良性前列腺增生并发前列腺炎患者前列腺液白细胞介素水平与前列腺特异性抗原的相关性研究

目的研究良性前列腺增生(BPH)并发前列腺炎患者的前列腺液白细胞介素水平和前列腺特异性抗原(PSA)的相关性。方法回顾本院2014年7月到2018年1月本院收治的115例良性前列腺增生患者的临床资料,分析其并发前列腺炎的情况、前列腺液白细胞介素水平、总PSA(TPSA)和游离PSA(FPSA)及FPSA/TPSA。结果115例BPH患者中有76例并发前列腺炎,其中I级炎症37例、II级炎症25例、III级炎症13例。III级炎症组的炎症范围、炎症程度均显著高于I级、II级炎症组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。III级炎症组的IL-2、IL-6、IL-8、IL-10均显著高于I级炎症组、II级炎症组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.01)。III级炎症组的TPSA、FPSA显著高于I级炎症组、II级炎症组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.01);三组的FPSA/TPSA比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。经Pearson直线相关法分析,BPH并发前列腺炎患者的前列腺液IL-2与PSA、FPSA均无显著相关性(P>0.05);前列腺液IL-6、IL-8、IL-10与TPSA、FPSA均呈显著正相关(P<0.05)。结论BPH并发前列腺炎是患者PSA升高的危险因素,且患者前列腺液的IL-6、IL-8、IL-10水平与PSA存在良好的相关性,临床可据此进行BPH并发前列腺炎的诊断和治疗,以提高临床疗效。     

合并组织学炎症的前列腺增生组织中IL-6、TNF-α表达的研究

目的:通过检测TNF-α、IL-6在单纯BPH与合并组织学炎症的BPH组织中表达的差异及两组BPH患者在临床指标上的异同,探讨炎症与BPH的发生发展的关系。方法:收集TURP术的90份BPH患者标本,用HE染色法将90份标本染色后分单纯组(A组)35份与合并炎症组(B组)55份。采用免疫组织化学方法检测TNF-α、IL-6在各标本中的表达情况,记录90例患者临床指标PSA、体积、年龄、尿流率等数据结果。全部患者均病理检查回报为BPH。结果:B组55例均为慢性炎症,构成比为0.61。与A组相比,B组患者前列腺体积较大,PSA水平也较高,差异有统计学意义(P0.05);而两组患者在年龄和尿流率比较上无统计学意义(P!0.05)。与A组比较,B组TNF-α与IL-6的表达显著增高(P0.05)。IL-6和TNF-α表达结果相关性分析:前列腺体积与患者年龄有相关性,差异有统计学意义(r=0.430,P0.001),前列腺体积与炎症程度也有相关性,差异有统计学意义(r=0.610和r=0.609,P0.001);患者的PSA水平与炎症程度有相关性,差异有统计学意义(r=0.572r=0.487,P0.01),而患者PSA水平与年龄无相关性,差异无统计学意义(r=0.065,P!0.1);通过偏倚相关分析控制年龄因素的影响后,炎症严重水平与BPH体积仍有明显相关性。结论:大部分BPH患者合并有前列腺炎症,并且以慢性炎症为主。合并炎症的BPH患者PSA水平相对较高,前列腺体积相对较大,但是在尿流率和年龄上的差异无统计学意义。IL-6、TNF-α两种促炎性因子可能对BPH和PSA的分泌起着促进作用。     

慢性前列腺炎在前列腺增生症发病与进展中的作用探讨

目的 探讨慢性前列腺炎在前列腺增生症发病与进展中的可能作用.方法 回顾性分析本院2011年5月至2014年12月期间因前列腺增生就诊患者356例,根据术后病理结果分为前列腺增生并慢性前列腺炎组及单纯性前列腺增生组,统计分析两组临床特征,包括:年龄(Age)、前列腺体积(PV)、PSA、IPSS评分、是否合并急性尿潴留(AUR).结果 前列腺增生并慢性前列腺炎121/356例(34.0％),发生急性尿潴留48/121例(39.7％);单纯前列腺增生235/356例(66.0％),发生尿潴留60/235例(25.5％).两组对比年龄差别无统计学意义(P＞0.05);但前列腺增生合并慢性前列腺炎组较单纯前列腺增生组PV、PSA、IPSS评分、尿潴留发生率均高,差别具有统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论 前列腺增生合并慢性前列腺炎通常具有更大的体积、更高的PSA及IPSS评分、更易发生尿潴留.因此,前列腺慢性炎症在前列腺增生的发病、进展中可能起作用.     

