Evaluation of the cytokines in genital secretions of patients with chronic prostatitis.
OBJECTIVE
In order to identify a specific prostatic inflammation marker we have assayed IL-6 and IL-8 cytokines levels in the genital secretions of men suffering from chronic prostatitis symptoms.


METHODS
207 patients underwent the following tests IL-6 and IL-8 were assayed in the genital secretions (seminal plasma:n.101-and- expressed prostatic secretion (EPS):n.106) by flow-cytometry; Meares-Stamey's test + leukocyte count in the EPS (microscopy-HPF/x1,000), semen analysis (WHO criteria), NIH/CPSI questionnaire. The control group was composed of 62 men with normal ejaculates (WHO criteria) and without symptoms or obstruction. We referred to Prostatitis classification-NIH, 1995. We considered as affected by prostatic inflammations those patients with high levels of IL-6 and/or IL-8 concentration in genital secretion. Statistical analysis was performed using: linear regression tests, Student's T-test, Chi-square and McNemar's test.


RESULTS
High levels of IL-6 and/or IL-8 were found in 177/207 cases (85.5%) and the leukocyte count had a positive result only in 85/177 cases (48%). There was a statistically significant difference between cytokine levels measured on 207 cases with chronic prostatitis and citokine levels measured on the control group (P<0.001). There was a correlation between cytokines values and Symptoms Score (CPSI).


CONCLUSIONS
IL-6 and IL-8 levels are frequently elevated in genital secretions of patients with prostatic inflammation and may prove to be excellent markers to identify and manage chronic prostatitis.
Struttura Complessa di Urologia, Ambulatorio Andrologico, Osp. Regina Apostolorum, Albano L., Roma, Italy. paulisg@tiscalinet.it
Gianni
G
Paulis
Enrico
E
Conti
Silvia
S
Voliani
Maria Antonella
MA
Bertozzi
Mario Lelio
ML
Sarteschi
Fabrizio
F
Menchini Fabris
D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers; D012634:Bodily Secretions; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002908:Chronic Disease; D016207:Cytokines / Q000032:analysis*; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006801:Humans; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000032:analysis*; D016209:Interleukin-8 / Q000032:analysis*; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017699:Pelvic Pain / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology; D011467:Prostate / Q000378:metabolism*; D011472:Prostatitis / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology*; D012661:Semen / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000166:cytology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013577:Syndrome; D014944:World Health Organization
D015415:Biomarkers; D016207:Cytokines; D015850:Interleukin-6; D016209:Interleukin-8