial barrier, tight junctions, and expression of E-cadherin and claudin 1 by transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) measurement, FITC-dextran trans-well diffusion assays, qPCR, as well as transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observation. Laser capture micro-dissection (LCM) combined with reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) were utilized to determine the expression of E-cadherin and claudin 1 in BPH patient specimens. TGF-β1 treatment decreased TEER, increased FITC-dextran diffusion, and reduced the mRNA expression of junction protein claudin 1 in cultured cell monolayers. Claudin 1 mRNA but not E-cadherin mRNA was down-regulated in the luminal epithelial cells in BPH nodules compared to normal prostate tissues. Our studies suggest that TGF-β1 could increase the permeability through decreasing the expression of claudin 1 and inhibiting the formation of tight junctions in BHPrE1 and BPH-1 monolayers. These results suggest that TGF-β1 might play an important role in BPH pathogenesis through increasing the permeability of luminal epithelial barrier in the prostate.

Urethral dysfunction in a rat model of chemically induced prostatic inflammation: potential involvement of the MRP5 pump

Prostate inflammation (PI) is a clinical condition associated with infection and/or inflammation of the prostate. It is a common disease frequently associated to lower urinary tract (LUT) symptoms. The urethra is an understudied structure in the LUT and plays a fundamental role in the urinary cycle. Here, we proposed to evaluate the effect of PI on the urethra tissue. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were used, and PI was induced by formalin injection into the ventral lobes of the prostate. The pelvic urethra at the prostatic level was harvested for histological analysis, contraction (electrical field stimulation and phenylephrine), and relaxation (sodium nitroprusside/MK-571) experiments. Various gene targets [cytochrome c oxidase subunit 2, transforming growth factor-β₁, interleukin-1β, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α, α_1A-adrenoceptor, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor type 1, voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channel subunit-α_1D, neuronal nitric oxide synthase, soluble guanylyl cyclase, phosphodiesterase 5A, protein kinase CGMP-dependent 1, and multidrug resistance-associated protein 5 (MRP5; ATP-binding cassette subfamily C member 5)] were quantified, and cGMP levels were measured. No histological changes were detected, and functional assays revealed decreased contraction and increased relaxation of urethras from the PI group. The addition of MK-571 to functional assays increased urethral relaxation. Genes associated with inflammation were upregulated in urethras from the PI group, such as cytochrome oxidase c subunit 2, transforming growth factor-β₁, interleukin-1β, and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α. We also found increased expression of L-type Ca²⁺ channels and the neuronal nitric oxide synthase enzyme and decreased expression of the MRP5 pump. Finally, cGMP production was enhanced in urethral tissue of PI animals. The results indicate that PI is associated with proinflammatory gene expression in the urethra without histologically evident inflammation and that PI produces a dysfunctional urethra and MRP5 pump downregulation, which results in cGMP accumulation inside the cell. These findings would help to better understand LUT dysfunctions associated with PI and the role of MRP pumps in the control of LUT function.

A Role of the Heme Degradation Pathway in Shaping Prostate Inflammatory Responses and Lipid Metabolism

The molecular mechanisms of prostate inflammation are unclear. We hypothesized that heme oxygenase 1 (HMOX1; HO-1), an enzyme responsible for degradation of heme to carbon monoxide, bilirubin, and iron, is an important regulator of inflammation and epithelial responses in the prostate. Injection of non-uropathogenic Escherichia coli (MG1655 strain) or phosphate-buffered saline into the urethra of mice led to increased numbers of CD45⁺ leukocytes and mitotic markers (phosphorylated histone H₃ and phosphorylated ERK1/2) in the prostate glands. Leukocyte infiltration was elevated in the prostates harvested from mice lacking HO-1 in myeloid compartment. Conversely, exogenous carbon monoxide (250 ppm) increased IL-1β levels and suppressed cell proliferation in the prostates. Carbon monoxide did not affect the number of infiltrating CD45⁺ cells in the prostates of E. coli- or phosphate-buffered saline-treated mice. Interestingly, immunomodulatory effects of HO-1 and/or carbon monoxide correlated with early induction of the long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 1 (ACSL1). ACSL1 levels were elevated in response to E. coli treatment, and macrophage-expressed ACSL1 was in part required for controlling of IL-1β expression and prostate cancer cell colony growth in soft agar. These results suggest that HO-1 and/or carbon monoxide might play a distinctive role in modulating prostate inflammation, cell proliferation, and IL-1β levels in part via an ACSL1-mediated pathway.