Presence of PSA auto‐antibodies in men with prostate abnormalities (prostate cancer/benign prostatic hyperplasia/prostatitis)

Prostate‐specific antigen (PSA), produced by the prostate, liquefies post‐ejaculate semen. PSA is detected in semen and blood. Increased circulating PSA levels indicate prostate abnormality [prostate cancer (PC), benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostatitis (PTIS)], with variance among individuals. As the prostate has been proposed as an immune organ, we hypothesise that variation in PSA levels among men may be due to presence of auto‐antibodies against PSA. Sera from healthy men (n = 28) and men having prostatitis (n = 25), BPH (n = 30) or PC (n = 29) were tested for PSA antibody presence using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) values converted to standard deviation (SD) units, and Western blotting. Taking ≥2 SD units as cut‐off for positive immunoreactivity, 0% of normal men, 0% with prostatitis, 33% with BPH and 3.45% with PC demonstrated PSA antibodies. One‐way analysis of variance (anova ) performed on the mean absorbance values and SD units of each group showed BPH as significantly different (P < 0.01) compared with PC and prostatitis. All others were nonsignificant (P < 0.05). Men (33%) with BPH had PSA antibodies by ELISA and Western blot. These discoveries may find clinical application in differential diagnosis among prostate abnormalities, especially differentiating BPH from prostate cancer and prostatitis.     

RATIO OF FREE-TO-TOTAL PROSTATE SPECIFIC ANTIGEN IN SERUM CANNOT DISTINGUISH PATIENTS WITH PROSTATE CANCER FROM THOSE WITH CHRONIC INFLAMMATION OF THE PROSTATE

Purpose

We demonstrate the effect of chronic inflammation of the prostate on the ratio of free-to-total prostate specific antigen (PSA) in serum calculated as a percentage of free PSA and, therefore, that percentage of free PSA is an unspecific means to distinguish among prostate cancer, chronic prostatitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Materials and Methods

Total, free and percentage of free PSA was measured in 66 men with prostate cancer, 119 with BPH and 17 with asymptomatic chronic prostatitis. In all patients the diagnosis was histopathologically confirmed by microscopic examination of prostatic specimens after sextant biopsy, transurethral prostatic resection or prostatectomy.

Results

The median values of total, free and percentage of free PSA were 4.11 micro g./l., 0.75 micro g./l. and 20.4% in patients with BPH, 10.0 micro g./l., 0.84 micro g./l. and 8.5% in those with prostate cancer, and 7.60 micro g./l., 1.23 micro g./l. and 10.6% in those with chronic prostatitis. Patients with prostate cancer and chronic prostatitis had a significantly lower percentage of free PSA than those with BPH. Receiver operating characteristics curve analysis showed that percentage of free PSA as a discriminator between prostate cancer and BPH was not suitable for differentiating between prostate cancer and chronic prostatitis.

Conclusions

Chronic prostatitis is not characterized by elevated total PSA concentrations alone but also by a decreased percentage of free PSA, a tendency similar to that in prostate cancer. This unspecific change in percentage of free PSA must be considered to interpret the percentage of free PSA correctly.     

