Inflammatory reaction found in prostate-specific material - method standardization and proposed optimal cut-off points

The role of inflammatory processes and zinc levels in prostatic enlargement among Iraqi samples

This study aimed to investigate the role of inflammatory processes in benign prostatic enlargement among men with elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels without a history of prostatic disease. Additionally, we aimed to examine the influence of serum zinc levels on prostate volume. We investigated the associations between systemic inflammatory markers, serum PSA, and serum zinc levels in 48 men without a history of prostatic disease, aged between 60-72 years, and 30 healthy men in the same age range. Data collection occurred between 1/2/2022 to 1/10/2022. The results are presented as mean values ± standard error (SE), and statistical significance was determined at p≤0.05. The levels of sIL-8 (P: 44.295±1.002, C: 1.404±0.2562), IL-6 (P: 7.406±0.5632, C: 4.468±0.830), CRP (P: 14.765±0.565, C: 6.267±0.538), increased significantly in patients with high PSA, while zinc levels (P: 92.305±2.8235, C: 114.565±8.861) decreased in the patient group. Regarding white blood cell (WBC) parameters, patients exhibited a significant increase in WBC total count (P: 12995.00±488.47, C: 7713.333±777.778), neutrophil % (P: 69.450±1.619, C: 51.200±1.826), lymphocyte % (P: 39.50±2.024, C: 30.867±1.268), and NLR (2.013±0.105). Conversely, there were no significant differences in eosinophil % (P: 3.450±0.4558, C: 3.267±0.5297), basophil % (P: 0.300±0.105, C: 0.267±1182), or monocyte % (P: 3.450±0.4558, C: 3.267±0.5297) between the two groups. In men without known prostatic illness, increased PSA was linked to markers of systemic inflammation. The results indicate the role of inflammatory processes in increasing the size of the prostate gland, as evidenced by the increased levels of immune markers like white blood cells and interleukins, along with the influence of zinc. Future research is required to determine how these markers relate to the development and incidence of prostate cancer.

Immune Cell Proinflammatory Microenvironment and Androgen-Related Metabolic Regulation During Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Aging

To review the role of inflammation in the occurrence and development of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), we searched PubMed for the latest published articles up to February 2021 using the following key words: "benign prostatic hyperplasia", "inflammation", "pathogenesis" and "disease development". Articles were obtained and reviewed to provide a systematic review of the current progress of the role of inflammation in the pathogenesis and progression of BPH. Inflammation contributes to the initiation and maintenance of unregulated cell proliferation and is closely related to the occurrence and development of BPH. Its action pathways include tissue damage and subsequent chronic healing, autoimmunity, and coaction with androgens. During the progression of inflammation, macrophages, interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-1 (IL-1) and other inflammatory-related substances aggregate locally and cause BPH through various biochemical pathways. At the same time, BPH can also counteract inflammation to expand its scope and aggravate the situation. Inflammation can independently affect the development of BPH in a variety of ways, and it can also interact with androgens. In the course of treatment, early intervention in the occurrence and development of inflammation in prostate tissue can slow down the progression of BPH. The combination of standard therapies and anti-inflammatory measures may provide valuable new ideas for the treatment of BPH.

Immunological alterations in patients with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome and experimental autoimmune prostatitis model: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

As one of the most common conditions in urological outpatients, chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) puzzles many individuals because of its unclear etiology and lack of effective treatment. Recently, immunological alterations underpinning CP/CPPS have been extensively investigated.

METHODS

The PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane library, and EMBASE databases were used to search original articles on immune mediators in patients with CP/CPPS and in experimental autoimmune prostatitis (EAP) models through April 10, 2020. Standardized mean differences (SMD) were calculated to summarize the differences in immune mediator levels between groups. Funnel plot, Begg's funnel plot, Egger's regression test, and the sensitivity analysis were applied to determine and visualize the stability of our findings.

RESULTS

A total of 34 original studies were included in the meta-analysis, including 24 studies on patients with CP/CPPS and 10 studies on EAP models. We found that TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 were the four immune mediators that elevated in most of the samples derived from patients with CP/CPPS and the EAP models. The adjusted publication bias analysis indicated that publication bias was not existed, and the sensitivity analyses showed that the results were stable.

CONCLUSIONS

Immune responses play significant roles during the pathogenesis of CP/CPPS by promoting intraprostatic inflammation. Our findings provide potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets for CP/CPPS patients.

