T2 Peptide Represents a Major Autoantigen Epitope in Experimental Autoimmune Prostatitis.

Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndromes (CP/CPPS) is a clinical tricky problem due to its enigmatic etiology, low cure rate, and high recurrence rate. The research on its pathogenesis has never stopped. In this experimental autoimmune prostatitis (EAP) model, male C57BL/6 mice were subcutaneously immunized with prostate extracts in an adequate adjuvant. For mice in the antibody intervention group, anti-T2 polyclonal antibodies were intraperitoneally injected during the induction of EAP. Animals were periodically monitored for pelvic pain. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to assess prostate inflammation. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels in serum were measured by ELISA kits. The immunized animals developed prostatitis as a consequence of the immune response against prostate antigens. Pelvic pain thresholds were gradually decreased and TNF-α expression significantly increased. T2 plays an important role in the disease since polyclonal antibodies to T2 greatly ameliorated symptoms in animals induced for EAP. T2 peptide may represent the major autoantigen epitope in EAP, which could serve for a better understanding of the etiology of CP/CPPS.

Recent Advances in Pharmacological Interventions of Chronic Prostatitis/ Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome.

Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome type III is related to irritative voiding, sexual dysfunction, and pelvic pain. Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome weakens the quality of life and poses adverse psychological effects on the patients. A wide range of treatments, including botulinum neurotoxins, anti-inflammatories, alpha-blockers, phytotherapy, 5α-reductase inhibitors, phosphodiesterase type 4 inhibitor, phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor, monoclonal antibody, anticholinergics, gabapentin, pregabalin is used clinically. These therapies emphasize easing the symptoms in specific areas without curing the fundamental cause where the outcome of the treatment is not completely satisfactory. This review article explains the recent pharmacological treatments of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome in detail and offers a future perspective to treat this condition.