High serum prostate-specific antigen levels in the absence of prostate cancer in Middle-Eastern men: the clinician's dilemma

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the common causes of total serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) values of> 10 ng/mL in an Arab population, as in the USA and Europe the risk of prostate cancer is considered high in men with such PSA levels. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Serum total PSA was measured in men presenting to our hospital as part of the investigation for prostate cancer screening and/or in elderly men with prostatism. Men with a serum PSA level of> 10 ng/mL were further investigated by transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) of the prostate and biopsy of suspicious lesions for histological diagnosis. In addition, the percentage of free PSA, PSA velocity and PSA density were determined. All the patients included in this study were men of Arab origin residing in Kuwait. RESULTS: In all, 1700 men (mean age 55.6 years, range 35-94) were assessed; of these, 161 had a serum PSA of> 10 ng/mL, attributable to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in 110 (68%), BPH with histological features of prostatitis in 33 (21%) and prostate cancer in 18 (11%). TRUS of the prostate in 143 of the 161 men with either BPH or BPH with prostatitis showed varying grades of intraprostatic calcifications in 22 (15%). Both PSA density and percentage free PSA did not contribute to determining the causes of total PSA levels of> 10 ng/mL. There was a progressive decline in PSA in all patients with BPH and prostatitis, except one who at re-biopsy had prostate cancer (T1N0M0, G1). CONCLUSION: Total PSA values of> 10 ng/mL in Arab men may be a result of BPH, BPH with prostatitis or prostate cancer, in that order. A gradual decline in total PSA (decreased PSA velocity) with time to < 4 ng/mL often confirms the diagnosis of BPH with prostatitis. The percentage of free PSA and PSA density may not be helpful in diagnosing prostate cancer with certainty in these patients. Compared with Caucasians in the USA and Europe, BPH and BPH with prostatitis appear to be more frequent causes of serum PSA levels of> 10 ng/mL in Arab men.     

Does normalizing PSA after successful treatment of chronic prostatitis with high PSA value exclude prostatic biopsy?

Objective

Evaluate male patients with diagnosed chronic prostatitis, elevated serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) to find out whether medical treatment with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs can lower serum PSA, and consequently decrease the prostate cancer detection rate in patients with post-treatment PSA<4 ng/mL.

Materials and methods

This prospective study evaluated 142 male patients aged 40-73 years whose presented with elevated serum PSA>4 ng/mL and were consequently diagnosed with chronic prostatitis as expressed prostatic excretions examination revealed more than 10 white blood cells per high power field. The Patients underwent treatment with antibiotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents for 6-weeks. Subsequently, all patients are Followed-up by serum PSA and performed transrectal ultrasonography-guided prostate biopsy within 2 months of treatment.

Results

Mean patient age was (54.4±13.5) years. The mean PSA pretreatment was (8.11±3.7) ng/mL and after treatment, the mean PSA denoted a significant decrease to (4.7±3.5) ng/mL (P=0.002). The percent of changes in mean PSA was 41.9%. Prostatic biopsy after treatment showed that, cancer prostate in 31 patients (21.8%), chronic prostatitis in 71 patients (50.7%), chronic prostatitis plus benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in 31 (21.8%) and BPH in 9 patients (6.3%) With regard to PSA values, cancer prostate patients were 3/25 (12%) if PSA<2.5 ng/mL, 6/47 (12.7%) if 4.0>PSA≥2.5 and 21/70 (30%) if PSA≥4.0. The numbers of cancer prostate detected patients were 30 (21.1%).

Conclusions

Chronic prostatitis is one of the causes that elevate serum PSA levels. Treatment of chronic prostatitis with elevated PSA by antibiotics and anti-inflammatory agents can decrease the elevated PSA to the normal levels. Nevertheless, the opportunities of potential prostate cancer still exist in patients with a decreased PSA level even also if PSA<2.5 ng/mL.     

慢性前列腺炎患者前列腺液IL-1β和TNF-α的检测及意义

目的 :了解IL 1β和TNF α在慢性前列腺炎患者前列腺按摩液 (EPS)中的变化及临床意义。 　方法 :应用ELISA法对 34例慢性前列腺炎 [EPS中白细胞 (WBC)计数≥ 10 /HP为A组 16例 ,WBC <10 /HP为B组 18例 ]、10例无症状性前列腺炎、12例良性前列腺增生 (BPH)及 8例健康对照EPS中的IL 1β和TNF α进行检测。 　结果 :IL 1β和TNF α在EPS中WBC≥ 10 /HP的慢性前列腺炎和无症状性前列腺炎两组检测值明显高于WBC <10 /HP的慢性前列腺炎、BPH和健康对照 3组 (P <0 .0 5 ,P <0 .0 2 )。IL 1β与TNF α有显著的数列等级相关性 (P <0 .0 0 3) ,而WBC计数和IL 1β、TNF α之间的数列等级相关性无显著性意义。 　结论 :IL 1β与TNF α在伴有WBC计数增高的慢性前列腺炎患者EPS中明显增高 ,IL 1β与TNF α对传统以WBC计数为慢性前列腺炎进行分类的方法可以提供一个更准确的新分类方法。     

