Inhibitory effects of Ponciri Fructus on testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia in rats

Effect of methanol extract of Plectranthus esculentus N.E.Br tuber and its fractions on indices of benign prostatic hyperplasia in Wistar rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Many ethnopharmacological properties (anti-tumor, etc.) have been credited to Plectranthus esculentus tuber but the scientific basis has not been established.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To evaluate the effect of methanol extract of P. esculentus tuber (MEPET) (phase 1) and its fractions (phase 2) on benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study was conducted in two phases. Phase 1, thirty-five male albino rats (6 weeks old) were divided into seven groups of five rats each: normal control (NC) received olive oil (subcutaneously) and water (orally); disease control (DC) received testosterone propionate (TP) (3 mg/kg) and water; test groups (1,2,3 and 4) received TP + MEPET at 100, 200, 400, 600 mg/kg respectively; positive control, received TP + finasteride (5 mg/70 kg). After 28 days, their relative prostate weights (RPW) and prostate specific antigen (PSA) were determined. Phase 2, thirty rats were divided into 6 groups of 5 rats each: NC received olive oil (subcutaneously daily) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) (orally); DC received TP (3 mg/kg), and DMSO; test group 1 received TP and aqueous fraction of MEPET (400 mg/kg); test group 2 received TP and methanol fraction of MEPET (400 mg/kg); test group 3 received TP, and ethyl acetate fraction of MEPET (400 mg/kg); positive control received TP and finasteride (5 mg/70 kg). After 28 days, their erythrocyte sedimentation rates, RPW, prostate levels of PSA, DHT, inflammatory, apoptotic markers and prostate histology were determined.

RESULTS

Ethyl acetate fraction of MEPET modulated most of the parameters of BPH in the rats in a manner akin to finasteride as corroborated by prostate histology.

CONCLUSIONS

EFPET could be useful in the treatment of BPH.

Aberrant activated Notch1 promotes prostate enlargement driven by androgen signaling via disrupting mitochondrial function in mouse

The prostate is a vital accessory gonad in the mammalian male reproductive system. With the ever-increasing proportion of the population over 60 years of age worldwide, the incidence of prostate diseases, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer (PCa), is on the rise and is gradually becoming a significant medical problem globally. The notch signaling pathway is essential in regulating prostate early development. However, the potential regulatory mechanism of Notch signaling in prostatic enlargement and hyperplasia remains unclear. In this study, we proved that overactivation of Notch1 signaling in mouse prostatic epithelial cells (OEx) led to prostatic enlargement via enhancing proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis of prostatic epithelial cells. Further study showed that N1ICD/RBPJ directly up-regulated the androgen receptor (AR) and enhanced prostatic sensitivity to androgens. Hyper-proliferation was not found in orchidectomized OEx mice without androgen supply but was observed after Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) supplementation. Our data showed that the number of mitochondrion in prostatic epithelial cells of OEx mice was increased, but the mitochondrial function was impaired, and the essential activity of the mitochondrial respiratory electron transport chain was significantly weakened. Disordered mitochondrial number and metabolic function further resulted in excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Importantly, anti-oxidant N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine (NAC) therapy could alleviate prostatic hyperplasia caused by the over-activation of Notch1 signaling. Furthermore, we observed the incremental Notch signaling activity in progenitor-like club cells in the scRNA-seq data set of human BPH patients. Moreover, the increased number of TROP2+ progenitors and Club cells was also confirmed in our OEx mice. In conclusion, our study revealed that over-activated Notch1 signaling induces prostatic enlargement by increasing androgen receptor sensitivity, disrupting cellular mitochondrial metabolism, increasing ROS, and a higher number of progenitor cells, all of which can be effectively rescued by NAC treatment.

Enhancing date seed phenolic bioaccessibility in soft cheese through a dehydrated liposome delivery system and its effect on testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia in rats

Introduction

The consumption of dairy products, including soft cheese, has been associated with numerous health benefits due to their high nutritional value. However, the phenolic compounds bioaccessibility present in soft cheese is limited due to their poor solubility and stability during digestion. So, this study aimed to develop an innovative soft cheese enriched with date seed phenolic compounds (DSP) extracted ultrasonically and incorporated into homogeneous liposomes and study its attenuation effect on testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in rats.

