[Efficacy of Urapidil in treating lower urinary tract symptoms in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia: A systematic review and meta-analysis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the potential application of α-1 blocker (urapidil) in the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in male patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), we conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis. METHODS: Our study involved identifying and collecting randomized controlled trials (RCT) and clinical observational studies from databases including PubMed、MEDLINE、Web of science、CNKI and Wanfang database. We performed meta-analysis using RevMan 5.2.0 software for both fixed effects model and random effects model. RESULTS: Our analysis included 3 short-term (within 1 month) observational studies and 1 RCT involving 142 patients. We found that urapidil significantly improved the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS, MD=－5.57, 95%CI: －7.98～－3.16，P<0.00001), nocturia（MD=－0.7, 95%CI: －1.16～－0.24，P=0.003）, residual urine rate（MD=－6.97；95%CI: －12.57～－1.37，P=0.01）, average flow rate（MD=2.04；95%CI: 0.52～3.56，P=0.008）, and maximum flow rate （MD=4.29；95%CI: 0.58～8.01，P=0.02）of patients. However, there was no significant difference in the residual urine volume（MD=－35.93；95%CI: －78.62～6.76，P=0.10）between pre-treatment and post-treatment groups. CONCLUSION: Urapidil is an effective medication for relieving LUTS in BPH patients. However, due to the limited quantity and quality of current RCT studies, high-quality and large-scale RCT studies are still needed to further confirm this conclusion.

[Association between chronic diseases and possible sarcopenia in middle-aged and older Chinese men: A prospective cohort study].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between chronic diseases and the risk of possible sarcopenia among middle-aged and older Chinese males. METHODS: This prospective cohort study included the data collected from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study on 4 878 males aged over 45 years without possible sarcopenia as the baseline population in 2011 and 2013, and all were followed up until 2015. Possible sarcopenia was determined by measuring the grip strength and the time of five successive sit-ups. The Cox proportional risk model was used to analyze the relationship of the type and number of chronic diseases with the risk of possible sarcopenia in males. RESULTS: The risk of possible sarcopenia in the middle-aged and older men with prostatic disease, cognitive impairment or depression was increased by 16% (HR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.01－1.33), 23% (HR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.10－1.38) and 12% (HR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.01－1.24), respectively. The risk in those with one, two or three or more chronic diseases was raised by 22% (HR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.04－1.42), 20% (HR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.02－1.42) and 46% (HR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.25－1.71), respectively, compared with those without chronic diseases, and it was increased in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.01) Conclusion: Prostatic disease, cognitive impairment and depression increase the risk of possible sarcopenia in middle-aged and older Chinese males, and the risk rises with the increased number of chronic comorbidities.

[Heavy metal exposure and reproductive toxicity: Advances in studies].

Heavy metals are among the major pollutants affecting the environment, with a higher density of metal element than that of water and an extensive presence in the natural environment. Trace elements such as zinc, copper, nickel and chromium mediate important physiological functions and metabolic regulation at normal levels, and insufficient intake of them will lead to related diseases. Heavy metals such as cadmium, lead and mercury do not participate in the normal metabolism of the human body and will cause damage to the body even at an extremely low dose. Heavy metal pollution mainly comes from industrial wastewater, fossil fuel combustion, wastewater, smelting, mining, vehicle exhaust, hazardous waste dumping, and fertilizer abuse. Unable to be biodegraded, heavy metals have a long biological half-life in nature, which in turn leads to bio-accumulation and -amplification. Eating contaminated vegetables is one way of being exposed to heavy metals. Heavy metals produce adverse effects not only on the human reproductive system, but also on the fetus by penetrating the placental barrier, and on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis as well, consequently affecting sexual maturation and reproductive function. With the sharp increase of heavy metals in the environment, researches on their reproductive toxicity and antagonistic drugs have an important clinical significance.

[Progress of physical therapy for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome].

Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS), as a common male urogenital system disease, has made significant progress in the field of physical therapy in recent years. With the characteristics of non-invasiveness, low side effects, clear effectiveness and high patient compliance, physical therapy has gradually become one of the vital methods for the treatment of CP/CPPS. In the physical therapy of chronic prostatitis, the commonly used methods mainly include prostate massage, biofeedback, magnetic therapy, ultrasound and shock wave therapy, hyperthermia, acupuncture and electrophysiological therapy. These methods ultimately alleviate the patient's pain and other discomfort symptoms through different physical effects. This article will summarize the latest research progress of physical therapy for CP/CPPS, analyze their mechanisms and their respective advantages and disadvantages, forthe reference in clinical treatment, and also inorderto provide new concepts and ideas for researchers.

