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Objectives: To compare prostate monoparametric MRI (monoMRI), which uses only diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), with biparametric (bpMRI) and multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) in detecting clinically significant cancer (CSC) and to evaluate the effect of the combination of monoMRI results and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level. Methods: In this study, 193 patients (average age 70.5 years; average PSA 7.9 ng/mL) underwent prebiopsy MRI and subsequent prostate biopsy from January 2020 to February 2022. Two radiologists independently reviewed the 3 MRI protocols using the Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS). Interreader agreement was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and diagnostic performance was evaluated with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The Youden index was used to determine the new cutoff value of PSA for detecting CSCs in patients with negative monoMRI results. Results: CSC was confirmed in 109 patients (56.5%). The interreader agreement on monoMRI (ICC = 0.798) was comparable to that on bpMRI and mpMRI (ICC = 0.751 and 0.714, respectively). ROC curve analysis of the 3 protocols revealed no difference in detecting CSCs (P > 0.05). Applying a new PSA cutoff value (9.5 and 7.4 ng/mL, respectively) in monoMRI-negative patients improved the sensitivity of monoMRI from 89.9% to 96.3% for Reader 1, and from 95.4% to 99.1% for Reader 2. Conclusions: MonoMRI based solely on DWI demonstrated similar diagnostic performance to bpMRI and mpMRI in detecting CSCs, and the combination of PSA level with monoMRI has the potential to effectively triage patients with a high likelihood of CSCs. Advances in knowledge: Monoparametric MRI conducted only with diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), may show comparable performance to biparametric and multiparametric MRI in detecting clinically significant prostate cancer. In patients with negative monoparametric MRI results, implementing a new PSA cutoff value to determine the need for a biopsy could decrease the number of missed prostate cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Multi-parametric MRI is a first-line imaging modality for prostate cancer detection. Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) is a useful tool for measuring parenchymal stiffness to diagnose liver fibrosis. A known physical characteristic of prostate cancer is that it is harder than a normal prostate gland. We hypothesized that the quantitative stiffness value derived from MRE could be used to discriminate prostate cancer from benign prostate hyperplasia and normal parenchyma. Until now, the application of MRE to prostate cancer has been sporadic; it has only been used for investigational purposes due to the uncomfortable perineal placement of the acoustic device and inconvenience to patients during preparation. Therefore, we attempted to place an acoustic driver on the lower abdominal wall and determined that detecting and classifying prostate cancer via MRE is feasible. Our observation of 75 consecutive patients revealed that the stiffness value of prostate cancer was significantly different from normal parenchyma, and an accuracy of 87% was estimated at a cutoff value of 4.2 kPa in discriminating prostate cancer from normal parenchyma. In terms of differentiating prostate cancer from benign prostate hyperplasia, an accuracy of 62% was estimated. Additionally, the stiffness values tended to increase as the ISUP grade increased. This observation suggests that the stiffness value derived from pelvic MRE is helpful for detecting and classifying prostate cancer and could be an adjunct to multi-parametric MRI. We investigated the feasibility of magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) using a pelvic acoustic driver for the detection and classification of prostate cancer (PCa). A total of 75 consecutive patients (mean age, 70; range, 56–86) suspected of having PCa and who underwent multi-parametric MRI including MRE and subsequent surgical resection were included. The analyzed regions consisted of cancer (n = 69), benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) (n = 70), and normal parenchyma (n = 70). A histopathologic topographic map served as the reference standard for each region. One radiologist and one pathologist performed radiologic–pathologic correlation, and the radiologist measured stiffness values in each region of interest on elastograms automatically generated by dedicated software. Paired t-tests were used to compare stiffness values between two regions. ROC curve analysis was also used to extract a cutoff value between two regions. The stiffness value of PCa (unit, kilopascal (kPa); 4.9 ± 1.1) was significantly different to that of normal parenchyma (3.6 ± 0.3, p < 0.0001) and BPH (4.5 ± 1.4, p = 0.0454). Under a cutoff value of 4.2 kPa, a maximum accuracy of 87% was estimated, with a sensitivity of 73%, a specificity of 99%, and an AUC of 0.839 for discriminating PCa from normal parenchyma. Between PCa and BPH, a maximum accuracy of 62%, a sensitivity of 70%, a specificity of 56%, and an AUC of 0.598 were estimated at a 4.5 kPa cutoff. The stiffness values tended to increase as the ISUP grade increased. In conclusion, it is feasible to detect and classify PCa using pelvic MRE. Our observations suggest that MRE could be a supplement to multi-parametric MRI for PCa detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variability in prostate gland positioning during RT for prostate tumors is a recognized challenge in both human and veterinary oncology. This retrospective study investigates the interfractional variability in prostate gland positioning in relation to rectal and bladder volumes in dogs undergoing radiation therapy (RT) for prostate tumors. The study tracked 10 dogs undergoing five RT sessions from February 2016 to November 2021, delivering a total of 25 Gy each. Each dog underwent CT scans for treatment simulation, and cone‐beam CT (CBCT) images were acquired before each RT. The focus was to analyze the positional shifts of the prostate gland concerning the volumes of the rectum and urinary bladder. The pelvic bones were used as the point of reference. The rectal and bladder volumes were measured before each RT, and shifts in the prostate gland position were calculated by comparing coordinates from planning CT and treatment session images. Findings revealed significant correlations between prostate positional shifts in the dorsal‐ventral (repeated measures correlation coefficient of −0.58 [range 00.75–00.33]; P <.001) and cranial‐caudal directions (repeated measures correlation coefficient [95%CI] 0.56 [range 0.31–0.74]; P <.001) and rectal volume, while no significant relationship was observed with bladder volume. Shifts in the lateral direction were not correlated with either organ's volume. This study highlights the importance of considering rectal volume in canine prostate tumor RT to minimize positional uncertainties. Maintaining consistent rectal volume may enhance the precision of prostate targeting, potentially influencing the safety of RT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cadmium (Cd) is an environmental pollutant known as endocrine disruptor. Cd has been reported to induce perturbations of the testicular functions and the subsequent decline of the male fertility of both animals and humans. Chlorella vulgaris (ChV) a species of green microalga has been reported to have multiple beneficial activities such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic effects. Thus, this work was conducted to declare the benefits of Chlorella vulgaris (ChV) (500 mg/kg doses) against cadmium chloride CdCl2 (2 mg/kg doses) toxicity on the main and accessory reproductive organs' weight, structure, and function of male rats. Briefly, 40 adult male rats in 4 groups (n = 10) were used as follows; control, ChV, CdCl2, and CdCl2+ChV. (i) The 1st group was kept as control fed on pellet chow and water ad libitum. (ii) The second group is Chlorella vulgaris (ChV) group fed with C. vulgaris alga for 10 days (500 mg/kg BW). (iii) The third group was administrated CdCl2 (2mg/kg BW) via subcutaneous injection (S/C) daily for 10 days. (iv) The fourth group administered both CdCl2 and ChV with the abovementioned doses daily for successive 10 days. Our observations declared that cadmium exhibited an adverse influence on the testes and prostate gland architecture indicated by seminiferous tubule destruction, testicular edema, degeneration of Leydig cells, and prostate acini damage. All together affect the epididymal semen quality and quantity including sperm viability, motility, and count. Interestingly, ChV could restore the testicular architecture and spermatozoa