Hydrogen peroxide inducible clone-5 sustains NADPH oxidase-dependent reactive oxygen species-c-jun N-terminal kinase signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma

Target therapy aiming at critical molecules within the metastatic signal pathways is essential for prevention of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression. Hic-5 (hydrogen peroxide inducible clone-5) which belongs to the paxillin superfamily, can be stimulated by a lot of metastatic factors, such as transforming growth factor (TGF-β), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Previous studies implicated Hic-5 cross-talks with the ROS-c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signal cascade in a positive feedback manner. In this report, we addressed this issue in a comprehensive manner. By RNA interference and ectopic Hic-5 expression, we demonstrated Hic-5 was essential for activation of NADPH oxidase and ROS generation leading to activation of downstream JNK and c-jun transcription factor. This was initiated by interaction of Hic-5 with the regulator and adaptor of NADPH oxidase, Rac1 and Traf4, respectively, which may further phosphorylate the nonreceptor tyrosine kinase Pyk2 at Tyr881. On the other hand, promoter activity assay coupled with deletion mapping and site directed mutagenesis strategies demonstrated the distal c-jun and AP4 putative binding regions (943–1126 bp upstream of translational start site) were required for transcriptional activation of Hic-5. Thus Hic-5 was both downstream and upstream of NADPH oxidase-ROS-JNK-c-jun cascade. This signal circuit was essential for regulating the expression of epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) factors, such as Snail, Zeb1, E-cadherin, and matrix metalloproteinase 9, involved in HCC cell migration and metastasis. Due to the limited expression of Hic-5 in normal tissue, it can be a promising therapeutic target for preventing HCC metastasis.

Association of anti-inflammatory and antiangiogenic therapies negatively influences prostate cancer progression in TRAMP mice

BACKGROUND

Chronic inflammation has been implicated in cancer etiology and angiogenesis is stimulated in this disease. In prostate, the crosstalk between malignant epithelial cells and their microenvironment is an essential step of tumorigenesis during which glandular stroma undergo changes designated as reactive stroma. Thus, the aim herewith was to evaluate the effects of associating anti-inflammatory and antiangiogenic therapies on cancer progression, correlating them with steroid hormone receptor (AR and ERα), reactive stroma (vimentin, αSMA, and TGF-β), and cell proliferation (PCNA) markers expression in the Transgenic Adenocarcinoma of Mouse Prostate (TRAMP) model.

METHODS

TRAMP mice (12-week old) were divided into the groups: Control (TRCON): received the vehicles used for drug dilution; Celecoxib (TRCEL): received oral doses of the anti-inflammatory drug celecoxib (15 mg/kg) twice daily; Nintedanib (TRNTB): received oral doses of the antiangiogenic drug nintedanib (10 mg/kg) daily; Nintedanib+Celecoxib (TRNTCEL): received the combination of drugs. After 6 weeks, mice were euthanized and ventral prostate samples were harvested for morphological, immunohistochemical, and Western blotting analyses.

RESULTS

While celecoxib led to fibromuscular hypertrophy attenuation, nintedanib significantly reduced the incidence of well-differentiated adenocarcinoma (WDAC) foci in relation to controls, both when administered per se or in association to celecoxib. Furthermore, drug combination was associated with unique effects, including lower incidence of HGPIN lesions; lower AR stromal distribution; changes in ERα localization from epithelial nuclei to stroma as well as significant decrease of TGF-β levels and associated angiogenesis. In parallel, all treatments applied resulted in reduced inflammatory marker and vimentin (VIM) expression.

CONCLUSIONS

Celecoxib plus nintedanib is an effective antitumor combination against prostate cancer progression in TRAMP mice, showing remarkable efficacy in relation to isolated therapies. Importantly, this efficacy might be due to drug association effect on driving AR and mainly ERα distribution in the prostatic tissue towards benign patterns. In addition, celecoxib and nintedanib impaired the development of a stromal reaction by reducing the recruitment of reactive stroma cells and maintaining a normal smooth muscle cell-rich prostate stroma in TRAMP mice. Collectively, these findings pointed to the beneficial effects of combining anti-inflammatory and antiangiogenic strategies to prevent or delay prostatic tumorigenesis.