[Intratesticular varicocele: Progress in research].

Intratesticular varicocele (ITV) is a relatively rare condition. Currently, there is no domestic literature available on this topic. This paper presents an overview of the epidemiology, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, impact on male reproductive health, and treatment of ITV with a review of recent foreign literature, aiming to gain a deeper insight into this condition.

[Oxalis inhibits prostate tumor in the mouse model of castration-resistant prostate cancer: Effect and mechanism].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the inhibitory effect of oxalis on prostate tumor in the mouse model of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and its action mechanism. METHODS: We established a CRPC model in 40 male C57/BL mice aged 6－8 weeks, divided them randomly into four groups of an equal number, and treated them intragastrically with normal saline (control), low-dose oxalis (5 mg/kg/d), medium-dose oxalis (10 mg/kg/d), and high-dose oxalis (15 mg/kg/d), respectively. After 28 days of treatment, we measured the tumor volume and body weight of the mice in different groups, calculated the tumor-inhibition rate, examined the histomorphological changes of the prostate tumors by HE staining, and detected the expressions of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway and its downstream proteins in the tumor tissue by immunofluorescence assay. RESULTS: In comparison with the controls, the mice in the low-, medium- and high-dose oxalis groups showed a gradual decrease in tumor cell concentration and cell degeneration, and a gradually increased number of necrotic tumor cells. The volume and mean weight of prostate tumors were significantly reduced (P < 0.05), the expressions of NF-κB p65 and Ki67 proteins remarkably down-regulated (P < 0.05), and that of the Bax protein markedly up-regulated (P < 0.05) in the oxalis groups compared with the controls. CONCLUSION: Oxalis can inhibit the growth of prostate tumor in CRPC mice possibly by down-regulating the NF-κB signaling pathway and the expressions of p65 and Ki67 and up-regulating the expression of Bax, and thereby promoting the degeneration and necrosis of tumor cells.

[Clinical observation of Xiaoluowan (II) in treating epididymitis].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficacy of Xiaoluowan (II) on epididymitis. METHODS: 61 patients with epididymitis were divided into two groups, acute group (23 cases) and non-acute group (38 cases) . Both groups of patients were treated with Xiaoluowan (II) 6g twice a day orally, while acute group patients were given antibiotics intravenously. The treatment period is 4 weeks. The acute group evaluates the therapeutic efficacy comprehensively based on changes in clinical symptoms and signs, while recording changes in visual pain score (VAS). Chronic epididymitis symptom index (CESI) was used to evaluate the clinical symptoms before and after treatment in the non-acute group, and the curative efficacy was evaluated. RESULTS: After treatment, the VAS scores in the acute group decreased from 7.08 ± 1.09 to 2.10 ± 1.37 (P<0.05). Total efficiency is 82.60% . In the non-acute group, the scores of pain before and after treatment were 7.08 ± 1.09 and 2.10 ± 1.37, the scores of quality of life were 7.28 ± 1.14 and 1.87 ± 1.56, the total scores were 14.37 ± 1.78 and 3.97±2.73, respectively. The difference was significant(P<0.05). Total efficiency is 84.21% . CONCLUSION: Xiaoluowan (II) is an effective method to treat epididymitis and an effective supplement to modern medicine.

[Correlation of serum and seminal plasma HCY levels with semen parameters in men and its effect on recurrent spontaneous abortion].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation of serum and seminal plasma homocysteine (Hcy) levels with semen parameters in men and its effect on recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) in their spouses. METHODS: The study included 103 males subjects undergoing preconception examination in the reproduction center from March 2022 to June 2023. According to whether their spouses had a history of RSA or not, we divided their subjects into an RSA (n = 43) and a non-RSA group (NRSA, n = 60), obtained their serum and seminal plasma Hcy levels and semen parameters, and analyzed their correlation. RESULTS: The serum Hcy level was significantly correlated with the sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) (r = 0.316, P = 0.005), but not with the seminal plasma Hcy level (r = －0.041, P = 0.723) and other semen parameters of the subjects (P > 0.05). There was no significant correlation between seminal plasma Hcy and semen parameters (P > 0.05). The median serum Hcy was significantly higher in the RSA than in the NRSA group (18.39 ï¼»13.02, 42.84ï¼½ vs 14.65 ï¼»12.00, 18.20ï¼½ µmol/L), with statistically significant difference in the overall distribution of serum Hcy between the two groups (Ｚ=－2.20, P = 0.028), so was the median sperm DFI in the former than in the latter group (25.00% ï¼»12.50%, 37.25%ï¼½ vs 13.00% ï¼»11.00%, 18.50%ï¼½), with statistically significant difference in the overall sperm DFI distribution between the two groups (Ｚ=－2.74, P = 0.006). CONCLUSION: The serum Hcy level was positively correlated with sperm DFI, and both serum Hcy and sperm DFI were significantly elevated in men with spousal RSA, which is expected to be used as a clinical screening indicator for males with spousal RSA.