Methods

Date seed phenolic compounds were extracted using 98 and 50% ethanol along with water as solvents, employing ultrasonication at 10, 20, and 30-min intervals. The primary and secondary DSP-liposomes were prepared and dehydrated. The particle size, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, and morphology were measured. Incorporating dehydrated liposomes (1-3% w/w) into soft cheese and their impact on BPH using male Sprague-Dawley rats was assessed. After inducing BPH, rats were fed a cheese diet with dehydrated DSP-liposomes. Over 8 weeks, parameters including nutrition parameters, prostate enlargement analysis, biochemical parameters, hormones level, oxidative stress, and cytokines were analyzed.

Results and Discussion

The results showed that ultrasound-assisted extraction effectively reduced the extraction time and 30 min extraction EtOH 50% was enough to extract high yield of phenolic compounds (558 mg GA/g) and flavonoids (55 mg qu/g) with high antioxidant activity (74%). The biological results indicate that prostate weight and prostate index% were diminished in the treatment groups (1 and 2) compared to the BPH control group. The high antioxidant content present in the DSP-liposomes acted as the catalyst for suppressing the responses of the inflammatory cytokines, inhibiting the anti-inflammatory IL-10 production, and suppressing the elevated levels of lipid peroxidation products compared to the BPH group.

Conclusion

The treatment group (2) supplemented with dehydrated secondary DSP-liposomes exhibited the most significant variance (p < 0.05) as opposed to the BPH group. Liposomal encapsulation was proved to be a feasible approach for administering DSP in soft cheese, thereby establishing new functional food category possessing prophylactic properties against the advancement of BPH in rats.

Kolaviron modulates angiogenesis, apoptosis and inflammatory signaling in rat model of testosterone propionate-induced benign prostate hyperplasia

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-malignant disease of the prostate characterized by uncontrolled proliferation of the prostate gland. Inflammation and oxidative stress have been reported to play a role in the development of BPH. Kolaviron, a bioflavonoid complex of Garcinia kola seed, has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory effect. In this study, we investigated the effect of Kolaviron on testosterone propionate (TP)-induced BPH in rats. Fifty male rats were assigned in 5 groups. Groups 1 and 2 were orally exposed to corn oil (2 ml/kg) and Kolaviron (200 mg/kg/day, p.o) for 28 days. Group 3 rats received TP (3 mg/kg/day, s.c) for 14 days while Groups 4 and 6 were treated with Kolaviron (200 mg/kg/day, p.o) and Finasteride (5 mg/kg/day, p.o), respectively, for 14 days prior to TP (3 mg/kg, s.c) co-exposure for the remaining 14 days. Administration of Kolaviron to TP-treated rats reverted histological alteration and significantly decreased prostate weight, prostate index, 5α-reductase, dihydrotestosterone, androgen receptor expression, tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin-1β, cyclooxygenase-2, prostaglandin E₂, 5-lipoxygenase leukotriene B₄, inducible nitric oxide synthase and nitric oxide concentration. In addition, Kolaviron alleviated TP-induced oxidative stress and reduced the expression of Ki-67, VEGF, and FGF to almost control levels. Furthermore, Kolaviron promoted apoptosis in TP-treated rats through downregulation of BCL-2 and upregulation of P53 and Caspase 3 expressions. Overall, Kolaviron prevented BPH via regulation of androgen/androgen receptor signaling, anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

Inhibitory effects of Calocybe indica macrofungi on experimental benign prostatic hyperplasia in rats

Objectives

This study was designed to investigate the protective effects of Calocybe indica extract on testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia in rats.

Materials and Methods

In this study, 60 adult Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into six equal groups, one group served as the normal control, five of the groups were administered subcutaneous testosterone propionate for 28 days to induce benign prostatic hyperplasia, three of the five groups were simultaneously administered three graded doses of C. indica extract while one group was administered finasteride as the standard drug and the other left as untreated BPH model group given testosterone propionate only. BPH in the prostate gland was detected through gross appearance, prostate weight, and biochemical and histopathological analyses.

Results

Increased prostate weight, serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA), and epithelial thickness were observed in the untreated testosterone-induced BPH model. Administration of finasteride and C. indica extract led to a reduction in prostate weight, prostatic index, serum PSA, serum levels of testosterone, and prostatic epithelial thickness, and increased luminal diameter.

Conclusion

Administration of C. indica extract suppressed the pathophysiological effects of benign prostatic hyperplasia in rats. Thus, C. indica mushroom is a potential pharmacological candidate for the management of BPH in man or dogs.

