Research advances in correlation between chronic periodontitis and prostatic diseases / 口腔医学

@#In recent years, more and more attention has been paid to the correlation between periodontitis and prostatic diseases. Aging, obesity, smoking and psychological factors are common risk factors of these two diseases, but the key correlation mechanism is not clear. This article reviews the research on and possible biological mechanism of chronic periodontitis and prostatic diseases, in order to provide basis for disease management and clinical research in the future.

Therapeutic Effect and Mechanism of Regulating Inflammasome NLRP3 Signaling Pathway of Lycopi Herba Extract on Chronic Prostatitis / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effect of Lycopi Herba extract on chronic prostatitis （CNP） and explore the underlying action mechanism via the inflammasome NOD-like receptor protein 3 （NLRP3） pathway. MethodNormal human prostatic stromal cells， namely WPMY-1 were induced by lipopolysaccharide （LPS） of 5 mg·L-1， and the effects of Lycopi Herba extract of 3.125， 6.25， 12.5， 25， 50， and 100 mg·L-1 on interleukin-6 （IL-6） level released by LPS-induced WPMY-1 cells were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration （IC50） was calculated. The expression of key proteins in the NLRP3 pathway was detected by western blot after Lycopi Herba extract of 50， 75， and 100 mg·L-1 was administered to WPMY-1 cells. The rat model of CNP was established by injecting carrageenan salt solution into the abdominal lobe of the prostate gland. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was used to observe the histopathological changes in the prostate gland in rats. The prostate organ index of rats was measured. The level of 5α-dihydrotestosterone （5α-DHT） in serum， as well as the levels of IL-6， tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， transforming growth factor-β1 （TGF-β1）， cyclooxygenase-2 （COX-2）， prostaglandin E2 （PGE2）， and inducible nitric oxide synthase （iNOS） in prostate tissue were detected by ELISA. The key protein expressions of COX-2， TGF-β1， and NLRP3 pathway in prostate tissue were detected by Western blot. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was used to detect the expressions of COX-2， IL-1β， TGF-β1， and TNF-α mRNA in prostate tissue. ResultCompared with the normal group， the level of IL-6 and the protein expression levels of NLRP3， ASC， Caspase-1， and IL-1β of WPMY-1 cells in the model group were increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， Lycopi Herba extract could inhibit the levels of IL-6 （P<0.01） released by LPS-induced WPMY-1 cells， with IC50 of 38.26 mg·L-1. The protein expression levels of NLRP3， ASC， and IL-1β in the low-， medium-， and high-dose groups of Lycopi Herba extract were significantly down-regulated （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The expression levels of Caspase-1 protein in medium- and high-dose groups of Lycopi Herba extract were significantly down-regulated （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the sham operation group， the prostate organ index of rats in the model group was significantly increased （P<0.01）， a large number of inflammatory cells were infiltrated in the prostate tissue， and the histopathological score was significantly increased （P<0.05）； the levels of 5α-DHT in serum， the levels of TNF-α， PGE2， IL-6， TGF-β1， NOS2/iNOS， and COX-2 in prostate tissue， and expression levels of COX-2， IL-1β， and TGF-β1 were significantly increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The mRNA expression levels of COX-2， TGF-β1， NLRP3， Caspase-1， ASC， and IL-1β in prostate tissue were significantly up-regulated （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with model group， the low and high doses of Lycopi Herba extract could alleviate the pathological changes in prostate tissue induced by carrageenan， significantly reduce the level of 5α-DHT in serum， levels of TNF-α， PGE2， TGF-β1， and iNOS in prostate tissue （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and mRNA expression levels of COX-2， IL-1β， and TGF-β1 （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The protein expression levels of COX-2， Caspase-1， ASC， and NLRP3 in prostate tissue were significantly down-regulated （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The prostate organ index of the low-dose group of Lycopi Herba extract was significantly decreased （P<0.01）. The level of COX-2 in prostate tissue of the high-dose group of Lycopi Herba extract was significantly decreased， and the protein expression levels of TGF-β1 and IL-1β were significantly down-regulated （P<0.05）. ConclusionLycopi Herba extract has an obvious therapeutic effect on CNP and may reduce inflammation by inhibiting the activation of the inflammasome NLRP3 signaling pathway.