[Mechanism of regulation of CNP rat model by oxalis decoction via cGAS-STING signaling pathway].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the therapeutic mechanism of oxalis decoction on CNP rats by regulating cGAS-STING signaling pathway. METHODS: Thirty specific pathogen-free SD male rats were randomly divided into normal control group (NC), model control group (MC), and oxalis decoction group (OD),with 10 rats in each group.The left and right anterior abdominal lobes of each group were surgically exposed.The normal control group was injected by the same volume of normal saline.After the model was successfully established,the OD group was given ï¼»9.37g/(kg·d)ï¼½ by gavage once a day, and the NC and MC groups were given ï¼»0.01/(mｌ/g)ï¼½ normal saline by gavage. From the 7th day of administration, the body weight of the rats in each group was recorded every 7 days for dynamic comparison. After 50 days of administration, the prostate index of the rats in each group was calculated, the morphological and pathological changes of the prostate tissue were observed by HE staining,and the expression levels of tumor necrosis factorα(TNF-α), interleukin-1ß(IL-1ß)and IL-6 in serum were detected by ELISA. RT-qPCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of cGAS, STING, TRAF6 and HSP70 in prostate tissue of rats in each group. RESULTS: Versus the NC group and OD group, the prostate organ index in MC group was significantly higher than that in other groups (P<0.01). Versus the NC group, the HE staining results of the MC group showed that the prostate gland structure was disordered, and the interstitial and acinar epithelium were extensively edema, accompanied by a large number of lymphocyte infiltration, cell swelling, loose cytoplasm, and a small number of foam cells. Versus the MC group, HE staining showed that the edema of interstitial and acinar epithelial cells in the rat prostate tissue was reduced after the OD group intervention, and the inflammatory cell infiltration in the interstitium was significantly reduced.Versus to NC group, the expression levels of TNF-α,IL-1ßandIL-6 in MC group were significantly increased（P<0.01 ).Versus to MC group,the expression levels of TNF-α, IL-1ß and IL-6 in OD group were decreased (P<0.05). Versus the NC group, the mRNA expression of cGAS, STING and TRAF6 in the MC group was significantly up-regulated,and HSP70mRNA was significantly down-regulated(P<0.01).Versus the MC group,the OD group had significantly decreased mRNA expression of cGAS, STING and TRAF6 and significantly increased mrna expression of HSP70(P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: CNP has autoimmune disorders that cause inflammatory responses.The key target for CNP treatment is to regulate innate immunity.The treatment with oxalis decoction can significantly improve the prostate organ index and pathological changes in CNP rats, which may be related to the down-regulation of cGAS-STING innate immune signaling pathway and the inhibition of inflammatory mediators secretion.

[Keratoacanthoma of the penis: A case report and literature review].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical characteristics and treatment options of keratoacanthoma (KA) of the penis. METHODS: We report the diagnosis and treatment of a case of penile keratoacanthoma in our hospital and review the literature. RESULTS: The patient was admitted due to the discovery of a "new lesion on the glans for 4 months," diagnosed with a penile tumor, underwent tumor resection surgery, with histopathological examination revealing squamous epithelial hyperplasia, thickening, and excessive keratinization. The postoperative pathological diagnosis was penile keratoacanthoma. There was no recurrence or metastasis during follow-up. CONCLUSION: KA is a relatively rare benign tumor with potential malignant transformation, and close follow-up is necessary postoperatively.