regeneration accompanied by semen quality improvement and increased reproductive hormones including testosterone. On the other side, ChV suppresses reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation via enhancement the antioxidant-related genes in the testicular tissue including SOD, CAT, GSH, and MDA and maintaining spermatocyte survival via suppression of apoptotic related genes including caspase3 and activating steroidogenic related genes including StAR and HSD17β3 in the cadmium-treated testes. In this study, ChV could enhance male fertility under normal or stressful conditions and ameliorate the adverse effects of hazardous heavy metals that are widely distributed in our environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate whether the image quality of 1.5 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the prostate is equal to or higher than that of 3 T MRI by applying deep learning reconstruction (DLR). To objectively analyze the images from the 13 healthy volunteers, we measured the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of the images obtained by the 1.5 T scanner with and without DLR, as well as for images obtained by the 3 T scanner. In the subjective, T2W images of the prostate were visually evaluated by two board-certified radiologists. The SNRs and CNRs in 1.5 T images with DLR were higher than that in 3 T images. Subjective image scores were better for 1.5 T images with DLR than 3 T images. The use of the DLR technique in 1.5 T MRI substantially improved the SNR and image quality of T2W images of the prostate gland, as compared to 3 T MRI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common disease in older men. Transurethral surgery in BPH is the gold standard for treatment, but the techniques differ in the energy used. Considering the different mechanisms of action of bipolar plasma and thulium fiber laser energy on prostate tissue, the study of structural changes under their influence is relevant.The aim. To study the features of structural changes in the prostate during bipolar plasma and thulium fiber laser enucleation of benign prostatic hyperplasia.Methods. Thirty one patients with BPH were divided into two groups. Group 1 (n = 17) underwent transurethral plasma enucleation of the prostate; Group 2 (n = 14) underwent transurethral thulium fiber laser enucleation. Fragments of the surgical prostate capsule were collected intraoperatively and were processed according to standard examination protocols using light and electron microscopy. The width of coagulation necrosis, the relief of the dissection line, the severity of cell and the prostate intercellular matrix destruction were taken into account.Results. Studies have shown the clinical and functional perioperative homology of the compared methods of surgical treatment of BPH. Data from light and electron prostate microscopy showed a greater damaging effect of bipolar plasma energy, which is manifested by a larger width of the zone of coagulation necrosis, a torn and raised appearance of the dissection line, and pronounced integrity violations of cellular elements and intercellular matrix components. Laser exposure causes less pronounced changes, which indicates a more gentle effect of the thulium fiber laser on the prostate components.Conclusion. The obtained microscopy results indicate that the intraoperative action of a thulium fiber laser is less traumatic for the cells and intercellular matrix of the surgical prostate capsule compared to bipolar plasma exposure.

The purpose of our study was to evaluate pretreatment prostate quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements and clinical characteristics in predicting genitourinary (GU) toxicity after radiotherapy (RT) for prostate cancer. In this single-institution retrospective cohort study, we evaluated patients with prostate adenocarcinoma who underwent MRI within 6 months before completing definitive RT and follow-up information in our GU toxicity database from June 2016 to February 2023. MRI measurements included quantitative urethra, prostate, and bladder measurements. GU toxicity was physician-scored using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE v4.0) with acute toxicity defined as ≤180 days and late defined as >180 days. Multivariable logistic regression model was constructed for grade ≥2 acute toxicity and Cox proportional hazards regression for late toxicity, adjusted for clinical factors and RT method. A total of 361 men (median age 68 years, interquartile range [IQR] 62–73) were included; 14.4% (50/347) men experienced grade ≥2 acute toxicity. Brachytherapy (odds ratio [OR]: 2.9, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.5–5.8), P < 0.01) was associated with increased odds of acute GU toxicity, and longer MUL (OR: 0.41 [95%CI: 0.18–0.92], P = 0.03) with decreased odds. Median follow-up for late toxicity was 15.0 months (IQR: 9.0–28.0) with approximately 88.7% and 72.0% patients free of toxicity at 1 and 3 years, respectively. Only longer prostatic urethral length (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.6, 95%CI: 1.2–2.1, P < 0.01) was associated with increased risk of late GU toxicity, notably urinary frequency/urgency symptoms (HR: 1.7 [95%CI: 1.3–2.3], P < 0.01). Longer prostatic urethral length measured on prostate MRI is independently associated with higher risk of developing late grade ≥2 GU toxicity after radiation therapy for prostate cancer. This pretreatment metric may be potentially valuable in risk-stratification models for quality of life following prostate RT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prostate cancer accounts for 29% of malignant diagnoses among men in the United States and is the second leading cause of death from cancer. Effective screening methods and improved treatment have decreased the mortality rate significantly. This decreased mortality rate, however, does not apply to all histologic variants. Adenosquamous carcinoma of the prostate is an extremely aggressive neoplasm with no current known curative therapy. It is often diagnosed after chemotherapy, radiation, or androgen deprivation therapy for traditional prostatic adenocarcinomas. Primary carcinomas of the prostate with squamous features include, but are not limited to, pure squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma mixed with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Important distinguishable clinical features of adenosquamous carcinoma include normal prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, even with advanced disease and osteolytic versus osteoblastic metastatic lesions in adenocarcinoma. Additional entities to consider in the differential diagnosis are squamous metaplasia of the prostate, secondary involvement of pure SCC, and urothelial carcinoma with squamous differentiation. Here, we present a de novo case of adenosquamous carcinoma in a 48-year-old man who rapidly developed extensive metastatic disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to provide diagnostic imaging data on rabbit prostate complex by means of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with regard to their use in morphological investigations of the gland. Six anaesthetised sexually mature clinically healthy New Zealand White rabbits, 8 months of age, with body weight 2.83.2 kg were used. The pelvic cavity and pelvic organs were investigated in the sagittal, dorsal and transversal planes from the 7th lumbar (L7) to the 1st coccygeal (C1) vertebra with 2-mm slice thickness using a Magnetom Essenza 1.5T tunnel MRI scanner. The prostate com-plex (proprostate, prostate and paraprostate parts) demonstrated signal hyperintensity on T1-weighted MRI images. The prostate capsule was hyperintense compared to glandular parenchyma. The prostate complex was visualised on slices between the caudal part of the first sacral and cranial part of the third sacral vertebrae. The prostate part signal was hyperintense on T2-weighted MRI images. The shape of the prostate complex in dorsal view was craniocaudally elongated, oval and localised bilate¬rally from prostatic urethra in ventrodorsal view. The transverse T2 image of the pelvis through the 2nd sacral vertebra delineated the prostate part of the gland as a bilateral bilobed oval structure with hypointense parenchyma, embraced by a hyperintense capsule. The intrapelvic localisation and the shape of MRI image of healthy rabbit prostate complex is a species-specific morphological feature. The signal hyperintensity of rabbit prostate complex was higher on T2-weighted images. The T2 hy-perintensity of prostate part vs hypointensity of proprostate and paraprostate parts provide evidence for the presence of substantial amount of glandular elements, presuming a dominating role of prostate part in the secretory function of the glandular complex.

