High-Fat Diet Induced Gut Microbiota Alterations Associating With Ghrelin/Jak2/Stat3 Up-Regulation to Promote Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Development

Microbiome analysis reveals the inducing effect of Pseudomonas on prostatic hyperplasia via activating NF-κB signalling

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a prevalent disease among middle-aged and elderly males, but its pathogenesis remains unclear. Dysbiosis of the microbiome is increasingly recognized as a significant factor in various human diseases. Prostate tissue also contains a unique microbiome, and its dysbiosis has been proposed to contribute to prostate diseases. Here, we obtained prostate tissues and preoperative catheterized urine from 24 BPH individuals, and 8 normal prostate samples as controls, which followed strict aseptic measures. Using metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS), we found the disparities in the microbiome composition between normal and BPH tissues, with Pseudomonas significantly enriched in BPH tissues, as confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Additionally, we showed that the prostate microbiome differed from the urine microbiome. In vitro experiments revealed that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of Pseudomonas activated NF-κB signalling, leading to inflammation, proliferation, and EMT processes, while inhibiting apoptosis in prostatic cells. Overall, our research determines the presence of microbiome dysbiosis in BPH, and suggests that Pseudomonas, as the dominant microflora, may promote the progression of BPH through LPS activation of NF-κB signalling.

Gut microbiome: a novel preventive and therapeutic target for prostatic disease

The human gut microbiome (GM) impacts various physiological processes and can lead to pathological conditions and even carcinogenesis if homeostasis is disrupted. Recent studies have indicated a connection between the GM and prostatic disease. However, the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. This review aims to provide a summary of the existing information regarding the connection between the GM and various prostatic conditions such as chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS), benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and prostate cancer (PCa). Furthermore, the review aims to identify possible pathogenic mechanisms and suggest potential ways of targeting GM to prevent and treat prostatic disease. Due to the complexity of the mechanism between GM and prostatic diseases, additional research is required to comprehend the association between the two. This will lead to more effective treatment options for prostatic disease.

miR-141-3p Regulates the Proliferation and Apoptosis of Endometrial-Myometrial Interface Smooth Muscle Cells in Adenomyosis Via JAK2/STAT3 Pathway

Adenomyosis (ADS) is a common benign gynecological disease. Abnormal proliferation at the endometrial-myometrial interface (EMI) plays a crucial role in the occurrence and progression of ADS. miR-141-3p is associated with cell proliferation and apoptosis. However, the specific mechanism of miR-141-3p in the etiology of ADS is still unknown. In this study, we explored the effects of miR-141-3p on the proliferation and apoptosis of ADS EMI smooth muscle cells (SMCs). We collected EMI tissues for the primary culture of SMCs from 25 patients diagnosed with ADS and 20 without ADS. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot were used to measure the mRNA and protein expression levels of miR-141-3p, JAK2, STAT3, phospho-JAK2, and phospho-STAT3 in ADS EMI SMCs. The cell counting kit 8 assay and flow cytometry analysis were used to evaluate the proliferation and apoptosis of EMI SMCs. The miR-141-3p mimic/inhibitor was used to increase or decrease the expression level of miR-141-3p. We added WP1066 to block the phosphorylation of JAK2/STAT3 pathway components. The miR-141-3p levels were decreased, while JAK2 and STAT3 levels were increased in ADS EMI SMCs. miR-141-3p overexpression significantly inhibited the proliferation and enhanced the apoptosis of EMI SMCs, whereas a decrease in miR-141-3p expression level was connected to the opposite results. Meanwhile, inactivated JAK2/STAT3 pathway decreased proliferation and enhanced apoptosis of EMI SMCs after WP1066 treatment. Furthermore, rescue experiments confirmed that the JAK2/STAT3 pathway was the downstream pathway of miR-141-3p and reduced the effect of miR-141-3p on the proliferation and apoptosis of EMI SMCs. These results demonstrate that miR-141-3p regulates the proliferation and apoptosis of ADS EMI SMCs by modulating the JAK2/STAT3 pathway.