The Effect Of Continuously Dutasteride Monotherapy on The Expression Of Protein Kinase C-Alpha Enzyme In BPH Model Of Wistar Strain Rattus Novergicus Rat

Background

Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) is frequently found in the elderly and significantly impacts the quality of life. One of the risk factors that induce BPH is the androgen hormone. One of the effective medications in reducing the severity of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms caused by BPH is the α-adrenergic receptor 5α-reductase inhibitor.

Objective

The study aims to see the effect of long-term dutasteride on the expression of the PKC-α enzyme in prostatic stromal tissue in the BPH Model of Wistar strain Rattus norvegicus rats.

Method

This study was an experimental, post-test-only, control group design that used randomization in sample selection. The objective is to measure the expression of PKC-α enzyme from prostate tissue of an adult male Wistar Strain of Rattus Novergicus rat that was given testosterone to induce BPH and given dutasteride in 1,3 and 6 days continuously. Data is shown in mean±SD, and all of the data were analyzed using the software SPSS 21st version with the One Way ANOVA Statistical method after fulfilling the normality test and variant homogeneity test. Data analysis with confidence rate 95% and a=0,05.

Results

There was a decrease of PKC-α enzyme and prostate weight in dutasteride monotherapy in 1,3,6 days compared to the positive control, and the lowest value was on the sixth day (SD ± 2876.8). There was a constant decrease of PKC-α enzyme from the first day until the sixth day.

Conclusion

In conclusion, long-term dutasteride monotherapy could significantly decrease the level of PKC-α enzyme. There was no upregulation of the PKC-α enzyme in the long term of dutasteride monotherapy.

Bioactive Chemical Constituents and Pharmacological Activities of Ponciri Fructus

Ponciri Fructus is a crude drug obtained from the dried immature fruits of Poncirus trifoliata (L). Raf. (Syn. Citrus trifoliata L.). This study aims to compile and analyze the ethnomedicinal uses, bioactive constituents, and pharmacological activities of Ponciri Fructus. Various online bibliographic databases namely, SciFinder, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science were used for collecting information on traditional uses, biological activities, and bioactive constituents. Concerning ethnomedicinal uses, Ponciri Fructus is extensively used in traditional Korean, Chinese, and Kampo medicines to mitigate allergic reactions, inflammation, edema, digestive complications, respiratory problems, spleen-related problems, liver complications, neuronal pain, hyperlipidemia, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular problems, hernia, sinusitis, and insomnia. Several studies have shown that Ponciri Fructus is a major source of diverse classes of bioactive compounds namely flavonoids, terpenoids, coumarins, phytosterols, and alkaloids. Several in vivo and in vitro pharmacological activity evaluations such as antidiabetic, anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, antimelanogenic, gastroprotective, anticancer, and neuroprotective effects have been conducted from Ponciri Fructus. However, scientific investigations focusing on bioassay-guided isolation and identification of specific bioactive constituents are limited. Therefore, an in-depth scientific investigation of Ponciri Fructus focusing on bioassay-guided isolation, mechanism based pharmacological studies, pharmacokinetic studies, and evaluation of possible toxicities is necessary in the future.

Cleistanthins A and B Ameliorate Testosterone-Induced Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Castrated Rats by Regulating Apoptosis and Cell Differentiation

Background The aging male population is at higher risk for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) wherein increased proliferation of stromal and epithelial cells of the prostate is observed. In this study, we investigated the effect of cleistanthins A and B on the inhibition of testosterone-induced BPH in castrated rats. Methodology Male Wistar rats were divided into eight groups (n = 6) and surgical castration was performed. BPH was induced by the administration of testosterone propionate in corn oil at 5 mg/kg for four weeks. The control group received corn oil, and the model group received testosterone propionate. The standard treatment group received finasteride orally along with testosterone. Cleistanthins A and B at 0.3, 1, and 3 mg/kg were administered by oral gavage along with testosterone. After four weeks, rats were sacrificed, and prostates were weighed and assessed for histomorphological, inflammatory, apoptotic, and proliferative markers. Results Cleistanthins A and B decreased prostatic enlargement and histopathological abnormalities. Elevated serum dihydrotestosterone levels were lowered significantly in both the cleistanthin A and cleistanthin B groups compared to the BPH model group. Cleistanthins A and B significantly lowered the serum interleukin (IL)-1β and tumor necrosis factor-alpha inflammatory markers in the test groups. Western blot analysis revealed cleistanthin A downregulated the IL-6, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3/cyclin D1 signaling pathway. Both cleistanthins A and B upregulated the apoptotic markers caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-3, whereas the cell proliferation markers cyclin D1 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen were found to be downregulated. Conclusions Both cleistanthins A and B inhibited BPH in a rat model by apoptotic induction and impeded cell proliferation.