The results of macro and micromorphological studies of vesicoprostatic complex in dogs Canis familiaris aimed at establishing normative morphofunctional patterns and features of the urogenital apparatus were described. The morphometric parameters of the organ in non-castrated males, determined by somatotype and breed affiliation, were presented. Data reflecting the variability of the norm structure of the gland are basic in predicting the development of latent pathologies of prostate and in developing effective methods for their therapeutic correction.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a major pathophysiologic event that presents a high risk for prostate cancer (the second most frequently diagnosed cancer in men). The prognosis of conventional therapy for BPH remains poor due to treatment failures. Thus, natural remedies such as botanical drugs remain a promising alternative therapy to be explored for the treatment of BPH and prostate cancer. Citrus fruits, specifically fruit peels of Citrus reticulata (CRE) contain bioactive compounds that exhibit anti-inflammatory properties and have been used in crude form in traditional settings to manage benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer, however, scientific scrutiny of this ethnobotanical claim remains incomplete. This study assessed the protective effect of CRE in testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia-like phenotypes in rats. Male Wistar rats (n = 30, 150-200 g) were randomly assigned into six groups (n = 5), and treated for 28 days as follows: control group (normal saline, 5 mg/kg s.c.), model group (testosterone, 5 mg/kg, i.p.), the finasteride (1 mg/kg, p.o.), and CRE (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) groups received testosterone (5 mg/kg, i.p.) in the morning and their respective treatments (either finasteride or CRE). All rats were given chow and water ad libitum. On the 28th day, the rats were sacrificed following deep anesthesia. Blood and the prostate gland were collected. Full blood count, serum levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), testosterone, C-reactive protein (CRP), and histology of the prostate gland were assessed. Compared to the model, treatment with C. reticulata peel extracts markedly reduced prostate weight, attenuated atresia of the prostatic glands, stromal fibrosis, and mast cell infiltration, and increased glandular secretion. Additionally, serum levels of testosterone, CRP, PSA, and white blood count were reduced in the high-dose C. reticulata peel extract-treated group. Fruit peels of C. reticulata exhibited a protective effect against BPH partly by attenuating inflammatory activity. Thus, this finding provides a rationale for further exploration of CRE for novel anti-BPH molecules that could be used to develop therapeutics against prostate cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to provide diagnostic imaging data on rabbit prostate complex by means of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with regard to their use in morphological investigations of the gland. Six anaesthetised sexually mature clinically healthy New Zealand White rabbits, 8 months of age, with body weight 2.8x3.2 kg were used. The pelvic cavity and pelvic organs were investigated in the sagittal, dorsal and transversal planes from the 7th lumbar (L7) to the 1st coccygeal (C1) vertebra with 2-mm slice thickness using a Magnetom Essenza 1.5T tunnel MRI scanner. The prostate complex (proprostate, prostate and paraprostate parts) demonstrated signal hyperintensity on T1-weighted MRI images. The prostate capsule was hyperintense compared to glandular parenchyma. The prostate complex was visualised on slices between the caudal part of the first sacral and cranial part of the third sacral vertebrae. The prostate part signal was hyperintense on T2-weighted MRI images. The shape of the prostate complex in dorsal view was craniocaudally elongated, oval and localised bilaterally from prostatic urethra in ventrodorsal view. The transverse T2 image of the pelvis through the 2nd sacral vertebra delineated the prostate part of the gland as a bilateral bilobed oval structure with hypointense parenchyma, embraced by a hyperintense capsule. The intrapelvic localisation and the shape of MRI image of healthy rabbit prostate complex is a species-specific morphological feature. The signal hyperintensity of rabbit prostate complex was higher on T2-weighted images. The T2 hyperintensity of prostate part vs hypointensity of proprostate and paraprostate parts provide evidence for the presence of substantial amount of glandular elements, presuming a dominating role of prostate part in the secretory function of the glandular complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a major pathophysiologic event that presents a high risk for prostate cancer (the second most frequently diagnosed cancer in men). The prognosis of conventional therapy for BPH remains poor due to treatment failures. Thus, natural remedies such as botanical drugs remain a promising alternative therapy to be explored for the treatment of BPH and prostate cancer. Citrus fruits, specifically fruit peels of Citrus reticulata (CRE) contain bioactive compounds that exhibit anti-inflammatory properties and have been used in crude form in traditional settings to manage benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer, however, scientific scrutiny of this ethnobotanical claim remains incomplete. This study assessed the protective effect of CRE in testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia-like phenotypes in rats. Male Wistar rats (n = 30, 150-200 g) were randomly assigned into six groups (n = 5), and treated for 28 days as follows: control group (normal saline, 5 mg/kg s.c.), model group (testosterone,5 mg/kg, i.p.), the finasteride (1 mg/kg, p.o.), and CRE (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) groups received testosterone (5 mg/kg, i.p.) in the morning and their respective treatments (either finasteride or CRE). All rats were given chow and water ad libitum. On the 28th day, the rats were sacrificed following deep anesthesia. Blood and the prostate gland were collected. Full blood count, serum levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), testosterone, C-reactive protein (CRP), and histology of the prostate gland were assessed. Compared to the model, treatment with C. reticulata peel extracts markedly reduced prostate weight, attenuated atresia of the prostatic glands, stromal fibrosis, and mast cell infiltration, and increased glandular secretion. Additionally, serum levels of testosterone, CRP, PSA, and white blood count were reduced in the high-dose C. reticulata peel extract-treated group. Fruit peels of C. reticulata exhibited a protective effect against BPH partly by attenuating inflammatory activity. Thus, this finding provides a rationale for further exploration of CRE for novel anti-BPH molecules that could be used to develop therapeutics against prostate cancer.