The human microbiome and benign prostatic hyperplasia: Current understandings and clinical implications

The research of the human microbiome in the preceding decade has yielded novel perspectives on human health and diseases. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common disease in middle-aged and elderly males, which negatively affects the life quality. Existing evidence has indicated that the human microbiome, including urinary, intra-prostate, gut, oral and blood microbiome may exert a significant impact on the natural progression of BPH. The dysbiosis of the microbiome may induce inflammation at either a local or systemic level, thereby affecting the BPH. Moreover, metabolic syndrome (MetS) caused by the microbiome can also be involved in the development of BPH. Additionally, alterations in the microbiome composition during the senility process may serve as another cause of the BPH. Here, we summarize the influence of human microbiome on BPH and explore how the microbiome is linked to BPH through inflammation, MetS, and senility. In addition, we propose promising areas of investigation and discuss the implications for advancing therapeutic approaches.

Gut Microbiota and Neonatal Acute Kidney Injury

OBJECTIVE

 To characterize the relationship between gut microbiota and neonatal acute kidney injury biomarkers based on the gut-kidney axis.

STUDY DESIGN

 The Pubmed database was primarily searched to include relevant literature on gut microbiota and neonatal acute kidney injury biomarkers, which was subsequently organized and analyzed and a manuscript was written.

RESULTS

 Gut microbiota was associated with neonatal acute kidney injury biomarkers. These biomarkers included TIMP-2, IGFBP-7, VEGF, calbindin, GST, B2MG, ghrelin, and clusterin.

CONCLUSION

 The gut microbiota is strongly associated with neonatal acute kidney injury biomarkers, and controlling the gut microbiota may be a potential target for ameliorating neonatal acute kidney injury.

KEY POINTS

· There is a bidirectional association between gut microbiota and AKI.. · Gut microbiota is closely associated with biomarkers of nAKI.. · Manipulation of gut microbiota may improve nAKI..

Associations between gut microbiota and three prostate diseases: a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study

According to previous observational researches and clinical trials, the gut microbiota is related to prostate diseases. However, the potential association between gut microbiota and prostate disorders is still uncertain. We first identified groups of gut microbiota based on the phylum, class, order, family, and genus levels from consortium MiBioGen. And we acquired prostate diseases statistics from the FINNGEN study and PRACTICAL consortium. Next, two-sample Mendelian randomization was used to investigate the potential associations between three prevalent prostate disease and gut microbiota. In addition, we performed a reverse MR analysis and Benjamini-Hochberg (BH) test for further research. We investigated the connection between 196 gut microbiota and three prevalent prostate diseases. We identified 42 nominally significant associations and 2 robust causative links. Upon correction for multiple comparisons using the Benjamini-Hochberg procedure, our analysis revealed a positive correlation between the risk of prostatitis and the presence of the taxonomic order Gastranaerophilales. Conversely, the risk of prostate cancer exhibited an inverse correlation with the presence of the taxonomic class Alphaproteobacteria. Our study revealed the potential association between gut microbiota and prostate diseases. The results may be useful in providing new insights for further mechanistic and clinical studies of prostate diseases.

GREM1 knockdown regulates the proliferation, apoptosis and EMT of benign prostatic hyperplasia by suppressing the STAT3/c-Myc signaling

BACKGROUND

Gremlin 1 (GREM1) has been reported to be highly expressed in prostate hyperplasia tissues. However, the role and molecular mechanism of GREM1 in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is still unclear.

METHODS

In this study, expression of GREM1 in BPH-1 cells was detected by western blot assay. Cell counting kit-8 assay was performed to assess cell proliferation. Flow cytometry and western blot were used to assess cell apoptosis and cell cycle. The EMT process was detected by western blot assay and immunofluorescence staining. In addition, colivelin was used as a STAT3 activator and the expressions of STAT3/c-Myc signaling were assessed by western blot assay.

RESULTS

The data showed that GREM1 silencing inhibited BPH-1 cell proliferation and promoted cell apoptosis. Moreover, GREM1 silencing repressed the cell cycle progression and the development of EMT. In addition, knockdown of GREM1 suppressed the expression of the STAT3/c-Myc signaling in BPH-1 cells and colivelin treatment rehabilitated this signaling. Moreover, c-Myc overexpression or colivelin reversed the effects of GREM1 silencing on BPH-1 cell proliferation, cell apoptosis, cell cycle, as well as EMT.