[Cuproptosis-related lncRNAs to predict biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To construct a cuproptosis-related lncRNA model and obtain some new ideas and methods for predicting the biochemical recurrence (BCR) of PCa. METHODS: We identified cuproptosis-related lncRNAs from the gene expression data, mutation load data and clinical data on PCa patients in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and divided the patients into a training group and a verification group. We constructed a prognostic risk scoring model based on the cuproptosis -related lncRNAs, verified the validity of the model by BCR-free survival analysis, logistic regression analysis and independent prognosis analysis, and visualized the results using ROC curve analysis, Kaplan-Meier survival curves and the correlation heat map. We performed differential analysis and survival analysis of the tumor mutation burden (TMB), and assessed the value of the model and TMB in predicting the BCR of PCa. RESULTS: A prognostic risk scoring model was successfully constructed based on the 6 cuproptosis -related lncRNAs identified from the PCa cases in the training group, which were divided into a high- and a low-risk groups according to the median value. The incidence of BCR rose with the increase of the risk score, and the BCR-free time was significantly shorter in the high-risk group (P < 0.05). The model also exhibited a high differentiation value in different age groups (P < 0.05), which was shown to be a reliable and independent prognostic indicator for predicting the BCR of PCa, even more valuable than other clinicopathological indicators. TMB was differentially expressed in the high- and low-risk groups (P < 0.01) and significantly correlated with BCR. The highest rate of BCR-free survival was found in the patients with low risk scores and low TMB (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: A cuproptosis -related lncRNA model was successfully constructed, which can accurately predict the risk of BCR in PCa patients. The higher the prognostic risk score, the greater the possibility of BCR. TMB is high in patients with a high risk, and the TMB level has certain suggestive significance for BCR.

[Action mechanisms of Xiaoluowan (II) in the treatment of epididymitis: A network pharmacology-based study].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the potential action mechanisms of Xiaoluowan (II) (XLW-II) in the treatment of epididymitis through a network pharmacology approach. METHODS: We searched various databases for relevant targets associated with epididymitis and XLW-II and obtained the common targets of epididymitis and XLW-II on the Venny platform. We acquired the protein-protein interactions (PPI) using the STRING data and had them visualized with the Cytoscape software. After topological analysis, we retrieved the key targets, followed by gene ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses using the DAVID database. RESULTS: A total of 2 38 drug targets, 2 150 disease targets and 85 common targets were identified. The core targets for the treatment of epididymitis with XLW-II identified by PPI network analysis included TNF, IL6, IL1B, MMP9, AKT1, PTGS2 and TP53. GO function analysis revealed the involvement of the common targets in such biological processes as response to hypoxia, regulation of apoptotic processes, inflammatory response, and positive regulation of the MAPK cascade. KEGG pathway analysis suggested that the signaling pathways such as the cancer pathway, PI3K-Akt pathway, protein glycosylation pathway in cancer, Ras pathway and chemokine pathway might be related to the action mechanisms of XLW-II in the treatment of epididymitis. CONCLUSION: The potential targets and signaling pathways of Xiaoluowan (II) in the treatment of epididymitis were identified on the basis of network pharmacology, which has provided a novel insight into its action mechanisms and offered a new direction for further relevant studies.

[Exploring the mechanism of levocarnitine in the treatment of epididymitis based on network pharmacology and molecular docking technology].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the potential mechanism of action of levocarnitine in the treatment of epididymitis based on network pharmacology and experimental research. METHODS: The target proteins related to epididymitis and levocarnitine were retrieved through multiple databases, and the common targets were obtained using Venny software. The protein-protein interactions were obtained using the STRING database. Cytoscape software was used for visualization, and key targets were selected after topological analysis. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis was performed using the DAVID database. Molecular docking was performed using Autodock Vina. RESULTS: A total of 130 drug targets and 2 151 disease targets were obtained, with 47 common targets. Protein-protein interaction network analysis identified core targets of levocarnitine in the treatment of epididymitis, including AKT1, HSP90AA1, ALB, CASP3, GSK3B, and GSR. KEGG pathway analysis suggested that metabolic pathways, lipid metabolism and atherosclerosis, cancer pathways, fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis, measles, chemical carcinogens-reactive oxygen species, purine metabolism, PI3K-Akt, and other signaling pathways may be associated with the mechanism of levocarnitine in the treatment of epididymitis. CONCLUSION: This study revealed through network pharmacology that levocarnitine may act on multiple signaling pathways by targeting AKT1, HSP90AA1, ALB, CASP3, GSK3B, GSR, etc., thereby potentially exerting therapeutic effects on epididymitis.

[Research on the mechanism of Miao ethnicity medicine formula of Oxalis corniculata against chronic non-bacterial prostatitis].