Background: Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are manifestations of storage and voiding disorders involving the urinary bladder, urethra and the prostate gland. This study aimed to correlate prostate volume and lower urinary tract symptoms. Materials and methods: This study was a prospective cross-sectional study carried out among 120 males aged 40 years and above who presented with LUTS for prostate ultrasonography at the Radiology department within a period of six months. Informed consent and ethical approval were obtained from participants before commencement of the study. Severity of LUTS was evaluated using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). Each question was scored between 0 to 5 and the sum recorded as total IPSS score. The total score was graded as mild (0-7), moderate (8-19) or severe (20-35). Quality of life due to urinary symptoms was also evaluated and scored between 0 (delighted) and 6 (terrible). Prostate volume estimation was done by transabdominal ultrasonography using an ultrasound scanner fitted with a 3.5-MHz curvilinear transducer (Logic F6, General Electric, USA, 2017). Measurements were taken and the average values computed; volume calculation was obtained by default using the inbuilt computer algorithm in the ultrasound machine. The data obtained were statistically analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 24 (International Business Machines, USA, 2016), and the results presented in tables, charts, and percentages. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to correlate between variables with P-values < 0.05 considered significant. Results: Results showed that the cumulative mean age of the participants was 65.1 ± 9.6 years with majority of the participant’s between 60 and 69 years. The most common presenting LUTS was nocturia (98.0%), followed by frequency (92.7%). Overall, the mean IPSS score was 13.2 ± 4.6 while quality of life (QoL) was 4.1 ± 1.2. The mean prostate volume was 69.8 ± 63.5cm3, with 79.2% of the subjects having a prostate volume ≥ 30cm3. Pearson correlation between prostate volume and IPSS was significant (r = 0.304, p = 0.001). Conclusion: The study established a positive significant correlation between prostate volume and International Prostate Symptoms Score (IPSS). This implies that sonographic PV assessment could be useful in objective assessment of LUTS severity and should be considered in management decisions and follow-up of patients with lower urinary tracts symptoms.

Endocrine disruptors (ED) are compounds dispersed in the environment that modify hormone biosynthesis, affecting hormone-dependent organs such as the prostate. Studies have only focused on evaluating the effects of ED alone or in small groups and short intervals and have not adequately portrayed human exposure. Therefore, we characterized the prostate histoarchitecture of rats exposed to an ED mixture (ED Mix) mimicking human exposure. Pregnant females of the Sprague–Dawley strain were randomly distributed into two experimental groups: Control group (vehicle: corn oil, by gavage) and ED Mix group: received 32.11 mg/kg/day of the ED mixture diluted in corn oil (2 ml/kg), by gavage, from gestational day 7 (DG7) to post-natal day 21 (DPN21). After weaning at DPN22, the male pups continued to receive the complete DE mixture until they were 220 days old when they were euthanized. The ED Mix decreased the epithelial compartment, increased the fractal dimension, and decreased glandular dilation. In addition, low-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia was observed in addition to regions of epithelial atrophy in the group exposed to the ED Mix. Exposure to the mixture decreased both types I and III collagen area in the stroma. We concluded that the ED Mix was able to cause alterations in the prostatic histoarchitecture and induce the appearance of preneoplastic lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phthalates are a family of aromatic chemical compounds mainly used as plasticizers. Among phthalates, di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) is a low-molecular-weight phthalate used as a component of many cosmetic products, such as nail polish, and other perfumed personal care products. DBP has toxic effects on reproductive health, inducing testicular damage and developmental malformations. Inside the male reproductive system, the prostate gland reacts to both male and female sex steroids. For this reason, it represents an important target of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), compounds that are able to affect the estrogen and androgen signaling pathways, thus interfering with prostate homeostasis and inducing several prostate pathologies. The aim of this project was to investigate the effects of DBP, alone and in combination with testosterone (T), 17β-estradiol (E2), and both, on the normal PNT1A human prostate cell-derived cell line, to mimic environmental contamination. We showed that DBP and all of the tested mixtures increase cell viability through activation of both estrogen receptor α (ERα) and androgen receptor (AR). DBP modulated steroid receptor levels in a nonmonotonic way, and differently to endogenous hormones. In addition, DBP translocated ERα to the nucleus over different durations and for a more prolonged time than E2, altering the normal responsiveness of prostate cells. However, DBP alone seemed not to influence AR localization, but AR was continuously and persistently activated when DBP was used in combination. Our results show that DBP alone, and in mixture, alters redox homeostasis in prostate cells, leading to a greater increase in cell oxidative susceptibility. In addition, we also demonstrate that DBP increases the migratory potential of PNT1A cells. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that DBP, alone and in mixtures with endogenous steroid hormones, acts as an EDC, resulting in an altered prostate cell physiology and making these cells more prone to cancer transformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Neuroendocrine differentiation in the prostate gland ranges from clinically insignificant neuroendocrine differentiation detected with markers in an otherwise conventional prostatic adenocarcinoma to a lethal high-grade small/large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma. The concept of neuroendocrine differentiation in prostatic adenocarcinoma has gained considerable importance due to its prognostic and therapeutic ramifications and pathologists play a pivotal role in its recognition. However, its awareness, reporting, and resource utilization practice patterns among pathologists are largely unknown. Methods. Representative examples of different spectrums of neuroendocrine differentiation along with a detailed questionnaire were shared among 39 urologic pathologists using the survey monkey software. Participants were specifically questioned about the use and awareness of the 2016 WHO classification of neuroendocrine tumors of the prostate, understanding of the clinical significance of each entity, and use of different immunohistochemical (IHC) markers. De-identified respondent data were analyzed. Results. A vast majority (90%) of the participants utilize IHC markers to confirm the diagnosis of small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma. A majority (87%) of the respondents were in agreement regarding the utilization of type of IHC markers for small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma for which 85% of the pathologists agreed that determination of the site of origin of a high-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma is not critical, as these are treated similarly. In the setting of mixed