Clinical Comprehensive Evaluation of Qianlieping Capsules in Treatment of Chronic Prostatitis with Stagnant Dampness-heat Syndrome / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the comprehensive clinical value of Qianlieping capsules in the treatment of chronic prostatitis with damp-heat stasis syndrome， and to provide evidence for the decision-making of clinical basic drug management. MethodBased on the "Guidelines for Comprehensive Clinical Evaluation of Drugs （Trial Version 2021）"， this study systematically reviewed the existing research on the treatment of chronic prostatitis with damp-heat stasis syndrome by Qianlieping capsules. Based on evidence-based medicine， clinical epidemiology， clinical medicine， evidence-based pharmacy， pharmacoeconomics， health statistics， health technology assessment， and other disciplines， the multi-criteria decision analysis model （MCDA） and CSC 2.0 software were used. The six dimensions of safety， effectiveness， economy， innovation， suitability， and accessibility of drugs， as well as traditional Chinese medicine（TCM） characteristics， were comprehensively evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively. ResultIn terms of safety， based on the spontaneous reporting system （SRS） of the National Center for ADR Monitoring， safety literature analysis， pharmacological and toxicological experiment report， and other evidence， the safety grade of Qianlieping capsules was evaluated as grade A， with good safety. In terms of effectiveness， based on the results of pharmacological and pharmacodynamic studies and Meta-analysis， and combined with the value and quality of the evidence for efficacy， the final efficacy grade of Qianlieping capsules was rated as B. In terms of economy， Qianlieping capsules was a class B drug of national medical insurance. Compared with those of similar Chinese patent medicines， the average daily cost of Qianlieping capsules was moderate， and there was no related cost increase during the administration process. Economic research showed that Qianlieping capsules combined with α-receptor blockers were more economical than α-receptor blockers alone. Based on the quality evaluation of economic evidence and the value evaluation of economic evidence， the economic grade of Qianlieping capsules was rated as B. In terms of innovation， Qianlieping capsules were a combination of cold and warm drugs， focusing on clearing heat， detoxifying， removing blood stasis， and relieving pain， with non-toxic medicinal materials. They obtained a number of invention patents. The enterprise service system was perfect， and the quality standard was higher than the international and Chinese standards. The innovation grade of Qianlieping capsules was rated as B. In terms of suitability， the results of the questionnaire survey showed that it had relatively good suitability for clinicians， nurses， pharmacists， and patients who used Qianlieping capsules. The information on Chinese patent medicines was complete and met the requirements of national standards. The suitability grade of Qianlieping capsules was rated as A. In terms of accessibility， Qianlieping capsules were moderately priced and affordable， with sufficient resources of medicinal materials， no shortage of medicinal materials， and good availability. The accessibility grade of Qianlieping capsules was rated as B. In terms of TCM medicine characteristics， the prescription of Qianlieping capsules was derived from Danshen Huoxue Decoction. The original prescription was used for the treatment of chronic prostatitis with blood stasis syndrome. The whole formula was recorded in The Complete Compendium of Fine Formulas （《良方大全》） published by Beijing Publishing Group Co.， Ltd. in 1991 and has been used for more than 30 years. The formula was a combination of warm and cold drugs， attacking pathogens without hurting healthy Qi. The grade of TCM characteristics of Qianlieping capsules was rated as B. ConclusionBased on the above "6+1" dimensions， the comprehensive evaluation result of Qianlieping capsules in the treatment of chronic prostatitis with damp-heat and blood stasis syndrome is grade B， and it is recommended to convert it into the relevant policy results of basic clinical drug management according to the conditions.