Ponciri Fructus Immaturus ethanol extract attenuates septic shock through inhibition of the STAT1 signaling pathway

Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory disease to infections and results in tissue damage and multiple organ failure. Ponciri Fructus Immaturus (PFI) is widely used in traditional medicine for allergic inflammation and gastrointestinal disorders. However, the effect of PFI on sepsis is still unknown. This study investigated the anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects of PFI ethanol extract (PFIE) in LPS-stimulated J774 macrophages and mice with CLP- or LPS-induced sepsis, respectively. PFIE attenuates the LPS-induced production of the proinflammatory mediator NO by inhibiting the expression of iNOS in J774 cells. Real-time RT-PCR data and ELISA showed that the mRNA and protein levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 increased in LPS-stimulated J774 cells. However, this induction was significantly suppressed in PFIE pre-treated J774 cells. We also found that PFIE administration increased the survival rate of mice with LPS- and CLP-induced sepsis. Decreased serum levels of AST, ALT, and CK were observed after administration of PFIE, which was associated with reduced production of proinflammatory factors, such as NO, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. Moreover, PFIE suppressed the phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of STAT1 in LPS-stimulated J774 cells, suggesting that PFIE can inhibit LPS- and CLP-induced septic shock by suppressing the STAT1 activation. These findings provide the potential therapeutic relevance of PFIE in treating acute inflammatory disease.

Cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta) modulates some parameters of testosterone propionate-induced rat model of benign prostatic hyperplasia

The increased global prevalence of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and the promising potentials of functional foods in ameliorating it led to this study which reported the effect of aqueous ethanol extract of cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta) tuber on some biochemical indices in testosterone propionate (TP) induced benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) rats. Thirty male albino rats were randomly assigned into 6 groups of 5 rats each. Group 1 (negative control) received 3 mg/kg of TP and normal saline, group 2 (positive control) received 3 mg/kg of TP and 5 mg/kg of finasteride; groups 3, 4, and 6 rats received 3 mg/kg of TP and 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg of ethanol extracts of cocoyam respectively while group 5 (normal control) received olive oil + normal saline. The study lasted for 28 days. The negative control had increased prostate weight (p < 0.05), decreased body weight gain, prostatic superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione concentrations; no differences (p > 0.05) in the serum total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, Very Low Density Lipoprotein, High Density Lipoprotein, Low Density Lipoprotein concentration but increased (p < 0.05) prostate levels of interleukin 10, prostate specific antigen, testosterone, total proteins and malondialdehyde relative to the normal control. Finasteride or the C. esculenta tuber extract modulated most of these parameters as corroborated by histology of the prostate. The percentage yield of the C. esculenta tuber extract was 1.56% and 23 phenolic compounds were characterized in the tuber. The study showed the potentials of C. esculenta tuber in the management of BPH.

Berberine ameliorates testosterone-induced benign prostate hyperplasia in rats

INTRODUCTION

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a major urologic problem that mostly develops in older males. Oxidative stress and inflammation influence the occurrence of BPH. Berberine (BBR) is a natural ingredient that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The current research aims at examining the effects of BBR on testosterone-stimulated BPH in rats.

METHODS

Animals were randomly categorized to six groups. In the control group, normal saline and olive oil were injected as the vehicle. BPH group: received testosterone (3 mg/kg, subcutaneous, 28 days), BPH + BBR groups; received BBR (25 and 50 mg/kg, p.o, 28 days), BPH + finasteride groups: received finasteride (1 mg/kg, p.o, 28 days), BBR (50 mg/kg, p.o, alone) was administered for subjects in the BBR group. On the 29th day, after anesthesia, cervical dislocation was used to kill the subjects. Serum concentration of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone was measured and prostate tissues were excised and used for biochemical, inflammation, and histological analysis.

RESULTS

BBR prevented increased serum concentrations of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone. BBR considerably reduced BPH-stimulated oxidative stress and inflammation through preventing the rise in lipid peroxidation and nitrite concentration and declined the accumulations of pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g. interleukin 1β and tumor necrosis factor α) and declining the depletion rate of GSH and the function of catalase and superoxide dismutase. Histopathological investigations reported that administration of BBR could suppress testosterone-stimulated BPH.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that BBR could significantly prevent the development of BPH in rats.