carcinomas, 62% of respondents indicated that they provide quantification and grading of the acinar component. There were varied responses regarding the prognostic implication of focal neuroendocrine cells in an otherwise conventional acinar adenocarcinoma and for Paneth cell-like differentiation. The classification of large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma was highly varied, with only 38% agreement in the illustrated case. Finally, despite the recommendation not to perform neuroendocrine markers in the absence of morphologic evidence of neuroendocrine differentiation, 62% would routinely utilize IHC in the work-up of a Gleason score 5 + 5 = 10 acinar adenocarcinoma and its differentiation from high-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma. Conclusion. There is a disparity in the practice utilization patterns among the urologic pathologists with regard to diagnosing high-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma and in understanding the clinical significance of focal neuroendocrine cells in an otherwise conventional acinar adenocarcinoma and Paneth cell-like neuroendocrine differentiation. There seems to have a trend towards overutilization of IHC to determine neuroendocrine differentiation in the absence of neuroendocrine features on morphology. The survey results suggest a need for further refinement and development of standardized guidelines for the classification and reporting of neuroendocrine differentiation in the prostate gland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Canine prostatic serum esterase (CPSE) is considered a useful tool to identify prostate disorders in dogs, with increasing interest in ultrasound (US)‐based sonoelastography to non‐invasively detect prostate disorders. Since no report is available about a possible correlation between these diagnostic tools, we aimed to investigate a possible correlation between strain elastography (SE) and 2D‐shear wave elastography (SWE) and CPSE. Twenty‐one dogs were included and, on each animal, CPSE was evaluated followed by a complete US examination and SE and 2D‐SWE application. Healthy dogs were identified based on the CPSE results. All the dogs included were characterized by normal CPSE values (<52.3 ng/mL) and normal US prostate appearance. The prostate was characterized by intermediate stiffness with SE (pattern III – 84.7% for the left lobe and 79.27% for the right lobe) and softer than the abdominal wall (SR 0.6 for the left lobe and 0.56 for the right lobe), with low values for both m/s and kilopascals (kPa) for 2D‐SWE, pointing that the healthy tissue is not hard. 2D‐SWE results were, respectively, 13.51 ± 5.55 kPa and 2.31 ± 0.42 m/s for the left lobe and 18.05 ± 6.47 kPa and 2.39 ± 0.43 m/s for the right lobe. The significant difference between the right and left measurements expressed with kPa, not evidenced with m/s, can be considered indicative of m/s as the most reliable measurement to be considered regarding the prostate parenchyma. Even though no linear correlation was detected between CPSE and elastography values, these preliminary results evidence that the healthy prostates were characterized by a similar elastographic pattern, thus pointing that these techniques can be potentially useful to be applied in case of prostatic disorders to improve the accuracy of the final diagnosis in a non‐invasive way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prostate cancer accounts for 29% of malignant diagnoses among men in the United States and is the second leading cause of death from cancer. Effective screening methods and improved treatment have decreased the mortality rate significantly. This decreased mortality rate, however, does not apply to all histologic variants. Adenosquamous carcinoma of the prostate is an extremely aggressive neoplasm with no current known curative therapy. It is often diagnosed after chemotherapy, radiation, or androgen deprivation therapy for traditional prostatic adenocarcinomas. Primary carcinomas of the prostate with squamous features include, but are not limited to, pure squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma mixed with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Important distinguishable clinical features of adenosquamous carcinoma include normal prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, even with advanced disease and osteolytic versus osteoblastic metastatic lesions in adenocarcinoma. Additional entities to consider in the differential diagnosis are squamous metaplasia of the prostate, secondary involvement of pure SCC, and urothelial carcinoma with squamous differentiation. Here, we present a de novo case of adenosquamous carcinoma in a 48-year-old man who rapidly developed extensive metastatic disease.

The objective of the study was to determine whether the temperature of urine samples from patients with prostate cancer or the temperature of urine samples from men not suffering from this condition affects the efficacy of prostate cancer detection performed by a specially trained dog using its olfactory abilities. A total of 218 urine samples, divided into two sets differing in temperature, were tested for male prostate cancer by a dog sniffing urine samples. In group 1 (urine temperature 15–23 °C), 120 urine samples were examined by a sniffer dog, of which 57 samples were positive (from the group of men with established prostate cancer) and 63 samples were negative (from men not affected by prostate cancer). In group 2 (urine temperature 2–14 °C), 98 urine samples were examined by a sniffer dog, of which 51 were positive (from the group of men with established prostate cancer) and 47 were negative (from men not affected by prostate cancer). The results of our study demonstrated no link between the efficacy of male prostate cancer detection performed by a specially trained dog using its olfactory abilities from a urine sample and the temperature range from 2–23 °C (P > 0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides an analysis of current information on the effect of sleep, namely its main element, melatonin, on the functioning of the prostate gland. The direct action of melatonin as a local modulator of the endocrine activity of Sertoli and Leydig cells and its effect on energy metabolism are described. The main biochemical antioxidant properties of melatonin are reflected, as well as the mechanisms of its action on the hormonal system of the body: metabolism, fertility and anticarcinogenicity. The results of studies on the relationship between sleep disorders, the role of the circadian rhythm in fertility disorders and prostate diseases are disclosed. The relationship between the presence of metabolic syndrome and the subsequent risk of developing benign prostatic hyperplasia is presented.

The study of the genital system' vessels in patients with erectile disfunction and chronic prostatitis was accomplished using ultrasound Dopplerography and pharmacological testing by phosphodiesterase inhibitors of 5th type (PDEI-5). The positive impact of PDEI-5 (such as Sildenafil, Vardenafil, Udenafil and Tadalafil) on organs' blood supply was revealed. The changes of USDG parameters were found comparable and, at the same time, individual. For patient-specific choosing the medicinal agent it is advisable to perform the pharmacological tests for each patient. The choice of the medicine for treating erectile disfunction and chronic prostatitis should be made on the basis of the results of ultrasound Dopplerography and pharmacological testing for each selected and tested medicine. For this purpose it is preferably to choose the medicine, which improves the blood flow in penis and, at the same time, in prostate gland and in testes.