Acupuncture for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome: a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the short-term efficacy, long-term efficacy and safety of acupuncture for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS).@*METHODS@#Forty-two patients with CP/CPPS were randomly divided into an acupuncture group (21 cases, 1 case dropped off) and a sham acupuncture group (21 cases). The patients in the acupuncture group were treated with acupuncture at bilateral Zhongliao (BL 33), Huiyang (BL 35), Shenshu (BL 23) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6); the needling depth of Zhongliao (BL 33) and Huiyang (BL 35) was 60 to 80 mm, while Shenshu (BL 23) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) was directly punctured of 30 mm. The patients in the sham acupuncture group were treated with acupuncture at non-acupoints, including points 2 cm next to Shenshu (BL 23), Zhongliao (BL 33) and Huiyang (BL 35), and the midpoint of the connecting line between the spleen meridian and the kidney meridian. All the non-acupoints were treated with directly puncture of 2 to 3 mm. The needles were left for 30 min in both groups, once every other day in the first four weeks, three times a week, and twice a week in the next four weeks, totally 20 treatments. Before treatment, after treatment and in follow-up of 24 weeks after treatment completion, the National Institutes of Health-chronic prostatitis symptom index (NIH-CPSI) score and urinary flow rate were observed in both groups; the clinical efficacy and safety were evaluated.@*RESULTS@#Compared with those before treatment, the pain and discomfort scores, urination symptoms scores, quality of life scores and total scores of NIH-CPSI in both groups were reduced after treatment in the two groups (P<0.01), while each item score and total score of NIH-CPSI in the acupuncture group were reduced in follow-up (P<0.01, P<0.05). After treatment and in follow-up, each item score and total score of NIH-CPSI in the acupuncture group were lower than those in the sham acupuncture group (P<0.05, P<0.01). After treatment, the maximum and average urinary flow rates in the acupuncture group were higher than those before treatment (P<0.05), and the average urinary flow rate in the acupuncture group was higher than that in the sham acupuncture group (P<0.05). The total effective rate was 75.0% (15/20) in the acupuncture group, which was higher than 42.9% (9/21) in the sham acupuncture group (P<0.05). No significant adverse reactions were observed in the two groups, and there was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Acupuncture could effectively alleviate the clinical symptoms, improve quality of life, and has a sustained, safe and reliable therapeutic effect in patients with CP/CPPS.

Effects of psychological intervention on NIH-CPSI score of CP/CPPS patients in Ngari Prefecture of Tibet / 现代泌尿外科杂志

【Objective】 To investigate the psychological status of patients with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS), and to analyze the effects of anxiety on the total National Institute of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI) in patients in Ngari Prefecture of Tibet. 【Methods】 CP/CPPS patients treated during Oct.2019 and Oct.2021 were involved and divided into anxiety group and non-anxiety group. The non-anxiety group received routine drug treatment, while the anxiety group received drugs and psychological intervention. 【Results】 A total of 117 patients were involved, including 68 in the anxiety group and 49 in the non-anxiety group. There were no statistical differences between the two groups in terms of age, body mass index (BMI), marital status, smoking history, and education level (P>0.05). The total NIH-CPSI score in the anxiety group (18.53±3.47) was higher than that in non-anxiety group (15.67±3.33), which was mainly manifested by the increase of pain and decrease of quality of life scores. Further stratification of anxiety level revealed that quality of life score and total NIH-CPSI score increased as anxiety symptoms worsened. After drug treatment, pain and urination symptoms were improved in the non-anxiety group, but the quality of life score and total NIH-CPSI score did not change significantly. After psychological intervention, the anxiety group had lower total NIH-CPSI score and other scores. 【Conclusion】 It is not uncommon for CP/CPPS patients to have a comorbidity of anxiety. The increase in the total NIH-CPSI score is caused by the increase of pain score and decrease of quality of life score. Active psychological intervention can improve anxiety, urinary symptoms, pain symptoms and quality of life.

Clinical efficacy of in vitro local high-frequency hyperthermia combined with drugs in the treatment of type Ⅲb chronic prostatitis / 现代泌尿外科杂志

【Objective】 To investigate the efficacy of in vitro local high-frequency hyperthermia combined with drugs in the treatment of type Ⅲb chronic prostatitis (CP). 【Methods】 A total of 148 patients with type Ⅲb CP treated in our hospital during Jun.2020 and Jun.2022 were randomly divided into control group (n=74) and combination group (n=74). The control group received only drug treatment, while the combination group received extracorporeal local high-frequency hyperthermia treatment. The National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI), maximum urinary flow rate (MFR), average urinary flow rate (AFR) and International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) score were compared between the two groups. 【Results】 There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of NIH-CPSI, MFR, AFR and IIEF-5 score before treatment(P>0.05). After treatment, these indexes increased in both groups (P<0.05), and the improvements in the combination group were more significant (P<0.05). 【Conclusion】 Medication combined with in vitro local high-frequency hyperthermia is effective in improving the clinical symptoms of type Ⅲb CP, which is worth clinical promotion.