CONCLUSION

To sum up, GREM1 silencing may alleviate the BPH progress by inhibiting the STAT3/c-Myc signaling.

Pharmacological GHSR (ghrelin receptor) blockade reduces alcohol binge-like drinking in male and female mice

Ghrelin is a peptide that is produced by endocrine cells that are primarily localized in the stomach. Ghrelin receptors (GHSR) are expressed in the brain and periphery. Preclinical and clinical studies support a role for ghrelin in alcohol drinking and seeking. The GHSR has been suggested to be a potential pharmacotherapeutic target for alcohol use disorder (AUD). However, the role of the ghrelin system and its potential modulation by biological sex on binge-like drinking has not been comprehensively investigated. The present study tested six GHSR antagonists in an alcohol binge-like drinking procedure in male and female mice. Systemic administration of the GHSR antagonists JMV2959, PF-5190457, PF-6870961, and HM-04 reduced alcohol intake in both male and female mice. YIL-781 decreased intake in males, and LEAP2 (likely peripherally restricted) did not reduce intake in mice of either sex. We also administered LEAP2 and JMV2959 intracerebroventricularly to investigate whether the effects of GHSR blockade on alcohol intake are mediated by central receptors. The central administration of LEAP2 and JMV2959 decreased alcohol intake, particularly in high-drinking animals. Finally, in a preliminary experiment, an anti-ghrelin vaccine was examined for its potential effect on binge-like drinking and had no effect. In all experiments, there was a lack of meaningful sex differences. These findings suggest that central GHSR mediates binge-like alcohol intake. These data reveal novel pharmacological compounds with translational potential in the treatment of AUD and provide further evidence of the GHSR as a potential treatment target for AUD.

Dietary Fat Modulation of Gut Microbiota and Impact on Regulatory Pathways Controlling Food Intake

Obesity is a multifactorial disease that continues to increase in prevalence worldwide. Emerging evidence has shown that the development of obesity may be influenced by taxonomic shifts in gut microbiota in response to the consumption of dietary fats. Further, these alterations in gut microbiota have been shown to promote important changes in satiation signals including gut hormones (leptin, ghrelin, GLP-1, peptide YY and CCK) and orexigenic and anorexigenic neuropeptides (AgRP, NPY, POMC, CART) that influence hyperphagia and therefore obesity. In this review, we highlight mechanisms by which gut microbiota can influence these satiation signals both locally in the gastrointestinal tract and via microbiota-gut-brain communication. Then, we describe the effects of dietary interventions and associated changes in gut microbiota on satiety signals through microbiota-dependent mechanisms. Lastly, we present microbiota optimizing therapies including prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics and weight loss surgery that can help restore beneficial gut microbiota by enhancing satiety signals to reduce hyperphagia and subsequent obesity. Overall, a better understanding of the mechanisms by which dietary fats induce taxonomical shifts in gut microbiota and their impact on satiation signaling pathways will help develop more targeted therapeutic interventions in delaying the onset of obesity and in furthering its treatment.

Neferine attenuates development of testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia in mice by regulating androgen and TGF-β/Smad signaling pathways

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common urinary disease among the elderly, characterized by abnormal prostatic cell proliferation. Neferine is a dibenzyl isoquinoline alkaloid extracted from Nelumbo nucifera and has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-prostate cancer effects. The beneficial therapeutic effects and mechanism of action of neferine in BPH remain unclear. A mouse model of BPH was generated by subcutaneous injection of 7.5 mg/kg testosterone propionate (TP) and 2 or 5 mg/kg neferine was given orally for 14 or 28 days. Pathological and morphological characteristics were evaluated. Prostate weight, prostate index (prostate/body weight ratio), expression of type Ⅱ 5α-reductase, androgen receptor (AR) and prostate specific antigen were all decreased in prostate tissue of BPH mice after administration of neferine. Neferine also downregulated the expression of pro-caspase-3, uncleaved PARP, TGF-β1, TGF-β receptor Ⅱ (TGFBR2), p-Smad2/3, N-cadherin and vimentin. Expression of E-cadherin, cleaved PARP and cleaved caspase-3 was increased by neferine treatment. 1-100 μM neferine with 1 μM testosterone or 10 nM TGF-β1 were added to the culture medium of the normal human prostate stroma cell line, WPMY-1, for 24 h or 48 h. Neferine inhibited cell growth and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in testosterone-treated WPMY-1 cells and regulated the expression of androgen signaling pathway proteins and those related to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Moreover, TGF-β1, TGFBR2 and p-Smad2/3, N-cadherin and vimentin expression were increased but E-cadherin was decreased after 24 h TGF-β1 treatment in WPMY-1 cells. Neferine reversed the effects of TGF-β1 treatment in WPMY-1 cells. Neferine appeared to suppress prostate growth by regulating the EMT, AR and TGF-β/Smad signaling pathways in the prostate and is suggested as a potential agent for BPH treatment.