Background: Neem leaves (Azadirachta indica L.) have been used for many therapeutic purposes and medicinal applications. The extract of this plant has been used in both male and female genders as a traditional agent to prevent early pregnancy. In this study, the effect of this extract was investigated histologically and morphometrically on the germinal epithelia of the seminiferous tubules, epididymis and secretory epithelia of rats’ prostate glands. Methods: Twenty male albino rats were divided into four groups of five each and administered the extract at a concentration of zero, 100, 200 or 400 mg/kg of the body weight for 50 consecutive days. These rats were sacrificed and the male reproductive organs were removed, weighed and processed for routine histological examinations. The micrographs were analyzed and the structural changes in the epithelial lining and morphometric analyses were recorded, which included measuring the epithelial thickness in the seminiferous tubules, epididymis and secretory prostatic epithelia. Results: The extract was found to reduce the rats’ weight; decreased both the weight and dimension of the testes; reduced the number of germinal epithelial lining cells in the seminiferous tubules of the testes, the epididymal and prostatic secretory epithelial cells. Conclusion: The histological alterations were most significant in response to the treatment with the extract at 200 mg/kg of the rats with the greatest damages observed in the epithelial lining. The deleterious effects of the extract were found to be dose-dependent and this corroborates the use of this extract as a contraceptive in animal models, and potentially in humans.

Interest in investigating the role of the growth hormone (GH)/insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) axis in the initiation and progression of experimentally induced carcinomas has arisen due to several observations in the human population. First, subjects with Laron syndrome who lack GH signaling have significantly lower rates of cancer than people who have normal GH signaling. Second, epidemiologic studies have found strong associations between elevated circulating IGF-1 and the incidence of several common cancers. Third, women who bear children early in life have a dramatically reduced risk of developing breast cancer, which may be due to differences in hormone levels including GH. These observations have motivated multiple studies that have experimentally altered activity of the GH/IGF-1 axis in the context of experimental carcinoma models in mice and rats. Most of these studies have utilized carcinoma models for four organ systems that are also frequent sites of carcinomas in humans: the mammary gland, prostate gland, liver, and colon. This review focuses on these studies and describes some of the most common genetic models used to alter the activity of the GH/IGF-1 axis in experimentally induced carcinomas. A recurring theme that emerges from these studies is that manipulations that reduce the activity of GH or mediators of GH action also inhibit carcinogenesis in multiple model systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global increase in cancer incidence has prompted the search for natural bioactive products which are readily available, safer and more affordable. Beta-D-glucan polysaccharide (ßDgP) is a phytochemical fractionate of an edible mushroom Auricularia polytricha known to have anticancer property but information about the actual mechanism underlying its therapeutic property is lacking. This research investigates the tumor regulatory effect of Beta-D-glucan polysaccharide on some tumor markers; p53 and Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) in nitrosobis amine (NA) - induced prostate tumor model of Wister rat. Twenty-four male Wister rats were divided into four groups with six rats in each group. Group A served as normal control while treatment groups: B (5mg/kgbw nitrosobis amine only); C and D (placed on 120 mg/kgbw and 250 mg/kgbw respectively) after inducing tumor. The experiment lasted for 10 weeks. At termination, ELISA method was used to evaluate PSA levels; p53 tumor marker was assessed using immunohistochemical methods; histological alterations were examined using routine H&E technique. Results shown that p53 and PSA levels increased significantly (at p=0.05) in group B (tumor control) when compared to normal control. Increase in papillary fronds, basal cell hyperplasia and prostatic concretions depicted cytoarchitectural alterations in tumor control group. However, expression of p53 and PSA was down-regulated significantly (p=0.05) when compared to tumor control, and histological distortions reversed in a dose-dependent manner, following administration of graded concentration of ßDgP. Findings from the present study have revealed the anti-tumor property of ßDgP in NA-induced prostate tumor model in Wister rat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To compare the diagnostic performance of high-resolution 3D T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) with compressed sensing (CS) sampling perfection with application-optimized contrasts using different flip angle evolution (SPACE) to that of conventional T2WI with turbo spin echo (TSE) in prostate MRI. Materials and methods: This study evaluated 179 patients (mean age 69.1 ± 9.3) who underwent prostate biopsy after prostate prebiopsy MRI, including two sets of three-plane T2WI with TSE (thickness: 3 mm, scan time: 10 min 4 s) and CS SPACE (thickness: 0.6 mm, scan time: 4 min 55 s). Two radiologists evaluated two sets of images with the Prostate Imaging—Reporting and Data System (PIRADS) classification and determined the extraprostatic extension (EPE) of the lesion. The diagnostic performance to detect prostate cancer (PIRADS classification) and EPE was compared between the two T2WI sets. Results: Clinically significant cancer (CSC) was diagnosed in 103 patients (57.5%). Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the PIRADS classification on both image sets with T2 TSE and T2 CS SPACE were higher than 0.7 and did not show significant differences for either radiologist (p > 0.05). EPE was confirmed in 25 of 70 patients underwent prostatectomy. For evaluating EPE on MRI, the sensitivity and specificity did not differ between the two T2WI sequences (p > 0.05). Conclusion: High-resolution 3D T2WI using CS SPACE, which was acquired within a shorter acquisition time than three-plane T2 TSE, showed comparable diagnostic performance to conventional T2 TSE for detecting CSC and evaluating EPE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), and Prostate Cancer (PCa) are androgen-dependent diseases. PPCa is associated with excessive signalling of the androgen receptor (AR) due to the binding of 5α-dihydrotestosterone (5α-DHT) and testosterone (T). BPH is related to high levels of 5α-DHT, biosynthesized from T by 5α-reductase (5RD5A). The inhibition of 5RD5A and the blockage of AR are targets for their treatment. In this study, the synthesis and determination of biological activity of the new N-cyclohexyl-3β-hydroxyandrosta-5,16- diene-17-carboxamide (6), N-cyclohexyl-3-oxoandrosta-4,6,16-triene-17-carboxamide (7), and N-cyclohexyl-3-oxoandrosta-4,16-diene-17-carboxamide (8) were carried out to find new drugs to improve these afflictions. Methods: The synthesis of 6 to 8 was confirmed by spectroscopic and spectrometric analyses. Competitive binding assays determined the affinity of 6 to 8 to the AR. The inhibitory activity of 5RD5A isoform 2 (5RD5A2) (IC50) was established by the conversion of [3 H]-T to [3 H]-5α-DHT and it was compared with finasteride (FIN). The pharmacological effect of 6 to 8 was determined on the weight of the prostate and seminal vesicles glands of castrated hamsters treated with T, and on the diameter size of their flank organs. Results: Compounds 7 and 8 bound lightly (ca. 15 %) to AR. Comparing to FIN (IC50 = 8.5 nM), 6 to 8 (IC50 = 0.169, 0.105 and 0.155 nM, respectively) showed higher potency as inhibitors of 5RD5A2. Compound 6 decreased the prostate and seminal vesicles weight, as well as the hamsters’ diameter flank organs. However, 7 only decreased the diameter of flank organs. Surprisingly, 8 increased these pharmacological parameters. Conclusion: Androstane-17-caboxamide 6 is a 5RD5A2 inhibitor that reduces the weight of androgen-dependent glands such as the prostate, suggesting it could be a lead for new drugs to treat BPH and PCa.

