title: The role of cytokines in prostatitis.
abstract: There is substantiating evidence to support the role of the immune system in the pathogenesis of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS). Inflammation of the prostate is mediated through the cytokine-induced expression of several factors such as chemokines, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and cyclooxygenase-2. The balance between the effects of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines determines the outcome of the inflammatory process. Several proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines have been identified in CPPS patients, their roles characterized, and their inter-relationships defined. Study of this system will provide further insights into the etiology of CP/CPPS, and lead the way for the development of novel therapeutic approaches for this morbid condition.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Northwestern University Medical School, Tarry 11-715, 303 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60611-3008, USA.
authors.forename: Thomas L
authors.initials: TL
authors.lastname: Jang
authors.forename: Anthony J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Schaeffer
mesh_terms: D002908:Chronic Disease; D016207:Cytokines / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017699:Pelvic Pain / Q000150:complications / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D011472:Prostatitis / Q000150:complications / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology* / Q000503:physiopathology
chemical_list: D016207:Cytokines