良性前列腺增生合并前列腺炎患者的临床特点分析

目的 探讨合并前列腺炎的良性前列腺增生(BPH)患者的临床特点. 方法 BPH患者100例.按是否合并前列腺炎分为单纯组(34例)和合并组(66例).比较2组患者年龄、前列腺体积、PSA与前列腺特异性抗原密度(PSAD)、国际前列腺症状评分(IPSS)的差异,同时分析B超检查对BPH合并前列腺炎的检出情况. 结果单纯组患者年龄为(66.5±6.4)、合并组为(69.9±7.2)岁;单纯组平均前列腺体积为(47.5±26.7)、合并组为(71.4±39.3)ml.单纯组患者PSA和PS-AD中位数分别为3.40和0.08 ng/ml,合并组分别为8.07和0.12 ng/ml;平均IPSS分别为19.9和22.2.2组患者平均年龄、前列腺体积、PSA与PSAD值及IPSS评分比较,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05).合并前列腺炎患者前列腺体积与炎症浸润程度及腺体破坏程度具有相关性(r分别为0.29,0.25,P<0.01).PSA与前列腺炎浸润分级和破坏分级均具有相关性(r分别为0.319和0.214,P值均<0.05).PSAD与浸润分级具有相关性(r=0.212,P<0.05).B超诊断BPH合并前列腺炎的敏感性为21.2%,特异性82.4%. 结论 BPH患者多伴前列腺炎,且以慢性炎性细胞浸润为主;合并前列腺炎的患者临床检测指标明显高于单纯BPH患者.B超对BPH合并前列腺炎的检出能力不令人满意.     

Factors correlated with prostate volume in middle-aged men with bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the predictive factors of prostate volume (PV) by analyzing potential predictors in a population of middle-aged men with bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and use a prediction model for PV estimation to compare with digital rectal examination (DRE) alone.Materials and methodsPatients between the ages of 40 years and 64 years who underwent transrectal prostate ultrasound as part of a self-paid medical check-up were enrolled. Participant demographics, medical history, and voiding symptoms were assessed by the International Prostate Symptoms Score (IPSS) questionnaire. A multiple linear regression with stepwise selection was used to analyze the correlations between PV and all potential predictors.ResultsTwo hundred and twenty-eight men with bothersome LUTS (IPSS > 7) were enrolled as study participants at a mean age of 56.4 years. Patients with PV > 25 mL were significantly older and had higher serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and scores for total IPSS, storage, urgency items, and nocturia items. DRE, serum PSA, age, and urgency score were independent predictors for PV, especially for men with PV > 25 mL, for which the standardized regression equation was PV = 0.74 × (DRE estimation) + 0.10 × (age) + 0.12 × (serum PSA) + 0.079 × (urgency score) (adjusted R² = 0.80).ConclusionIn the current study, we confirmed that serum PSA, age, and urgency score are significant predictors of PV. The prediction model including DRE, PSA, age, and urgency score was a better method to estimate PV than DRE alone, especially for men with a larger prostate (PV > 25 mL).     

Clinical evaluation of IL-1beta and TNF-alpha in prostatic secretions for chronic prostatitis]

OBJECTIVE: To determine the clinical significance of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha( TNF-alpha) in expressed prostatic secretions(EPS) for chronic prostatitis. METHODS: Prostatic secretions IL-1beta and TNF-alpha were evaluated for 34 patients with chronic prostatitis, 10 with asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis, 12 with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and 8 health controls by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: IL-1beta and TNF-alpha levels in EPS in the patients of chronic prostatitis with WBC > or = 10/HP and asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis were obviously higher than those of chronic prostatitis with WBC < 10/HP, BPH and health controls, (P < 0.05 and P < 0.02). There was a correlation between IL-1beta and TNF-alpha (P < 0.003) but none between WBC and IL-1beta or TNF-alpha. CONCLUSION: Cytokines are frequently elevated in EPS in men of chronic prostatitis with high WBC and asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis, which provides a novel means different from traditional methods based on WBC for the identification of men with chronic prostatitis.     