In the prostate gland of the raccoon (Procyon lotor), the morphological appearance of the epithelial cells, such as basal and luminal cells, and the expressions of p63, androgen receptor (AR), and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) were examined histologically and immunohistochemically to clarify their seasonal dynamics throughout the year. In this study, the regression with luminal cell defluxion and the regeneration process of the prostatic glandular epithelium was revealed in the seasons with declined spermatogenesis (June to August). The expression of p63 was observed only in the basal cells. AR immunoreactivity in the luminal cells was shown in the developed and regenerating (close to developed) prostates, whereas the basal cells exhibited AR immunoreactivity all year round. PCNA expression was rare in epithelial cells of the developed prostate gland. In the regressed gland, the basal cells demonstrated proliferative ability, whereas PCNA of the luminal cells appeared for the first time in the regenerating phase. This study is the first to clarify the regression with luminal cell defluxion and restoration and the seasonal dynamics of AR expression and proliferative activity in the prostate gland of seasonal breeders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is an age-related non-neoplastic disease of the prostate gland in men that has become a global health issue in recent years. Due to the side effects of conventional treatment options, attention is now focused on phytotherapeutics for its management. We investigated the possible protective effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii in a rat model of testosterone propionate (TP) induced BPH. Rats were divided into five groups: Gr. I, untreated control group; Gr. II, TP group; Gr. III, TP + finasteride; Gr. IV, TP + S. cerevisiae var. boulardii; and Gr. V, S. cerevisiae var. boulardii group. Treatments were given daily for 28 days. At the end of the experiment, all rats were weighed and the prostatic indices, prostate specific antigen, serum testosterone concentration as well as the histological and histomorphometric changes were evaluated. Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii significantly (P <0.05) reduced prostate weight, prostatic index, serum prostate specific antigen, prostatic epithelial thickness and increased luminal diameter. Thus, the results of this study suggest that S. cerevisiae var. boulardii is a potential pharmacological candidate for management of benign prostatic hyperplasia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shan Sasidharan,1,2 Srinivasakumar KP,1 Amiya Bhaumik,1 Sreemoy Kanti Das,1 Hareebndran Nair J3 1Department of Pharmacy, Lincoln University College, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia; 2Small Animal Research Centre, Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, CARe KERALA, Thrissur, Kerala, India; 3Department of R&D, Pankajakasthuri Herbal Research Foundation, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, IndiaCorrespondence: Shan Sasidharan, Department of Pharmacy Lincoln University College, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, Email drshansasidharan@yahoo.co.inIntroduction: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a major chronic disease affecting men, and the therapeutic agents currently used to manage it have significant side effects. As a result, an alternative medicine with improved therapeutic properties with no side effects is desperately needed. The current investigation aims to study whether the Caesalpinia bonduc seed extracts (ethanolic-A, hydroalcoholic-B, and aqueous-C) have inhibitory potential on testosterone propionate (TP)-induced BPH in Wistar rats.Methods: Wistar rats (male) were randomly allocated to one of five groups: control, BPH (TP-3 mg/kg, subcutaneously daily), low dose (TP + C. bonduc seed extracts – 200 mg/kg body weight), high dose (TP + C. bonduc seed extracts – 400 mg/kg body weight), and standard drug (TP + finasteride – 10 mg/kg body weight). At the end of drug treatment, the rats were sacrificed and their serum and prostates were taken for biochemical and histological studies.Results: C. bonduc seed extracts treatment significantly decreased prostate weight and prostatic index in rats with TP-induced BPH. The seed extracts exhibited a potent inhibitory effect on dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in serum and prostate. In addition, the PSA level in the serum showed a noteworthy decrease in comparison with the BPH group. Histopathological examination also indicated that extracts improved the tissue morphology of the prostate significantly. Out of three extracts tested, ethanolic and hydroalcoholic extract recorded significant effect. Finally, liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC/MS-QTOF) analysis showed that the major compounds present in the extracts were tocopherols, fucosterol, linoleic acid, β-amyrin, β-sitosterol, campesterol, cassane furanoditerpene, norcassane furanoditerpene and other diterpenes.Conclusion: Thus, C. bonduc seed extracts could be a potential source for the formulation of new drug for managing BPH. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first scientific animal investigation into the use of C. bonduc seed extract for the management of BPH.Keywords: Caesalpinia bonduc seed extracts, benign prostatic hyperplasia, testosterone, Wistar rats, prostate gland

Abstract Background Sarcomatoid carcinoma (also called carcinosarcoma in the latest WHO classification 2016) of the prostate gland is a biphasic malignant neoplasm which exhibits epithelial and mesenchymal differentiation [1]. Sarcomatoid carcinoma is a rare tumour, considered as a variant of acinar adenocarcinoma in the WHO classification, with less than 200 reported cases in the literature to date [2]. Sarcomatoid carcinoma of prostate presenting with bilateral cervical lymph node deposits as the first clinical manifestation, is even rarer, and reported cases were not found in the literature; hence, this is the first case report of such, to the best of our knowledge. Case presentation We report a case of sarcomatoid carcinoma of the prostate in a 72-year-old Sri Lankan man who presented with bilateral cervical lymphadenopathy. He had hard nodular prostate on digital rectal examination (DRE). Ultrasound scan of abdomen (USS) revealed the presence of paraaortic lymphadenopathy, in addition. The excision biopsy of the right cervical lymph node revealed deposit of a carcinoma of epithelioid histomorphology, which showed patchy strong positivity for immunohistochemical marker (IHCm), PSA. His serum PSA value was 48 ng/ml (reference

