The Changes of T-cell Subclones in Patients with Chronic Nonbacterial Prostatitis / 대한비뇨기과학회지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The etiology of chronic nonbacterial prostatitis is unclear but it appears to be either an infectious disease caused by yet unidentified pathogens or a noninfectious form of inflammation. But, recent data showed that the chronic nonbacterial prostatitis is developed from abnormalities in autoimmunity. We examined the serum CD4, CD8, CD4/CD8 and CD16 levels in patients with chronic nonbacterial prostatitis and normal volunteers, so we tried to reveal their differences in both two groups and the relationship of its pathogenesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between Aug. 1996 and Nov. 1996, we examined the serum level of CD4, CD8 and CD16 in patient with chronic nonbacterial prostatitis(n=20) and in normal patients including volunteers(n=16). RESULTS: The results showed decreased CD4, and increased CD8 which lead to decreased CD4/CD8 ratio and normal CD16 levels. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that our experimental data would show changes of T-cell subclones in chronic nonbacterial prostatitis patients and suggest the basic data in understanding the etiology of chronic nonbacterial prostatitis.