Nesfatin-1 ameliorates testicular injury and supports gonadal function in rats induced with testis torsion

Testicular torsion causes ischemia-reperfusion injury and an increased risk of infertility. Nesfatin-1 is a novel peptide with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the putative beneficial effects of nesfatin-1 on oxidative injury and impaired testicular function induced by testis torsion. Under anesthesia, male Sprague-Dawley rats (180-230 g; n = 24) had sham-operation or they underwent testicular torsion by rotating the left testis 720° and fixing it for 2 h, followed by a 2-h detorsion. Rats in each group were treated intraperitoneally with either nesfatin-1 (0.3 μg/kg) or saline prior to the torsion or sham-torsion. At the end of the 4-h experimental period, tissue samples were removed for evaluation of spermatozoa, molecular and histochemical analyses. In saline-treated torsion/detorsion group, a high percentage of abnormal spermatozoa with head defects was observed, which was abolished in nesfatin-1-treated torsion/detorsion group. The levels of 8-OHdG, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-6, caspase-3 were increased in the saline-treated torsion/detorsion group as compared to sham-operated group, while nesfatin-1 pre-treatment significantly decreased the expressions of the pro-inflammatory cytokines, depressed apoptosis, and also reduced the tubular degeneration. In addition, nesfatin-1 in torsion/detorsion group elevated expressions of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta and reduced expressions of protein kinase B (AKT) and cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) in the testis tissue. The present findings show that nesfatin-1, by regulating AKT and CREB signaling pathways and pro-inflammatory/anti-inflammatory cytokine balance, preserves the spermatogenic cells and ameliorates torsion-detorsion-induced tubular degeneration.

Inflammatory mediators in the development and progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common urological disease in elderly men. Epidemiological data suggest a causal link between this condition and prostatic inflammation. The prostate is an immune-competent organ characterized by the presence of a complex immune system. Several stimuli, including infectious agents, urinary reflux, metabolic syndrome, the ageing process, and autoimmune response, have been described as triggers for the dysregulation of the prostatic immune system via different molecular pathways involving the development of inflammatory infiltrates. From a pathophysiological standpoint, subsequent tissue damage and chronic tissue healing could result in the development of BPH nodules.

The role of prostatic inflammation in the development and progression of benign and malignant diseases

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To evaluate the role of prostatic inflammation in the development and progression of benign and malignant prostatic diseases.

RECENT FINDINGS

Preclinical studies demonstrate that the activation of a chronic inflammatory prostatic response plays an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer (PCa). Approximately 40-70% of patients with BPH-related lower urinary tract symptoms harbour chronic inflammation at pathologic evaluation. These individuals should be considered at increased risk of symptom progression and acute urinary retention. Although currently available drugs approved for the treatment of BPH do not have an anti-inflammatory activity, the development of novel molecules that target the inflammatory pathway represents a promising area in the pharmacological treatment of BPH. Preclinical evidences support a potential role of chronic prostatic inflammation in the malignant transformation of prostatic cells. However, clinical investigations on the association between prostatic inflammation and the risk of PCa report conflicting results.

SUMMARY

Men with BPH-related lower urinary tract symptoms and chronic prostatic inflammation should be considered at increased risk of symptom progression and acute urinary retention during follow-up. Although preclinical studies provide a biological rationale for the relationship between inflammation and the risk of PCa, clinical investigations report conflicting results and the direct relationship between inflammation and malignant transformation in the human prostate is still debated.

Conditional deletion of ELL2 induces murine prostate intraepithelial neoplasia

Elongation factor, RNA polymerase II, 2 (ELL2) is an RNA Pol II elongation factor with functional properties similar to ELL that can interact with the prostate tumor suppressor EAF2. In the prostate, ELL2 is an androgen response gene that is upregulated in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). We recently showed that ELL2 loss could enhance prostate cancer cell proliferation and migration, and that ELL2 gene expression was downregulated in high Gleason score prostate cancer specimens. Here, prostate-specific deletion of ELL2 in a mouse model revealed a potential role for ELL2 as a prostate tumor suppressor in vivoEll2-knockout mice exhibited prostatic defects including increased epithelial proliferation, vascularity and PIN lesions similar to the previously determined prostate phenotype in Eaf2-knockout mice. Microarray analysis of prostates from Ell2-knockout and wild-type mice on a C57BL/6J background at age 3 months and qPCR validation at 17 months of age revealed a number of differentially expressed genes associated with proliferation, cellular motility and epithelial and neural differentiation. OncoPrint analysis identified combined downregulation or deletion in prostate adenocarcinoma cases from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data portal. These results suggest that ELL2 and its pathway genes likely play an important role in the development and progression of prostate cancer.