Phthalates are a family of aromatic chemical compounds mainly used as plasticizers. Among phthalates, di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) is a low-molecular-weight phthalate used as a component of many cosmetic products, such as nail polish, and other perfumed personal care products. DBP has toxic effects on reproductive health, inducing testicular damage and developmental malformations. Inside the male reproductive system, the prostate gland reacts to both male and female sex steroids. For this reason, it represents an important target of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), compounds that are able to affect the estrogen and androgen signaling pathways, thus interfering with prostate homeostasis and inducing several prostate pathologies. The aim of this project was to investigate the effects of DBP, alone and in combination with testosterone (T), 17β-estradiol (E2), and both, on the normal PNT1A human prostate cell-derived cell line, to mimic environmental contamination. We showed that DBP and all of the tested mixtures increase cell viability through activation of both estrogen receptor α (ERα) and androgen receptor (AR). DBP modulated steroid receptor levels in a nonmonotonic way, and differently to endogenous hormones. In addition, DBP translocated ERα to the nucleus over different durations and for a more prolonged time than E2, altering the normal responsiveness of prostate cells. However, DBP alone seemed not to influence AR localization, but AR was continuously and persistently activated when DBP was used in combination. Our results show that DBP alone, and in mixture, alters redox homeostasis in prostate cells, leading to a greater increase in cell oxidative susceptibility. In addition, we also demonstrate that DBP increases the migratory potential of PNT1A cells. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that DBP, alone and in mixtures with endogenous steroid hormones, acts as an EDC, resulting in an altered prostate cell physiology and making these cells more prone to cancer transformation.

Introduction The prostate gland is a small reproductive organ found in men. It consists of 3 zones: central, peripheral and transitional. The most common localization of prostate cancer in elderly men is the peripheral zone. Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. It ranks second in terms of incidence and fifth in terms of lethality among men worldwide. There are many factors that contribute to the development of prostate cancer in men. We can divide them into two large groups: genetic factors and environmental factors. These include, among others: older age, ethnicity / race, positive family history, genetic predisposition, type of diet, obesity, smoking or higher height. Each of the above factors has a different impact on the incidence of prostate cancer, which has been demonstrated on the basis of the results of numerous studies and will be summarized in the following review. Materiał and Methods This review was based on available data collected in the PubMed database, using the following keywords: „Prostate Cancer”, „Epidemiology of Prostate Cancer” and „Risk factors of Prostate Cancer”. Conclusions Prostate cancer is a serious problem affecting men all over the world. Every year we observe an increasing incidence of this disease, which makes prostate cancer one of the most common cancers affecting men. There are many factors affecting the occurrence of this cancer, but it is extremely difficult to study their exact impact on the development of prostate cancer. Therefore, new initiatives and research should be undertaken to broadly understand the etiology and risk factors of this cancer.

Background: Neem leaves (Azadirachta indica L.) have been used for many therapeutic purposes and medicinal applications. The extract of this plant has been used in both male and female genders as a traditional agent to prevent early pregnancy. In this study, the effect of this extract was investigated histologically and morphometrically on the germinal epithelia of the seminiferous tubules, epididymis and secretory epithelia of rats' prostate glands. Methods: Twenty male albino rats were divided into four groups of five each and administered the extract at a concentration of zero, 100, 200 or 400 mg/kg of the body weight for 50 consecutive days. These rats were sacrificed and the male reproductive organs were removed, weighed and processed for routine histological examinations. The micrographs were analyzed and the structural changes in the epithelial lining and morphometric analyses were recorded, which included measuring the epithelial thickness in the seminiferous tubules, epididymis and secretory prostatic epithelia. Results: The extract was found to reduce the rats' weight; decreased both the weight and dimension of the testes; reduced the number of germinal epithelial lining cells in the seminiferous tubules of the testes, the epididymal and prostatic secretory epithelial cells. Conclusion: The histological alterations were most significant in response to the treatment with the extract at 200 mg/kg of the rats with the greatest damages observed in the epithelial lining. The deleterious effects of the extract were found to be dose-dependent and this corroborates the use of this extract as a contraceptive in animal models, and potentially in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Zinc nanoparticles (ZnNPs) usage is evolving in different industrial and medical applications. However, recently nanoparticles were reported for their harmful effects. Rutin is a flavonoid that presents in plants, many vegetables, and fruits. It is considered a strong antioxidant. Aim: To detect the effect of ZnNPs on the adult rat prostate gland and evaluating the possible protective effect of Rutin. Materials and Methods: Fifty adult male albino rats were divided into four groups: Group I (control), Group II (ZnNPs group) rats received ZnNPs in a dose of 100 mg/kg via oral gavage feeding needle for 28 days. Group III (Rutin group): rats received rutin in a dose of 50 mg/kg via oral gavage feeding needle for 28 days. Group IV (ZnNPs- Rutin group): rats received Zn NPs and rutin at a dose and route as groups II, III. After 28 days, rats were weighed; blood samples were collected then sacrificed. The prostate glands were dissected and processed for histological (LM and EM), immunohistochemical, and biochemical studies with morphometric analysis. Results: Light microscopic examination of Group II sections revealed degeneration of acini, vacuolation, and pyknotic nuclei of their lining cells. A highly statistically significant increase in thickness of the fibromuscular stroma (P < 0.001) in Masson Trichrome sections and a highly statistically significant increase (P < 0.001) in positive PCNA immunoreactions in the nuclei of epithelial cells were detected. Ultrathin sections showed vacuolations in acinar cells cytoplasm. Those findings are associated with a highly significant increase in Malondialdehyde, and Prostatic specific antigen. On the contrary, Group IV sections displayed restoration of prostatic acini arrangement with areas of hyperplasia and a statistically decrease in MDA, PSA. Conclusion: These findings evidenced that Rutin had a natural protective role against ZnNPs induced prostatic cell injury in rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]