Serum interleukin 6 and acute urinary retention in elderly men with benign prostatic hyperplasia in China: a cross-sectional study

Background

While acute urinary retention (AUR) is a severe complication of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), it can also indicate the progression of this common disease in aging men. This study aimed at exploring the possible relationship between serum interleukin 6 (sIL-6) and AUR in BPH patients.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted based on 256 elderly men with BPH in China. The association between the sIL-6 level and the occurrence of AUR was evaluated by univariate and multivariable logistic regressions. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was utilized to determine the discriminant validity of the sIL-6 level and the optimal cut-off value.

Results

The concentration of sIL-6 was significantly elevated in the AUR group (P<0.001). A positive correlation was observed between the sIL-6 level and AUR in BPH patients [odds ratio (OR) =1.365, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.174-1.586, P<0.001]. Based on the ROC curve analysis for sIL-6, the optimal cut-off point of 4.475 pg/mL was set to identify the occurrence of AUR in these patients [area under the curve (AUC) =0.7596, 95% CI: 0.6976-0.8216, P<0.001]. A high sIL-6 level (≥4.475 pg/mL) had a significantly stronger correlation with AUR (OR =9.666, 95% CI: 4.347-21.491, P<0.001).

Conclusions

There was a positive correlation between the sIL-6 level and the occurrence of AUR in elderly Chinese patients with BPH. This study provides potential strategies for the screening of BPH individuals with a possible risk of AUR, which may contribute to the early implementation of effective interventions to improve the quality of life and prognosis. Long-term prospective studies are still required to further illustrate the causal relationship.

Genomic Sequencing Reveals the Diversity of Seminal Bacteria and Relationships to Reproductive Potential in Boar Sperm

A number of emerging studies suggest that pathogenic microorganisms in semen may cause a decline in the reproductive potential of spermatozoa, and the bacterial diversity and profile of ejaculated boar semen in different seasons are currently unknown. To explore the bacterial composition and changes in ejaculated boar semen from winter and summer, and the underlying mechanism of decline in sperm quality and fertility capacity in summer, 120 ejaculated semen samples were examined for bacterial communities using genomic sequencing technology, and the associations between microbial composition and sperm reproductive potential were investigated. The results showed that Proteobacteria (57.53%), Firmicutes (31.17%), Bacteroidetes (4.24%), and Actinobacteria (3.41%) are the dominant phyla in the ejaculated semen, and the dominant genera were Pseudomonas (34.41%) and Lactobacillus (19.93%), which belong to the phyla of Proteobacteria and Firmicutes, respectively. Interestingly, the higher diversity of bacteria in ejaculated semen of winter differs from that of summer semen, potentially due to seasonal changes related to changes in semen quality and sperm fertilizing capacity. Furthermore, the highly abundant Lactobacillus in winter samples were positively associated with sperm quality and reproductive performance obtained from sows inseminated with such semen samples, while in contrast, the highly abundant Pseudomonas in summer samples was negatively associated with sperm quality and reproductive potential. Additionally, our results strongly indicated that Lactobacillus is not only a potential probiotic for semen quality and fertility potential but also beneficial for restraining the negative influence of Pseudomonas. Overall, our findings significantly contribute to the current understanding of the phenotypes and etiology of male "summer infertility," and may represent a frontier in male reproductive disorders and possible early prevention against pathogenic bacteria.

Dramatically deteriorated quality of life in men with prostatitis-like symptoms

BACKGROUND

Despite widespread occurrence and poor comprehension, prostatitis has been largely under-researched.

OBJECTIVE

To compare complaints, general and sexual health, co-morbidities, risk factors, and lifestyle in men with and without prostatitis-like symptoms (PLS).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The cross-sectional study included 20- to 59-year-old male residents of Estonia. Questionnaire data of 82 men with PLS and of 711 men without PLS were compared.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

A third of men with PLS considered their health poor, with more frequently diagnosed renal diseases, benign prostate hyperplasia, STDs, chronic nervous system diseases, and depression in them than in controls. They reported more cystitis and gynecological inflammations in their partners, and more prostatitis in their close relatives. This familial predisposition indicates possible genetic and immunologic background of PLS that may be associated also with susceptibility to respiratory tract infections revealed for the first time in our study. By the personality type, the men in the PLS group were less calm but more worrying. Hard drinks, antidepressants, sedative, and sleeping pills were more frequently consumed, and nightshift working and continuous stress were more commonly seen among men with than without PLS. PLS disturbed the sexual life as well as everyday activities.

CONCLUSIONS

The men with PLS are characterized by remarkable complex of co-morbidities, habits, and attitudes. PLS possess substantial negative impact on quality of life. Successful work-up of these patients needs multidimensional treatment modalities that take into consideration major factors of syndrome. Genetic factors and central nervous system imbalance but also partner's genital tract microbiota as the potential contributing and/or perpetuating factors to PLS need more scientific attention.