Linh Phu Khang Tue Tinh inhibited prostate proliferation in rats induced benign prostatic hyperplasia by testosterone propionate

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the hyperproliferation of the stromal and the epithelial cells within the prostatic transition zone. In recent years, phytotherapy have been studied with the concern for increasing quality of life, improving lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) as well as reducing prostate volume and the frequency of adverse events was similar to that of placebo. Linh Phu Khang Tue Tinh (LPKTT) capsules are formulated from 4 herbs widely used in traditional Vietnamese medicine - Panax notoginseng (Burkill) F.H.Chen - Tam thất (radix), Crinum asiaticum L. - Náng hoa trắng or giant crinum lily, Polygonum cuspidatum Willd. ex Spreng. (= Reynoutria japonica Houtt) - Cốt củ khí or Japanese knotweed (radix), Oldenlandia herbacea (L.) Roxb. (formerly known as Hedyotis diffusa Spreng.) - Bạch hoa xà thiẹ^t thảo or slender oldenlandia (herb). The preparation has been used in traditional Vietnamese medicine to treat nocturia, weak urine stream, urinary tract infection. According to modern studies, these herbs have anti-inflammation, antitumor, and antioxidant activities.

AIMS OF THE STUDY

Evaluating the effects of LPKTT capsules on the development of BPH using a rat model of BPH induced by testosterone propionate (TP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

60 male Wistar rats, 10-12 weeks of age, weight 200-250 g were separated into six groups: (G1) a normal control group that was taken orally phosphate-buffered saline (p.o.; PBS.) with corn oil (subcutaneous injection- Sc); (G2) a BPH model group that received PBS (p.o) with TP (Sc); (G3) a positive control group that received dutasteride (25 μg/kg BW/24 h, p.o.) with TP (Sc); (G4) a positive control group that received alfuzosin HCl (1.8 mg/kg BW/24 h, p.o.) with TP (s.c.) and (G5 and G6) LPKTT groups that received LPKTT at 289.8 or 869.4 mg/kg(p.o.) respectively, with TP (s.c.). BPH model was induced by Sc of TP, 3 mg/kg for 4 weeks. After that, rats were received NaCl/Dutasteride/Alfuzosin/LPKTT for the next 28 days. On the 56th day, assessed the results were through the indicators: micturition frequency, voided volume, total voided volume, the prostate and body weights, the ratio of prostate weight to body weight, prostate histology.

RESULTS

LPKTT reduced micturition frequency and increased the voided volume when compared to the control group (p < 0.01). The results were equivalent to those of the alfuzosin ones (G4). LPKTT lowered prostate weight and the ratio of prostate weight to body weight when compared to the control group (p < 0.01). These reductions were the same in the dutasteride ones. Histomorphology in G5 and G6 also showed that LPKTT inhibited TP induced prostatic hyperplasia. The results were similar to that in the dutasteride group. Microscopic images of prostate in G5 and G6 were almost similar to that of G1.

CONCLUSION

LPKTT capsules work to inhibit prostate proliferation in rats induced BPH by TP.

Effects of larval extracts from identified Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis against benign prostatic hyperplasia induced by testosterone in rats

Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis is an animal-based medicine used traditionally in China, Japan, and Korea to treat hepatic disorders; it has been shown to possess various pharmacological effects such as antibacterial and antioxidant activities. In this study, we investigated the effects of P. brevitarsis on a testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) rat model. To establish the BPH model, the animals were administered a subcutaneous injection of testosterone daily for 28 days. P. brevitarsis was administered by oral gavage at doses of 12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg for 28 days, along with testosterone injection. P. brevitarsis treatment markedly decreased the absolute and relative prostate weight of BPH animals. The levels of dihydrotestosterone was reduced in P. brevitarsis-treated animals compared to those in the BPH animals. Histological analysis of the prostate showed that P. brevitarsis treatment effectively suppressed the testosterone-induced hyperplasia of prostatic epithelial cells, which was accompanied by reductions in the PCNA and Ki-67 expressions in prostatic tissues. These results indicate that P. brevitarsis effectively suppresses testosterone-induced development of BPH, and thus, is a potential therapeutic agent for BPH.