Detection of prostate cancer and changes in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) six months after surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia in patients with elevated PSA

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate early postoperative results of patients with elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels who underwent surgery due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). PATIENTS AND METHODS: 64 patients who had lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), normal digital rectal examinations (DRE), elevated PSA levels and prostate biopsies reported as being benign pathologically in specimens obtained by transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided biopsies, were included in the study. Patients were assessed in accordance with PSA density, free/total PSA ratio and uroflowmetric studies. Patients had no cancer pre- and postoperatively (according to operative specimens). Six months postoperatively, 32 patients were accepted for re-evaluation for all PSA parameters, routine tests and prostatic biopsies. RESULTS: 64 patients with a mean age of 66.8 (SD 6.72) were included in the study. Total PSA average value was 14.38 (SD 7.49) ng/ml. Free PSA average value was 2.11 (SD 1.43) ng/ml. Average PSA density and free/total PSA ratio were 25.19 SD (14.12) ng/ml/cm(3) and 14.53% (SD 5.35%) respectively. 56 patients had BPH, 7 had chronic prostatitis and 1 had prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) preoperatively with biopsies. Re-biopsy of the patient with PIN was reported as BPH. In pathologic examination with resected tissues postoperatively, 49 patients had BPH, 14 had chronic prostatitis and 1 had PIN. In the sixth month, average values of free/total PSA were 0.45 (SD 0.26) and 3.71 (SD 4.96) ng/ml respectively. Average PSA density and free/total PSA ratio were 12.41 (SD 13.8) ng/ml/cm(3) and 19.59% (SD 10.33%) respectively. There were significant decreases in PSA densities (p < 0.001) and increases in free/total PSA ratios (p = 0.004). Seven patients still had elevated PSA levels 6 months postoperatively. Three of 7 patients were reported as chronic prostatitis. One of them was indicated as prostatic carcinoma who was reported as PIN preoperatively. All other patients were stated as BPH at re-biopsies. CONCLUSION: If pretreatment biopsies are negative and operative specimens are also benign in patients with high PSA values, these patients can be followed up like usual BPH patients, but long-term follow-up is still unclear.     

良性前列腺增生合并慢性前列腺炎的临床分析

目的:对良性前列腺增生(BPH)合并慢性前列腺炎的发病情况进行分析和探讨。方法:对213例已确诊为BPH患者进行前列腺按摩液(EPS)常规检查及EPS细菌培养,支原体、衣原体检测和血清PSA检测。对合并慢性前列腺炎的患者,进行抗炎治疗前后的BPH症状评分(IPSS)比较。结果:213例BPH患者中,合并慢性前列腺炎69例(32.4%),EPS细菌培养阳性27例(12.7%),EPS支原体、衣原体检测,15例阳性(7.0%)。合并慢性前列腺炎的患者中有7例PSA异常(>4μg/L)。69例合并慢性前列腺炎的患者经抗炎治疗后,IPSS由治疗前(12.2±2.6)分,降为治疗后(10.5±2.3)分,差异有显著性(P<0.01)。结论:BPH患者进行EPS检查,以明确是否合并有慢性前列腺炎,对临床上明确诊断、选择治疗药物或手术方式,提高疗效及减少并发症都有着重要意义。     