Application of prostatic exosomal protein in the diagnosis of histological prostatitis in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia / 现代泌尿外科杂志

【Objective】 To investigate the feasibility of prostatic exosomal protein (PSEP) detection kit in the diagnosis of histological prostatitis (HP) in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and to explore the correlation between PSEP and other clinical parameters. 【Methods】 A total of 104 patients with BPH or BPH plus HP treated during Nov.2021 and Nov.2022 were involved. The patients were instructed to fill out the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) scale independently before surgery. Clinical data such as prostate volume, residual urine volume, free prostate specific antigen (fPSA), total prostate specific antigen (tPSA), and fPSA/tPSA were collected. Preoperative midstream morning urine was collected for PSEP detection. 【Results】 The sensitivity and specificity of PSEP in the diagnosis of BPH were 93.51% and 70.37%, respectively, which were highly consistent with the postoperative pathological diagnosis results (Kappa=0.663). Serum PSEP level was positively correlated with tPSA level (r=0.242, P=0.040). 【Conclusion】 PSEP has a high clinical diagnostic value in the diagnosis of HP, which can provide a reliable basis for the diagnosis of HP in BPH patients and improve the diagnosis rate.

Effects of granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor, nerve growth factor and interleukin-17 on autoimmune prostatitis / 现代泌尿外科杂志

【Objective】 To investigate the significance of granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), nerve growth factor (NGF) and interleukin-17 (IL-17) in the prostate tissue of rats with experimental autoimmune prostatitis(EAP). 【Methods】 EAP rat models were established and divided into control group, EAP group, anti-GM-CSF group (blocking control group) and anti-GM-CSFEAP group (blocking EAP group). Pain behaviors were tested. The pathological changes were observed with HE staining. The mRNA and protein expressions of GM-CSF, NGF and IL-17 were detected with RT-PCR and Western blot. 【Results】 Pain test showed the anti-GM-CSF group had less chronic pelvic pain than the EAP group. HE staining showed the anti-GM-CSF group had less tissue inflammatory response. The EAP inflammation score was higher in the control group than in the anti-GM-CSF group. Immunohistochemistry showed GM-CSF was positive in the EAP group (mainly in the nucleus). RT-PCR and Western blot results showed the mRNA and protein expressions of IL-17 and NGF significantly decreased 50 days after EAP in the anti-GM-CSF group. 【Conclusion】 Increased expressions of GM-CSF, NGF and IL-17 in prostate tissue of EAP rats may be important inflammatory mediators of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS);decreased expressions of NGF and IL-17 after resistance against GM-CSF indicate that GM-CSF may be a potential therapeutic target for CP/CPPS.

Research advances on the relationship between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and risk of prostatic diseases / 中华全科医师杂志

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a liver disorder related to metabolic syndrome, which is considered to be associated with risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer (PCa). It has been reported that NAFLD may serve as an independent predictive factor for BPH and International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). In addition, NAFLD may also contribute to identify the high risk population of PCa, and to predict biochemical recurrence and progression of PCa. The roles of NAFLD in BPH and PCa may be related to insulin resistance and metabolic abnormality that cause aberrant and malignant proliferation in the prostatic gland. Besides, chronic systemic inflammation and Toll-like receptor-associated immunization may also involve in the development of NAFLD-mediated BPH. This article reviews the current research evidence on the role of NAFLD in the development of BPH and PCa, indicating that early intervention of NAFLD may alleviate the progression of BPH and PCa.

The application progress of extracorporeal shock wave in the treatment of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome and its potential mechanism / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is one of the common diseases in uroloandrology, which recurs easily after treatment. In recent years, the safety and efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) for CP/CPPS has been widely demonstrated. Studies have shown satisfactory short-term (≤12 weeks) outcomes of ESWT, but lack long-term (>12 weeks) follow-up data. In addition, inconsistent indications and unexplained therapeutic mechanisms have limited the further clinical promotion of ESWT. This article summarizes the latest progress and potential mechanism of ESWT in the treatment of CP/CPPS in order to provide new insights for the standardized application of ESWT.