Therapeutic effects of β-caryophyllene on proliferative disorders and inflammation of the gerbil prostate

BACKGROUND

The prostate is susceptible to changes in androgen levels, which can play an important role in the development of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). Natural compounds have beneficial properties for organisms and can be an important therapeutic strategy in the treatment of diseases. β-Caryophyllene (BCP) is a phytocannabinoid present in several medicinal and food plants species and has shown beneficial effects in different organs. However, little is known about its effects on the prostate. The present study seeks to evaluate the effects of exposure to BCP on the morphophysiology of the ventral prostate of adult gerbils supplemented with testosterone.

METHODS

Animals were distributed into four groups (n = 8/group): Intact control (C); β-Caryophyllene (BCP): β-Caryophyllene (50 mg/kg/day); Testosterone (T): animals received subcutaneous injections of Testosterone Cypionate (3 mg/Kg), on alternate days, for one month and were euthanized 30 days supplementation ended; Testosterone and β-Caryophyllene (TBCP): animals were exposed to testosterone cypionate (3 mg/Kg) to induce hyperplastic alterations followed by daily BCP (50 mg/kg). Morphological, biometric, immunohistochemical, and serological analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Proliferative disorders and inflammatory foci were present in the ventral prostate of all experimental groups. An increase in the multiplicity of benign intraepithelial neoplasm and subepithelial inflammatory foci was observed in T group. The incidence of intraluminal inflammatory foci and microinvasive carcinoma was verified only in the T group. Cellular rearrangement and tissue remodeling occurred in the prostate of groups exposed to phytocannabinoids. A reduction was observed in the frequency of PHH3 and Cox2 markers in the prostatic epithelium of TBCP in comparison with T. A decrease in F4/80 and CD163 positive macrophages were also observed in the prostatic stroma of the TBCP group in comparison with T. The results suggest that BCP had favorable effects on BPH, reducing the proliferation and frequency of some inflammatory cells.

CONCLUSION

BCP impacts the tissue remodeling process in the premalignant prostate environment and that the use of this phytocannabinoid can have a promising effect in the handling of BPH.

Psoralea corylifolia L. extract ameliorates benign prostatic hyperplasia by regulating prostate cell proliferation and apoptosis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Psoralea corylifolia L. seed (PCL), commonly known as "Poguzhi" or "BuguZhi", has been widely used to treat kidney yang deficiency in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) where tonifying the yang deficiency is a representative understanding for treatment of hormonal deficiency disorders such as enuresis, oliguria, and prostatic diseases. Although PCL has been commonly used to treat problems of the urinary system, its efficacy against benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) has not yet been reported.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In the present study, we aimed to assess the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of PCL against BPH, a condition which negatively impacts quality of life in men.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Normal human prostate cell lines, RWPE-1 and WPMY-1 cells, were stimulated with 10 nM dihydrotestosterone (DHT) to establish an in vitro BPH model. Subsequently, cells were treated with 100 or 200 μg/ml PCL, which inhibited cell proliferation without cytotoxicity, to evaluate the anti-BPH effect of PCL. Eight-week-old male Wistar rats were castrated, except for those in the control group (Con), and BPH was induced by subcutaneous injection of 10 mg/kg testosterone propionate (TP). Concurrent with daily TP injections, 5 mg/kg of finasteride (Fina) and 50 or 100 mg/kg PCL were orally administrated daily for four weeks, excluding the weekends.

RESULTS

In DHT-stimulated RWPE-1 and WPMY-1 cells, expression of androgen receptor (AR) androgen signaling-related markers such as 5α-reductase 2 (5AR2), AR, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) was upregulated, whereas 100 or 200 μg/ml of PCL treatment downregulated these markers. Furthermore, PCL significantly reduced the mRNA expression of anti-apoptotic genes and increased the mRNA expression of pro-apoptotic gene. In vivo, administration of PCL reduced prostate size and weight in TP-induced BPH rats. Moreover, histological alterations in epithelium thickness were significantly restored by the administration of PCL. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed increased expression of AR and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in TP-induced BPH prostates; these changes were suppressed by administration of 50 or 100 mg/kg PCL.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated the effect of PCL against BPH, mediated by the regulation of prostate cell proliferation and apoptosis, in DHT-stimulated normal human prostate cell lines and TP-induced BPH rats. These findings suggest that PCL could be a potential therapeutic agent against BPH.