Circulating levels of interleukin-6 in patients with hormone refractory prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a cytokine that plays a central role in host defense due to its wide range of immune and hematopoietic activities. It is found in high levels in human ejaculate, and has recently been found to regulate prostate-specific protein expression in prostate cancer cells through nonsteroidal activation of the androgen receptor. IL-6 may be a candidate mediator of morbidity in patients with metastatic disease. We attempted to evaluate the potential of circulating IL-6 levels as a marker of disease progression. MATERIALS AND METHODS Serum IL-6, prostate specific antigen (PSA), percent free PSA (%fPSA), and prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) were measured using commercially available assays in 407 men, including 15 controls. The rest of the study population had clinical or histologic evidence of prostate diseases, including 41 patients with chronic prostatitis, 167 with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), 8 with high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN), 88 with localized prostate cancer, 22 with local recurrence after treatment of primary tumor, 4 with advanced untreated disease (nodal or bony metastases), 23 with advanced hormone dependent disease, and 39 with advanced hormone refractory disease (PSA > 1.0 ng/ml while on hormone treatment and/or evidence of disease progression). None had history of concurrent malignancy or acute inflammatory condition. Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance and Spearman's correlation analysis were used for statistical analyses. RESULTS: Serum levels of IL-6 were significantly elevated in patients with clinically evident hormone refractory disease (5.7 +/- 1.9 pg/ml) and statistical significance was seen when comparing the elevated serum IL-6 levels to those in normal controls, prostatitis, BPH, and localized and recurrent disease, (P values < 0.01). Compared to serum levels of controls and BPH, PSA was significantly elevated in advanced untreated disease and hormone refractory groups (P < 0.05). Percent fPSA was significantly lower in all cancer patients but the hormone refractory. Serum PSMA was elevated in advanced untreated prostate cancer. Serum IL-6 showed positive correlation with PSMA and negative correlation with serum PSA but did not attain statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: Serum IL-6 levels are significantly elevated in hormone-refractory prostate cancer patients and may be a surrogate marker of the androgen independent phenotype.     

Percent of free serum prostate-specific antigen and histological findings in patients undergoing open prostatectomy for benign prostatic hyperplasia

PURPOSE: To determine which pathologic features of the surgical specimen in men undergoing open prostatectomy for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) correlate with preoperative and postoperative total, free prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and the free-to-total PSA ratio. METHODS: Forty-four patients, undergoing open prostatectomy for BPH without evidence of prostate cancer in systematic biopsies and clinical prostatitis, were included in this prospective study. Each prostatectomy specimen was weighed and each slide was evaluated for inflammation (acute prostatitis, chronic-active prostatitis and chronic-inactive prostatitis), prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, transitional/squamous metaplasia, cystic ductal dilation, leiomyoma-resembling stromal cell proliferation, leakage of prostatic secretion, infarction and prostatic calculi. RESULTS: The mean preoperative (and postoperative) total PSA and free PSA levels were 6.1 +/- 4.3 (1.14 +/- 0.87) and 1.7 +/- 1.6 (0.24 +/- 0.19) ng/ml, respectively. The mean prostatic and transition zone volume was 83.9 +/- 28.4 and 55.4 +/- 27.6 cm(3), respectively. Both total PSA and free PSA levels were correlated with total gland volume (p = 0.0001; p = 0.002) and the volume of the surgical specimen (p = 0.003; p < 0.05) and, upon stepwise logistic analysis, patients with a total gland volume of <50 cm(3) had an odds ratio of 11 (CI 1.6-71.3) for having a free-to-total ratio of <18%. No minimal change pathology or prostatic inflammation were associated with preoperative total or free PSA levels. The free-to-total PSA ratio was higher in the group of patients with histologically acute and moderate to severe chronic-active prostatitis (mean ratio 27 +/- 12%) than in patients with chronic-inactive prostatitis and minimal chronic-active prostatitis (mean ratio 0.19 +/- 13%; p = 0.05), showing an odds ratio of 5 (CI 1.1-22.1) for having a free-to-total PSA ratio of <18%. CONCLUSIONS: Prostate volume and, in particular, transition zone volume seem to influence both free and total PSA levels in men with BPH. The free-to-total PSA ratio seems to be influenced by the presence of histological prostatitis in the surgical specimen. In particular, patients with a prostate volume of <50 cm(3) and an inactive form of prostatitis seem to have a relatively higher risk of having a free-to-total PSA ratio of <18%.     