The mechanism of Lingze tablets in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia based on network pharmacology and molecular docking technology

Lingze tablets has been used as a drug in the treatment of kidney deficiency-dampnes shea-stasis type benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in Traditional Chinese Medicine, and it was found effective for BPH treatment. We aimed to investigate the mechanism of the Lingze tablets in the treatment of BPH through the network pharmacology and molecular docking technology. The active compounds of Lingze tablets were retrieved from the TCMSP, BATMAN-TCM and ETCM databases. The ADME of active compounds was screened for Swiss target prediction, and the targets of the active compounds were predicted. DisGeNET, Genecards and OMIM were used to obtain the disease targets of BPH, and the targets of Lingze tablets in the treatment of BPH were obtained by venny2.1. String platform and cytoscape softwares were used to construct the PPI network. Go enrichment analysis and KEGG signal pathway analysis were analysed by mediascape. The 'component-target-pathway' networks diagram was constructed by the cytoscape software. Molecular docking was carried out by autodock software. Lingze tablets could serve as a drug for BPH treatment by regulating SRC, MAPK1, PIK3CA, JAK2 and other disease targets, intervening in biological processes such as cell migration, cell activity, cytokine secretion, protein phosphorylation, MAPK, transferase activity and PI3K/AKT signalling pathways.

Alterations of gut microbiota diversity, composition and metabonomics in testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia rats

BACKGROUND

Studies had shown many diseases affect the stability of human microbiota, but how this relates to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) has not been well understood. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the regulation of BPH on gut microbiota composition and metabonomics.

METHODS

We analyzed gut samples from rats with BPH and healthy control rats, the gut microbiota composition and metabonomics were detected by 16S rDNA sequencing and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).

RESULTS

High-throughput sequencing results showed that gut microbiota beta-diversity increased (P < 0.01) in the BPH group vs. control group. Muribaculaceae (P < 0.01), Turicibacteraceae (P < 0.05), Turicibacter (P < 0.01) and Coprococcus (P < 0.01) were significantly decreased in the BPH group, whereas that of Mollicutes (P < 0.05) and Prevotella (P < 0.05) were significantly increased compared with the control group. Despite profound interindividual variability, the levels of several predominant genera were different. In addition, there were no statistically significant differences in several bacteria. BPH group vs. control group: Firmicutes (52.30% vs. 57.29%, P > 0.05), Bacteroidetes (46.54% vs. 41.64%, P > 0.05), Clostridia (50.89% vs. 54.66%, P > 0.05), Ruminococcaceae (25.67% vs. 20.56%, P > 0.05). LC-MS/MS of intestinal contents revealed that differential metabolites were mainly involved in cellular processes, environmental information processing, metabolism and organismal systems. The most important pathways were global and overview maps, lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, digestive system and endocrine system. Through enrichment analysis, we found that the differential metabolites were significantly enriched in metabolic pathways, steroid hormone biosynthesis, ovarian steroidogenesis, biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids and bile secretion. Pearson correlation analysis (R = 0.94) showed that there was a strong correlation between Prevotellaceae, Corynebacteriaceae, Turicibacteraceae, Bifidobacteriaceae and differential metabolites.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggested an association between the gut microbiota and BPH, but the causal relationship between the two groups is unclear. Thus, further studies are warranted to elucidate the potential mechanisms and causal relationships between BPH and gut microbiota.