Amelioration of testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia using febuxostat in rats: The role of VEGF/TGFβ and iNOS/COX-2

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common male disorder. Febuxostat is a non-purine, selective inhibitor of xanthine oxidase (XO), which has a strong antioxidant capacity and pleiotropic pharmacological properties. This study's objective was to explore the potential ameliorative effects of febuxostat against testosterone-induced BPH in rats. Febuxostat (10 mg/kg/day, per os [p.o.]) prevented increased prostate index levels, serum levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), and testosterone levels compared to animals treated with testosterone alone, when administered for 28 days. Histological examination indicated that febuxostat dramatically ameliorated pathological changes in the prostate architecture compared to the testosterone group. Similarly, febuxostat markedly improved testosterone-induced oxidative stress by inhibiting the increase in lipid peroxide and nitrite content, and by reducing the level of depletion of reduced glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, which significantly reduced the prostate content of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6). Furthermore, febuxostat significantly reduced the prostatic content, both in terms of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) levels, and of protein levels. Moreover, compared to the testosterone group, febuxostat's beneficial effects prevented the increase in growth factors, comprising vascular endothelial cell growth factor A (VEGF-A) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) protein levels. Its ameliorating effects were equal to those of finasteride, which is the most widely used remedy for BPH. In conclusion, this study provides novel evidence that febuxostat experimentally attenuates testosterone-induced BPH in rats, at least in part by inhibiting iNOS/COX-2 and VEGF/TGF-β pathways.

Prostatotropic Action of Glycyrrhizic Acid Disodium Salt in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Models

The prostatotropic activity of glycyrrhizic acid disodium salt (Na₂GA) was studied in the models of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) induced by chronic injection of sulpiride (40 mg/kg intraperitoneally for 8 weeks) or testosterone propionate (20 mg/kg subcutaneously for 4 weeks) in the Wistar rats. The oral administration of Na₂GA in a dose of 100 mg/kg produced a moderate antiproliferative effect in both BPH models resulting in reduced volume density of prostatic epithelium (in the testosterone model) and increased volume density of the glandular lumen (in both models). The observed prostatotropic effects of Na₂GA were similar to those of Permixon and finasteride, but they were less pronounced as confirmed by smaller drops in epithelial volume density and epithelial-to-stromal ratio compared to the effects of both reference drugs.

Metabolomic Analysis of Morus Cultivar Root Extracts and Their Ameliorative Effect on Testosterone-Induced Prostate Enlargement in Sprague-Dawley Rats

We investigated the metabolite changes of Morus roots (MRs) according to different cultivar families (Simheung, Daesim, Cheong-il, Sangchon, Daeseong, Suhong, Suwon, and Igsu) using ultra-performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC–QTOF-MS) to understand the relationship between different cultivars and metabolite changes. Data were analyzed by partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), and samples were successfully separated in PLS-DA scores. Eight metabolites in the electrospray ionization (ESI)-positive mode and 16 metabolites in the ESI-negative mode contributed to the separation in PLS-DA. Our data suggest that comparative analysis of MR metabolites according to different cultivars is useful to better understand the relationship between the different cultivars and metabolite changes. Furthermore, we analyzed the MRs for their ability to improve benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). LNCaP cells were used to evaluate the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) inhibitory activity of MRs, and, amongst them, the extract with the highest activity was selected. Igsu demonstrated the highest inhibition effect of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) expression among the MR cultivars. Igsu was also evaluated by administration in a testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia model in Sprague-Dawley rats. Igsu was shown to ameliorate BPH as evidenced by the prostate index, expression of androgen receptor (AR) signaling-related protein, growth factors, cell proliferation-related proteins, apoptosis-related proteins, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling proteins, and histological analysis. Hence, this study strongly suggests that Igsu may have a beneficial effect of on BPH.

Chronic inflammation promotes proliferation in the prostatic stroma in rats with experimental autoimmune prostatitis: study for a novel method of inducing benign prostatic hyperplasia in a rat model

Objective

Inflammation plays an important role in the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The aim of the present study was to reference the study of the pathological changes in the prostate gland of rats with experimental autoimmune prostatitis (EAP), for the development of experimental models of BPH.

Methods

Experimental autoimmune prostatitis was induced in rats by the intradermal injection of rat prostate antigen with immunoadjuvants. In case of the positive BPH group, BPH was induced by the subcutaneous injection of testosterone propionate. At the end of the 45-day model period, prostate weights were measured, and the histopathological analysis of the prostate glands was performed. The levels of cytokines, TGF-β1/RhoA/ROCK signals, and the oxidative stress status were also examined.