Relationship between serum prostate specific antigen and histological prostatitis in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia

The relationship between the serum values of prostate specific antigen (PSA) and the extent of histological prostatitis was investigated in 42 patients undergoing transurethral resection of the prostate for benign hyperplasia (BPH) without clinical evidence of prostatitis. Histological prostatitis was divided into three groups: acute, chronic-active, and chronic-inactive inflammation. The extent of histological prostatitis was expressed as the number of prostatic acinar and ductal glands with inflammatory infiltrate per total number of glands (%). The serum PSA values significantly correlated with the extent of acute and chronic-active prostatitis (correlation coefficient r = 0.765 and 0.656, P < 0.01). A relationship between PSA values and the extent of chronic-inactive prostatitis was not found. In the immunohistochemical study, prostatic epithelial cells with acute and chronic-active inflammation showed negative staining for PSA antigen. These results indicate that histological acute and chronic-active prostatitis is considered an important factor for inducing the high increase in serum PSA values via the leak phenomenon. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

The correlation between serum prostate specific antigen levels and asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis

Introduction Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis is a common pathological finding in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). In the present study, we evaluated the correlation between serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) level and extent and aggressiveness of inflammation in surgical specimens of patients who underwent to surgery for BPH without any evidence of clinical prostatitis. Methods Histological sections of the prostatic tissues of 52 patients were scored for the extent of inflammation and aggressiveness of inflammation, using the four point scale designed by Irani et al. Extent of inflammation is graded from 0 to 3 according to the degree of invasion of inflammatory cells in prostate tissue. Aggressiveness of inflammation is graded from 0 to 3 according to the degree of contact or disruption of prostatic glandular epithelium by inflammatory cells. The serum PSA levels in different inflammation grades were compared. Results There was a significant correlation between inflammation and aggressiveness scores (r = 0.39, P < 0.01). Median PSA levels in grades 1, 2 and 3 extent of inflammation were 2.4, 5.2 and 5.7 ng/ml, respectively. There was not any significant difference between these grades for PSA. Furthermore, median PSA levels in grades 1, 2 and 3 aggressiveness of inflammation were 4.4, 4.8 and 8.7 ng/ml, respectively. There was a significant difference between grades of aggressiveness of inflammation and PSA levels. Conclusion High serum PSA levels may correlate with asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis with high aggressiveness score in BPH patients without clinical prostatitis.     

Age-specific reference ranges for prostate specific antigen-total and free in patients with prostatitis symptoms and patients at risk

Background Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a tumor marker helpful in the diagnosis and follow-up of prostate cancer. However, PSA level may rise due to other causes than prostate cancer such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), acute prostatitis, chronic bacteria and a bacterial prostatitis. Total serum PSA (TPSA) and free prostate-specific antigen (FPSA) levels of patients with prostatitis symptoms as well as these levels in male population at risk but without clinical prostatic diseases (>40-years-old) with regard to age should be documented in order to increase the sensitivity and specificity of PSA in prostate carcinoma. Methods A comprehensive urological examination was performed on 1150 male patients over the age of 40 with prostatism symptoms from the random-sample community based in with no diagnostic prostate cancer. Men with PSA level 4.1 ng/ml or greater were referred for biopsy and those with positive biopsies or with medical record, cancer registry, or self-reported evidence of prostate cancer were excluded. Data were studied as a function of age to determine the usefulness of measuring TPSA and FPSA as screening tests for risk patient’s cancer. Results Because of the greater variability at older ages, the 95th percentile increased faster than the median, the following age-specific reference ranges of TPSA and FPSA for patients with prostatism symptoms were as follows: 3.1 and 0.7 ng/ml for the age group 40–49 years, 4.4 and 0.89 ng/ml for the age group 50–59 years, 5.6 and 1.3 ng/ml for the age group 60–69 years, and 6.3 and 1.8 ng/ml for age group 70–79 years. There was a continuous increase in TPSA and FPSA means and medians with significant correlation (P < 0.001, P < 0.005) and advancing age group. The aim of this study was to find out age-specific values and ranges of TPSA and FPSA in patients with prostatism symptoms to ensure low false-positive biopsy rates.     