Effects of qianlieshutong capsule combined with extracorporeal shock wave therapy on inflammatory factors and immune function in patients with chronic prostatitis / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To investigate the effects of qianlieshutong capsule combined with extracorporeal shock wave therapy on inflammatory factors and immune function in patients with chronic prostatitis (CP).Methods:The clinical data of 100 patients with CP in Yingcheng People′s Hospital from September 2019 to September 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 50 cases were treated with extracorporeal shock wave therapy (control group), and 50 cases were treated with qianlieshutong capsule combined with extracorporeal shock wave therapy (observation group). The National Institutes of Healthy chronic prostatitis symptom index (NIH-CPSI), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, T lymphocyte subsets, small particle of lecithin (SPL) and prostate specific antigen (PSA) before and after treatment were compared between 2 groups. The adverse reactions and efficacy were compared between 2 groups.Results:The total effective rate in observation group was significantly higher than that in control group: 88.0% (44/50) vs. 70.0% (35/50), and there was statistical difference ( χ2 = 4.88, P<0.05). There were no significant differences in NIH-CPSI respective scores and total score before treatment between 2 groups ( P>0.05); the NIH-CPSI respective scores of pain and discomfort, urination, symptoms, quality of life and total score after treatment in observation group were significantly lower than those in control group: (4.15±1.04) scores vs. (6.72±1.13) scores, (1.23±0.39) scores vs. (1.88±0.48) scores, (1.31±0.39) scores vs. (1.91±0.35) scores, (1.68±0.34) scores vs. (2.35±0.32) scores and (8.37±1.02) scores vs. (12.86±1.33) scores, and there were statistical differences ( P<0.01). There were no statistical differences in the prostatic fluid and serum IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α before treatment between 2 groups ( P>0.05); the prostatic fluid and serum IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α after treatment in observation group were significantly lower than those in control group, and there were statistical differences ( P<0.01). There were no statistical difference in CD 3+, CD 4+, CD 8+ and CD 4+/CD 8+ before treatment between 2 groups ( P>0.05); there were no statistical difference in CD 3+, CD 4+ and CD 8+ after treatment between 2 groups ( P>0.05), the CD 4+/CD 8+ after treatment in observation group was significantly higher than that in control group (1.48±0.33 vs. 1.35±0.28), and there was statistical difference ( P<0.05). There were no statistical differences in SPL and PSA before treatment between 2 groups ( P>0.05); the SPL after treatment in observation group was significantly higher than that in control group: (33.25±4.08) μg/L vs. (20.96±4.13) μg/L, the PSA was significantly lower than that in control group: (0.81±0.23) μg/L vs. (0.97±0.29) μg/L, and there were statistical differences ( P<0.01). There was no statistical difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between 2 groups ( P>0.05). Conclusions:Qianlieshutong capsule combined with extracorporeal shock wave therapy has a significant efficacy in patients with CP. It can effectively reduce the levels of inflammatory factors in prostate fluid and improve the immune function.

Effect of thermophilic bacterium HB27 manganese superoxide dismutase in a rat model of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

We investigated the therapeutic effects of superoxide dismutase (SOD) from thermophilic bacterium HB27 on chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) and its underlying mechanisms. A Sprague-Dawley rat model of CP/CPPS was prepared and then administered saline or Thermus thermophilic (Tt)-SOD intragastrically for 4 weeks. Prostate inflammation and fibrosis were analyzed by hematoxylin and eosin staining, and Masson staining. Alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), serum creatinine (CR), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels were assayed for all animals. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) were performed to analyze serum cytokine concentrations and tissue levels of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, SOD, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. Reactive oxygen species levels were detected using dichlorofluorescein diacetate. The messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression of tissue cytokines was analyzed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and infiltrating inflammatory cells were examined using immunohistochemistry. Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) P65, P38, and inhibitor of nuclear factor-κBα (I-κBα) protein levels were determined using western blot. Tt-SOD significantly improved histopathological changes in CP/CPPS, reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and fibrosis, increased pain threshold, and reduced the prostate index. Tt-SOD treatment showed no significant effect on ALT, AST, CR, or BUN levels. Furthermore, Tt-SOD reduced inflammatory cytokine expression in prostate tissue and increased antioxidant capacity. This anti-inflammatory activity correlated with decreases in the abundance of cluster of differentiation 3 (CD3), cluster of differentiation 45 (CD45), and macrophage inflammatory protein 1α (MIP1α) cells. Tt-SOD alleviated inflammation and oxidative stress by reducing NF-κB P65 and P38 protein levels and increasing I-κBα protein levels. These findings support Tt-SOD as a potential drug for CP/CPPS.