Objective： To explore the mechanism of Miao ethnicity medicine formula of Oxalis corniculata against chronic non-bacterial prostatitis. Methods: The rat model of chronic abacterial prostatitis was induced by stimulation with 2% sterile carrageenan solution. After modeling, the rats were randomly divided into two groups, Model control group (Model group) and oxalis group. Another normal control group was set up. The rats in the Model group and the normal control group were given 0.01ml/g normal saline by gavage, and the rats in the oxalis alis group were given 1ml/100g (1 g/kg) of Oxalis corniculata L warm water decoction by gavage once a day for 28 days. Twenty-four hours after the last administration, 10ml blood was collected from the abdominal aorta of the rats, and prostate tissue samples were collected from the rats. hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the morphological structure of the prostate in normal and prostatitis rats. ELISA was used to detect the levels of serum and prostate cytokines. The protein expressions of 4-HNE , ALDH2 and FGF2 were detected by Western blot. Results: Compared with the blank group, the model group showed obvious hyperplasia of fibrous tissue in the interstitium of the prostate tissue, disordered glandular structure, papillary hyperplasia of epithelial cells in the acini, infiltration of a small amount of lymphocytes, monocytes and other inflammatory cells in the acini, and increased pathological scores. The protein expressions of 4-HNE , ALDH2 , MCP-1 and FGF2 in prostate tissue were significantly increased. Compared with the model group, the prostate tissue of the oxalis group was slightly damaged, with a small amount of fibrous hyperplasia and inflammatory cell infiltration. The protein expressions of 4-HNE , ALDH2 , MCP-1 and FGF2 were decreased in prostate tissue. Conclusion： Oxalis corniculata L can effectively repair the pathological morphology of prostate tissue in rats with CNP, and its mechanism may be related to activating 4-HNE protein and reducing oxidative stress injury of prostate tissue in rats.

[Biological mechanisms of Oxalis corniculata regulating human prostate cancer PC-3 cells: An investigation based on the NF-κB pathway].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the biological mechanisms underlying the effect of the Chinese herbal medicine Oxalis corniculata on human prostate cancer PC-3 cells. METHODS: Through in vitro experiment, we treated human prostate cancer PC-3 cells with different concentrations of Oxalis corniculata, assessed the viability of the cells by MTT assay, examined their apoptosis by flow cytometry, evaluated their migration and invasiveness by Transwell assay, and determined the expressions of the proteins p65, p-p65, IκBα and p-IκBα in the NF-κB pathway using protein imprinting technology. RESULTS: Compared with the blank control, Oxalis corniculata significantly inhibited the proliferation and induced the apoptosis of the PC-3 cells (P< 0.05), suppressed their migration and invasiveness in a dose-dependent manner (P< 0.05), and upregulated the expression of IκBα and downregulated those of p-p65 and p-IκBα in the NF-κB pathway (P< 0.05). CONCLUSION: Oxalis corniculata can inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasiveness and induce the apoptosis of human prostate cancer PC cells, which may be attributed to its abilities of inhibiting the expressions of p-p65 and p-IκBα and regulating the activity of the NF-κB pathway.

[Expression and significance analysis of GDF3 in testicular cancer based on TCGA and GTEx databases].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression and significance of GDF3 in testicular cancer through bioinformatics analysis. METHODS: Using the TCGA and GTEx databases, differential expression analysis and pan-cancer analysis were performed to identify the target gene GDF3, and the clinical relevance of GDF3 in testicular cancer was analyzed using the UALCAN database. Based on the R packages "org.Hs.eg.db" and "clusterProfiler," gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were conducted to explore the potential functions of GDF3 in testicular cancer. The correlation of GDF3 with immune chemokines and immune inhibitors in testicular cancer was investigated using the TISIDB database. RESULTS: The GDF3 was significantly upregulated in testicular cancer (P<0.001) and closely associated with clinical staging (P<0.05) and tumor subtypes (P<0.001). The immune-related analysis revealed that GDF3 was strongly correlated with immune chemokines CCL26 (rho=0.599, P<0.001), CCL7 (rho=0.525, P<0.001), immune inhibitor ADORA2A (rho=0.723, P<0.001), and PVRL2 (rho=0.585, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: The GDF3 is closely related to the occurrence, development, and immune microenvironment of testicular cancer.

[Mechanism of Xiaoluanwan(II) in treating mouse epididymitis through the regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome].

