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.
Paulis
Gianni
G
Struttura Complessa di Urologia, Ambulatorio Andrologico, Osp. Regina Apostolorum, Albano L., Roma, Italy. paulisg@tiscalinet.it
Conti
Enrico
E
Voliani
Silvia
S
Bertozzi
Maria Antonella
MA
Sarteschi
Mario Lelio
ML
Menchini Fabris
Fabrizio
F
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