Results

Rats from the EAP group had a higher histological score than those from the control group. Compared to the samples from rats in the hormone-induced group, those from the EAP group showed a more pronounced increase in the size of the stromal compartment; this was characterized by the formation of reactive stroma and the deposition of a greater amount of extracellular matrix (ECM). Significant increases in the numbers of CD3-positive cells and CD68-positive cells, as well as a significant upregulation in the cytokine levels, and an increase in the TGF-β1 levels and activation of RhoA/ROCK signaling, were observed in the samples from rats in the EAP group.

Conclusion

Chronic inflammation can induce BPH in rats via EAP model method. When performing drug experiments on the stroma compartments of BPH, the use of the EAP model is a recommendation of the authors based on this study.

Inhibitory effect of α1D/1A antagonist 2-(1H-indol-3-yl)-N-[3-(4-(2-methoxyphenyl) piperazinyl) propyl] acetamide on estrogen/androgen-induced rat benign prostatic hyperplasia model in vivo

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common disorder of the urinary system in aging men. 2-(1H-indol-3-yl)-N-[3-(4-(2-methoxyphenyl) piperazinyl) propyl] acetamide (HJZ-3), which is derived from naftopidil, exhibited 97.7- and 64.6-fold greater inhibitory effects for a_1D adrenoceptor than for a_1B- and a_1A-adrenoceptors in vitro, respectively. To investigate the therapeutic potential for treating BPH, we evaluated the pharmacological activity of HJZ-3. Specifically, we evaluated through estrogen/androgen-induced rat benign prostatic hyperplasia model in vivo. HJZ-3 effectively prevented the progression of rat prostatic hyperplasia by suppressing the increase in prostate index and reducing the quantitative analysis of the relative acinus volume, relative stroma, epithelial volume and epithelial thickness and expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen and α-smooth muscle actin. HJZ-3 decreased α_1A- and α_1D-adrenoceptor protein expressions in prostate tissue. HJZ-3 is a good alternative for α_1A- and α_1D-adrenoceptor blocker. It may relax smooth muscle tone and relieve symptoms of BPH.

Role of PPAR-α agonist fenofibrate in the treatment of induced benign prostatic hyperplasia with dysplastic changes in rats

Nearly all men who reach average life expectancy have prostate disease. The most common is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) had protective effect in different models, but still, there are no studies explain its role in BPH. So that we investigated the effect of fenofibrate (FEN) on induced BPH by testosterone propionate (TP) (3 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks) subcutaneous injection followed by FEN (300 mg/kg/day) was given orally for 4 weeks. We measured prostate weights changes, prostatic tissue superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in serum were determined. The mRNA gene expressions of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), PPARα, and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in prostatic tissue were also measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. In addition, the histopathological changes and activated caspase3 immunoexpression were evaluated. Our results showed that TP succeeded in induction of BPH, which was detected by significant increase in prostate weights, prostatic tissue MDA, serum levels of DHT, PSA, and mRNA gene expression of PCNA but significant decrease in PPARα and GPx gene expression. Moreover, TAC in serum and SOD level in prostate tissue decreased. The histopathological examination showed typical changes of BPH with dysplastic changes with marked decrease in activated caspase3 immunoexpression indicating marked suppression of the apoptotic process. FEN significantly improved all disturbed parameters of BPH model. Moreover, there are no dysplastic changes with co-administration of FEN to BPH induced group.

Phytotherapeutic effects of the fruits of Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf. on cancer, inflammation, and digestive dysfunction

Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf. belongs to the family Rutaceae in the genus Poncirus. Its fruits are widely used to alleviate symptoms of various disorders. The mature fruit (MF) possesses anticancer and antiinflammatory activities. Extracts of the dried, immature fruit, Poncirus fructus (PF) are widely used as a traditional medicine for ameliorating symptoms of digestive dysfunction in East Asia. Molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the effects of MF and PF extracts on cancer, inflammation, and gastrointestinal disorders have been extensively studied in the past decade. This review summarizes recent findings on the anticancer and antiinflammatory effects of MF and the prokinetic effects of PF. Although the therapeutic effects of MF and PF have been clearly elucidated, in-depth further clinical studies are still required to completely verify the clinical efficacy and safety of the fruits of P. trifoliata (L.) Raf.