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of Xiaoluanwan(II) in treating lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced epididymitis and its impact on the NLRP3 inflammasome. METHODS: The murine epididymitis model was established through local injection of LPS. The study included a control group (n=5), a model group (n=5), a model group treated with Xiaoluanwan(II) (Ⅱ) (n=5), and a saline group treated with Xiaoluanwan(II) (n=5). After 14 consecutive days of oral administration of Xiaoluanwan(II) or physiological saline, pathological changes in the epididymal tissues, expression levels of NLRP3 inflammasome and Caspase-1, as well as associated protein levels were examined. RESULTS: Compared to the model group, Xiaoluanwan(II) significantly alleviated inflammatory cell infiltration and lesions, as evidenced by a reduction in the protein expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1, Cleaved-Caspase-1, IL-1ß, IL-18, GSDMD, and p-p38 MAPK (P<0.05 or P<0.01), thereby mitigating the inflammatory response. CONCLUSION: Xiaoluanwan(II) alleviates epididymal inflammation and ameliorates mouse epididymal epithelial injury by modulating the NLRP3-mediated cell pyroptosis pathway.

[Possible roles of certain special pathogens in male chronic prostatitis / chronic pelvic pain syndrome].

The etiology and pathogenesis of chronic prostatitis / chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) have not been fully understood so far. It is indicated that pathogen infection may play a significant role in the development of this disease. In addition to typical pathogens such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, many special pathogens are difficult to be identified and isolated by conventional methods and are easily ignored in clinical practice. This review summarizes the possible roles of potential pathogens in CP/CPPS, in order to arouse the attention of clinicians and help solve related clinical problems. Clinicians are advised to attend better to the screening and study of abacterial prostatitis with dominant clinical characteristics of chronic inflammation, recurrence or aggravation, especially the cases receiving long-term broad-spectrum antibiotics, suggesting prostatic infection caused by special pathogens.

[Lycopene for the treatment of chronic prostatitis / chronic pelvic pain syndrome: Effect and mechanism based on network pharmacology and molecular docking].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the action mechanisms of lycopene in the treatment of chronic prostatitis / chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) based on network pharmacology and molecular docking. METHODS: We obtained the drug targets of lycopene from the databases TCMSP and PharmMapper, the therapeutic targets of CP/CPPS from OMIM, Disgenet and Genecards, and the common targets of lycopene and CP/CPPS with the Venny software. We constructed a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of lycopene acting on CP/CPPS using the STRING database, screened the core targets with the Cytoscape software, followed by GO functional analysis and KEGG pathway analysis with the R software and molecular docking of lycopene and the core targets using AutoDock Tools, Vina and Pymol. RESULTS: A total of 187 drug targets, 1 557 disease targets and 46 common targets were screened out. PPI network analysis showed that ALB, IGF1, EGFR, SRC, CASP3 and ESR1 were the core targets of lycopene in the treatment of CP/CPPS. GO functional analysis showed the common targets to be involved in the reproductive structure development, extrinsic apoptotic signaling pathway, and response to reactive oxygen species. KEGG pathway analysis indicated the association of Ras, PI3K-Akt, Rap1, FoxO and MAPK signaling pathways with the mechanism of lycopene acting on CP/CPPS. Molecular docking exhibited a great affinity of lycopene to all the core targets. CONCLUSION: This study revealed the potential targets and signaling pathways of lycopene in the treatment of CP/CPPS and its action mechanisms from the perspective of network pharmacology and molecular docking, which has provided some reference for future studies.

[Interactive effect of chemical fertilizer exposure and drinking untreated water on the risk of birth defects].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the interactive effect of chemical fertilizer exposure and drinking untreated water during pregnancy on the risk of birth defects. METHODS: The data were collected from a population-based birth surveillance system in Pingding County, Shanxi Province, from 2007 to 2012. Totally, 157 cases of birth defects were followed up and 204 healthy newborns taken as controls. The additive model and relative excess risk of interaction (RERI) were used to evaluate the interactive effect of chemical fertilizer exposure and drinking untreated water during pregnancy on the risk of birth defects. RESULTS: After adjusted for potential confounding factors, mothers living in villages with ≥ 65 ton/year chemical fertilizer application and drinking untreated water, as from deep underground, cellars, mountain spring, rivers, lakes or ponds, showed a higher risk of birth defects than those living in villages with <65 ton/year chemical fertilizer application and drinking tap or purified water (aOR = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.11－4.07). A strengthened interaction was observed between the annual application of chemical fertilizer at the village level and drinking untreated water (RERI = 2.08, 95% CI: 0.23－3.92, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The pollution of drinking water may be an important pathway for chemical fertilizer exposure affecting birth outcomes.