Prostate-derived IL-1β upregulates expression of NMDA receptor in the paraventricular nucleus and shortens ejaculation latency in rats with experimental autoimmune prostatitis / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Experimental autoimmune prostatitis (EAP)-induced persistent inflammatory immune response can significantly upregulate the expression of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptors in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN). However, the mechanism has not yet been elucidated. Herein, we screened out the target prostate-derived inflammation cytokines (PDICs) by comparing the inflammatory cytokine levels in peripheral blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) between EAP rats and their controls. After identifying the target PDIC, qualified males in initial copulatory behavior testing (CBT) were subjected to implanting tubes onto bilateral PVN. Next, they were randomly divided into four subgroups (EAP-1, EAP-2, Control-1, and Control-2). After 1-week recovery, EAP-1 rats were microinjected with the target PDIC inhibitor, Control-1 rats were microinjected with the target PDIC, while the EAP-2 and Control-2 subgroups were only treated with the same amount of artificial CSF (aCSF). Results showed that only interleukin-1β(IL-1β) had significantly increased mRNA-expression in the prostate of EAP rats compared to the controls (P < 0.001) and significantly higher protein concentrations in both the serum (P = 0.001) and CSF (P < 0.001) of the EAP groups compared to the Control groups. Therefore, IL-1β was identified as the target PDIC which crosses the blood-brain barrier, thereby influencing the central nervous system. Moreover, the EAP-1 subgroup displayed a gradually prolonged ejaculation latency (EL) in the last three CBTs (all P < 0.01) and a significantly lower expression of NMDA NR1 subunit in the PVN (P = 0.043) compared to the respective control groups after a 10-day central administration of IL-1β inhibitors. However, the Control-1 subgroup showed a gradually shortened EL (P < 0.01) and a significantly higher NR1 expression (P = 0.004) after homochronous IL-1β administration. Therefore, we identified IL-1β as the primary PDIC which shortens EL in EAP rats. However, further studies should be conducted to elucidate the specific molecular mechanisms through which IL-1β upregulates NMDA expression.

Mechanism of Huang'e Capsule in treatment of chronic prostatitis based on network pharmacology and molecular docking / 国际生物医学工程杂志

Objective:To explore the mechanism of Huang'e capsule in the treatment of chronic prostatitis (CP) based on network pharmacology and molecular docking.Methods:The drug ingredients of Huang'e Capsule were screened by searching the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP), the Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ETCM), and some other literature materials. The drug component targets were predicted using Swiss Target Prediction, and the CP disease targets were obtained using GeneCards, OMIM, and GisGeNET. The intersection targets were obtained by Venny 2.1.0. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed by STRING and Cytoscape software. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were carried out by Metascape. The "drug-ingredient-target-pathway" network was established by Cytoscape software. Molecular docking was carried out with PubChem, PDB, PyMoL, and AutoDock.Results:It was found that 142 active ingredients in Huang'e Capsule acted directly on 286 disease targets through multiple pathways for CP treatment, with cyasterone, morin, quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin, and isorhamnetin as core ingredients and ESR1, CDK1, APP, SYK, and EGFR as core targets. GO enrichment analysis showed that the most likely related BP of the intersection genes mainly includes cellular reaction to nitrogen-containing compounds, inorganic substances, organic cyclic compounds, etc., CCs mainly involved in membrane rafts, receptor complexes, membrane sides, etc., and MF includes protein kinase activity, nuclear receptor activity, and kinase binding, etc. It can be found in KEGG enrichment analysis that Huang'e Capsule is mainly involved in the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway and the HIF-1 signaling pathway. Molecular docking indicated that the core target had a great affinity with the core active ingredients of the Huang'e Capsule.Conclusions:Huang'e Capsule is mainly used to treat CP by modulating the disease targets such as ESR1, CDK1, APP, SYK, and EGFR of PI3K/Akt, HIF-1 and other signaling pathways, interfering with enzyme activity, inflammatory reactions, and other biological processes.

Índice de Salud Prostática (phi) / Prostate Health Index (phi)

El antígeno específico de próstata (PSA, del inglés, Prostate Specific Antigen) es una glicoproteína producida por la próstata, y es el marcador tumoral de mayor uso. Sin embargo, su baja especificidad para diferenciar entre cáncer de próstata y otras alteraciones no malignas, como la hipertrofia benigna de la próstata (HBP) y la prostatitis aguda, limitan su utilidad diagnóstica

Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) is a glycoprotein produced by the prostate and is the most widely used tumor marker. However, its low specificity to differentiate between prostate cancer and other non-malignant conditions, such as benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH) and acute prostatitis, limits its diagnostic utility