Associations of TGFBR1 and TGFBR2 gene polymorphisms with the risk of hypospadias: a case-control study in a Chinese population

This case-control study investigated the association of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) receptor type I and II (TGFBR1 and TGFBR2) gene polymorphisms with the risk of hypospadias in a Chinese population. One hundred and sixty two patients suffering from hypospadias were enrolled as case group and 165 children who underwent circumcision were recruited as control group. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in TGFBR1 and TGFBR2 genes were selected on the basis of genetic data obtained from HapMap. PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was performed to identify TGFBR1 and TGFBR2 gene polymorphisms and analyze genotype distribution and allele frequency. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to estimate the risk factors for hypospadias. No significant difference was found concerning the genotype and allele frequencies of TGFBR1 rs4743325 polymorphism between the case and control groups. However, genotype and allele frequencies of TGFBR2 rs6785358 in the case group were significantly different in contrast with those in the control group. Patients carrying the G allele of TGFBR2 rs6785358 polymorphism exhibited a higher risk of hypospadias compared with the patients carrying the A allele (P<0.05). The TGFBR2 rs6785358 genotype was found to be significantly related to abnormal pregnancy and preterm birth (both P<0.05). The frequency of TGFBR2 rs6785358 GG genotype exhibited significant differences amongst patients suffering from four different pathological types of hypospadias. Logistic regression analysis revealed that preterm birth, abnormal pregnancy, and TGFBR2 rs6785358 were the independent risk factors for hypospadias. Our study provides evidence that TGFBR2 rs6785358 polymorphism might be associated with the risk of hypospadias.

Laser microdissection: A promising tool for exploring microorganisms and their interactions with hosts

Laser microdissection is a method that allows for the isolation of homogenous cell populations from their native niches in tissues for downstream molecular assays. This method is widely used for genomic analysis, gene expression profiling and proteomic and metabolite assays in various fields of biology, but it remains an uncommon approach in microbiological research. In spite of the limited number of publications, laser microdissection was shown to be an extremely useful method for studying host-microorganism interactions in animals and plants, investigating bacteria within biofilms, identifying uncultivated bacteria and performing single prokaryotic cell analysis. The current paper describes the methodological aspects of commercially available laser microdissection instruments and representative examples that demonstrate the advantages of this method for resolving a variety of issues in microbiology.

Intraprostatic Reflux of Urine Induces Inflammation in a Rat

BACKGROUND

We examined whether urine reflux into the prostate can induce prostatic inflammation in a rat and evaluated the effect of α1-adrenoreceptor antagonist.

METHODS

Experiment 1: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with 500 µl of Evans Blue through the urethral orifice. Intravesical pressure was measured, and the prostate was excised to evaluate urine reflux. Experiment 2: Rats were injected with 500 µl urine or saline (control) from the urethral orifice. Silodosin (200 µg/kg/day) was administered to the silodosin group. We evaluated histopathology, the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress markers of the prostate on day 7, after assessing the prostatic microcirculation and cystometrogram.

RESULTS

Experiment 1: The histopathology showed that Evans Blue instilled through the urethral orifice entered the prostatic ducts. Intravesical pressure during Evans Blue instillation was 47.7 ± 1.6 cmH₂ O (mean ± standard error). Experiment 2: On day 7 after urine instillation through the urethral orifice, histopathology showed infiltrated inflammatory cells in the peri-glandular stroma. Inflammation-associated proteins (IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNFα) were upregulated in the urine-instilled rats but not in the silodosin group. Erythrocyte speed on the prostatic surface, immunostaining for hypoxyprobe, and quantification of oxidative stress markers (MDA and HIF-1α) demonstrated prostatic hypoxia in the urine-instilled rats, which was ameliorated in the silodosin group. Cystometrogram revealed a shorter intercontraction interval in the urine-instilled rats, which was prolonged in the silodosin group.

CONCLUSIONS

Urine reflux into the prostatic duct induces abacterial prostatitis. Silodosin relieved prostatic inflammation and bladder overactivity by increasing microcirculation in the prostate. Prostate 77:164-172, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A synopsis of drugs currently in preclinical and early clinical development for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia

INTRODUCTION

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common disease among men and significantly impacts quality of life by causing lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Current medical therapies are not always adequate in controlling LUTS or slowing disease progression, and there is unmet need for new effective therapeutic options.

AREAS COVERED

The authors review the standard current medical therapies for BPH which include the use of α-1 blockers, 5-α reductase inhibitors, combination therapy and PDE inhibitors. Following this, the authors then discuss new therapies that are currently undergoing preclinical and clinical investigation.

EXPERT OPINION

Existing preclinical and clinical trials have highlighted many promising therapies to treat BPH. Further investigation with larger clinical trials is needed to establish these drugs as standard therapies. As the number of drugs in the arsenal against BPH continues to grow, providers and patients will have to engage in a discussion that weighs the risks and benefits of each therapy.