Asymptomatic inflammation and/or infection in benign prostatic hyperplasia

OBJECTIVE: To determine the extent, pattern and clinical significance of asymptomatic histological inflammation and latent infection (National Institute of Health Category IV prostatitis) in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 80 patients (from a cohort of 100 consecutive potentially eligible subjects) with a diagnosis of BPH, but no history or symptoms of prostatitis. Histological sections were obtained from specimens collected prospectively at transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), immunostained for leukocyte common antigen and scanned using a computerized image-analysis system. Foci of inflammation were categorized as glandular, periglandular, stromal or peri-urethral, and the inflammatory cell density graded from 1 to 3. Relationships and correlations were calculated between the volume, degree and type of inflammation, presence and type of bacteria (culture of deep prostatic biopsies), the use of catheters and prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels. RESULTS: Inflammation was identified in all patients but the mean tissue surface area involved was only 1.1% of the total specimen, with periglandular inflammation being the predominant pattern (0.5%). Of the prostate specimens, 44% showed bacterial growth (in 67% of the catheterized patients and 28% of those uncatheterized; 42% of patients were catheterized before TURP). There was no significant difference between any combination of inflammation pattern, volume or grade of inflammation in those catheterized or not (P=0.15) or culture-positive (pathogenic or not) and culture-negative cases (P=0.06). Neither total PSA or PSA density was significantly correlated (P>0.05) with the amount, degree or distribution of inflammation. CONCLUSION: Prostatic inflammation is an extremely common histological finding in patients with symptoms of BPH who have no symptoms of prostatitis. There was no correlation between the degree and pattern of inflammation, catheterization, presence of bacteria, serum PSA or PSA density. The clinical significance of asymptomatic Category IV chronic prostatitis associated with BPH has yet to be determined.     

Significance of histological prostatitis in patients with urinary retention and underlying benign prostatic hyperplasia or adenocarcinoma of the prostate

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? It is known that histological prostatitis is associated with a significantly higher risk for acute urinary retention in men with BPH. This study showed that, in men with BPH, histological prostatitis was associated with urinary retention at a significantly younger age and with higher serum PSA levels. In men with ACP, histological prostatitis was associated with urinary retention at an earlier stage of cancer. Study Type – Prognosis (individual cohort) Level of Evidence 2b

OBJECTIVE

• ? To compare the clinical features of patients having urinary retention and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with those having adenocarcinoma of the prostate (ACP) and to evaluate the significance of histological prostatitis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

• ? The clinical data and histopathology reports of patients with retention admitted to Tygerberg Hospital between September 1998 and June 2007 were evaluated.
• ? Statistical analysis was performed with Student's t‐test, Mann–Whitney test and Fisher's exact test where appropriate and P < 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance.

RESULTS

• ? Prostatic histology was available in 405 patients, 204 with BPH and 201 with ACP.
• ? Comparing those with BPH and those with ACP showed statistically significant differences in mean age (69.5 vs 71.9 years), serum prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level (18.6 vs 899.5 ng/mL) and histological prostatitis (48 vs 25%) but not duration of catheterization, prostate volume or urinary tract infection (UTI).
• ? Comparing those with BPH only and those with BPH plus prostatitis showed significant differences in mean age (71.9 vs 67.1 year) and PSA level (14.6 vs 22.8 ng/mL) but not prostate volume, UTI or duration of catheterization.
• ? Comparing those with ACP only and those with ACP plus prostatitis showed significant differences in stage T4 cancer (68.1 vs 35.4%) and PSA level (1123.4 vs 232.4 ng/mL) but not age, prostate volume, UTI or duration of catheterization.

CONCLUSIONS

• ? Histological prostatitis was almost twice as common in patients with urinary retention associated with underlying BPH than in patients with ACP, but there was no significant difference in the duration of catheterization, prostatic volume or presence of UTI, suggesting that histological prostatitis more often contributes to the development of retention in patients with underlying BPH than in those with ACP.
• ? In patients with BPH, histological prostatitis was associated with urinary retention at a significantly younger age and with higher serum PSA levels.
• ? In patients with ACP, histological prostatitis was associated with urinary retention at an earlier stage of cancer.