The diagnostic value of PSA and multi-parameter MRI in granulomatous prostatitis after intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guérin therapy / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Objective:To evaluate the diagnostic value of serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and multi-parameter magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) in patients with granulomatous prostatitis after intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) therapy.Methods:The medical records of eight patients with pathologically proven granulomatous prostatitis in Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University from January, 2015 to June, 2020, were enrolled and analyzed in this retrospective study. All 8 patients (ages 47-76, mean 63.6) underwent pelvic mpMRI and serum tPSA levels before TURBT, which showed the results of tPSA, f/t and mpMRI were normal before TURBT (0.45-3.62 ng/ml, 0.20-0.51 and normal signal intensities on T1WI and T2WI, respectively). All patients underwent intravesical BCG therapy after post-TURBT 4-6-weeks’ intravesical gemcitabine therapy as a result of pathologically proven middle and high risk NMIBC via cystoscopy.Results:The results of tPSA levels in all 8 patients were elevated after intravesical BCG therapy after 9-15 months (mean 10.5 months), with 4 patients above 4 (6.77-12.89)ng/ml and 4 patients within the normal ranges(2.02-2.68)ng/ml, and f/t levels decreased to lower than 0.16 (0.09-0.15)in all patients. The mpMRI abnormal signals in all patients were all located in the peripheral zone of prostate. All nodular lesions of prostate mpMRI showed lower signal intensity (SI) on T2WI, higher SI on DWI and lower SI on ADC after BCG therapy. All patients underwent prostate biopsy for abnormal signal on prostate mpMRI. The biopsy pathologic results of all patients were granulomatous prostatitis.Conclusions:When elevated PSA and abnormal signals on prostate mpMRI after intravesical BCG therapy occurred, prostate biopsy may not be required for secondary granulomatous prostatitis patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer in combination of clinical history.

Research progress of autophagy in prostate diseases / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Autophagy is a basic cellular mechanism, which not only acts as a " housekeeper" in the normal physiological and biochemical processes of cells, but also participates in the occurrence and development of many diseases. Many studies have shown that autophagy is closely related to prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer. Autophagy plays an important role both in the onset of the disease and in the treatment of the disease. This article expounds the influence and mechanism of autophagy in prostate diseases, and provides new ideas and methods for the diagnosis and treatment of prostate diseases.

Advances in pathogenesis of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is a common disease in men. In recent years, it has become younger, which seriously affects the patients＇quality of life. A deep understanding of the pathogenesis of CP/CPPS will help the choice of treatment. Its pathogenesis is not only related to immune factors, but also related to local microcirculation disorders of the prostate, endocrine hormone imbalance, adjacent gut microbes and compression of lumbar intervertebral disc, but it has not been fully elucidated. Therefore, this article aims to review the pathogenesis of CP/CPPS and provide directions for its diagnosis and treatment.

Professor / 中国针灸

To summarize professor

Effectiveness and Safety of Umbilicus Treatment with Modified Dinggui Powder () in Patients with Chronic Nonbacterial Prostatitis: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Chinese herbal external umbilicus treatment with Modified Dinggui Powder (, MDGP) in patients with chronic nonbacterial prostatitis (CNP).@*METHODS@#A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted among 72 patients with CNP. Participants were randomly allocated to a treatment group and a placebo group using computer software in a 1:1 ratio, and received either MDGP external umbilicus treatment (MDGP group, 36 cases) or placebo control groupl (36 cases) at acupoints Shenque (CV 8), twice a week for 4 weeks. In addtion, patients all received herbal medicine treatment twice a day for 4 weeks. The primary outcomes was the US National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Scores Index (NIH-CPSI) with a questionnaire at weeks 2 and 4. The secondary outcomes including prostatic fluid examination (white blood cells and lecithin bodies), the clinical efficacy evaluation, and the adverse events were also assessed during the entire trial.@*RESULTS@#The NIH-CPSI scores regarding pain or discomfort scores showed greater improvement in the MDGP group than placebo control group at weeks 2 (P0.001) and week 4 (P0.004), respectively. NIH-CPSI scores of symptom severity, total scores, the amount of leukocytes number in the prostatic fifluid in the MDGP group were significantly improved (P0.05). The clinical effective rate was 73.53% (25/34) in the MDGP group, which was significally higher than the placebo control group with 48.39% (25/31, P<0.05). Patients were blinded successfully, and no serious adverse effects were found during the trial.@*CONCLUSION@#A 4-week course of umbilicus treatment with modified Dinggui Powder seems to relieve pain and symptom severity effectively and increase the amount of leukocytes number in patients with CNP (Trial registration No. ChiCTR1800014687).