-
Parasites, Hosts and Diseases Feb 2023Trichomonas vaginalis is a flagellated protozoan that causes trichomoniasis, a common nonviral sexually transmitted infection. T. vaginalis infection is asymptomatic in... (Review)
Review
Trichomonas vaginalis is a flagellated protozoan that causes trichomoniasis, a common nonviral sexually transmitted infection. T. vaginalis infection is asymptomatic in most infected men but can lead to chronic infection. The inflammatory response to chronic T. vaginalis infection may contribute to prostatic diseases, such as prostatitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH); however, studies on the relationship between T. vaginalis infection and prostate diseases are scarce. In this review, we discuss evidence from our studies on the involvement of T. vaginalis in the pathogenesis of prostate diseases, such as prostatitis and BPH. Studies of prostatitis have demonstrated that the attachment of T. vaginalis trophozoite to prostate epithelial cells (PECs) induces inflammatory cytokine production and inflammatory cell migration, leading to prostatitis. T. vaginalis also causes pathological changes, such as inflammatory cell infiltration, acinar changes, interstitial fibrosis, and mast cell infiltration, in prostate tissues of infected rats. Thus, T. vaginalis is considered an infectious agent that triggers prostatitis. Meanwhile, studies of prostatic hyperplasia revealed that mast cells activated by T. vaginalis-infected prostate cells secreted inflammatory mediators, such as β-hexosaminidase and tryptase, which promoted proliferation of prostate stromal cell (PSC). Moreover, interleukin-6 produced by proliferating PSCs induced the multiplication of BPH-1 epithelial cells as a result of stromal-epithelial interaction, suggesting that the proliferation of T. vaginalis-infected prostate cells can be induced through crosstalk with mast cells. These collective findings suggest that T. vaginalis contributes to the progression of prostatitis and prostatic hyperplasia by creating an inflammatory microenvironment involving PECs and PSCs.
Topics: Male; Humans; Rats; Animals; Trichomonas vaginalis; Prostatitis; Prostatic Hyperplasia; Trichomonas Infections; Prostate
PubMed: 37170459
DOI: 10.3347/PHD.22160 -
Cancer Epidemiology Dec 2021Mycoplasmas are emerging sexually transmitted pathogens usually associated with male urinary tract infection, non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU), infertility, and prostate... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Mycoplasmas are emerging sexually transmitted pathogens usually associated with male urinary tract infection, non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU), infertility, and prostate cancer. In this study, we review the evidence linking mycoplasma infection and prostate cancer. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis based on PRISMA guidelines. Four electronic databases were reviewed through January 31, 2021. Studies were eligible for inclusion if odds ratio for prevalence or incidence of colonization and/or infection were provided or calculable. All included studies were evaluated independently by three reviewers. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for Case-Control Studies. Statistical analysis was done using Review Manager Version 5.4. A total of 183/744 (24.6 %) patients with prostate cancer compared to 87/495 (17.58 %) patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) tested positive for Mycoplasma spp., while 86/666 (12.91 %) and 11/388 (2.84 %) prostate cancer patients and BPH patients, respectively, had Ureaplasma spp. infections. This meta-analysis showed that prostate cancer patients had 2.24 times higher odds (p = 0.0005) of being colonized with any species of Mycoplasma spp. and 3.6 times increased odds (p = 0.008) of being colonized with any species of Ureaplasma spp. In conclusion, patients with prostate cancer were more likely to be colonized with Mycoplasma spp. or Ureaplasma spp. compared to patients with BPH, which highlights the potential association between chronic infection and cancer. However, more studies are needed to determine the specific role that mycoplasma plays in the pathogenesis of prostate cancer.
Topics: Humans; Male; Mycoplasma; Persistent Infection; Prostatic Neoplasms; Ureaplasma; Ureaplasma Infections
PubMed: 34517226
DOI: 10.1016/j.canep.2021.102021 -
Journal of Endourology Dec 2022Water vapor thermal therapy (WVTT, i.e., Rezum) and prostatic urethral lift (PUL, i.e., Urolift) are minimally invasive surgical therapy (MIST) options for benign... (Review)
Review
Medium-Term Real-World Outcomes of Minimally Invasive Surgical Therapies for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Water Vapor Thermal Therapy (Rezum) Prostatic Urethral Lift (UroLift) in a High-Volume Urban Academic Center.
Water vapor thermal therapy (WVTT, i.e., Rezum) and prostatic urethral lift (PUL, i.e., Urolift) are minimally invasive surgical therapy (MIST) options for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Few studies have directly compared the two procedures. We examined the clinical characteristics and postoperative outcomes of patients undergoing WVTT and PUL at our high-volume urban academic center. We reviewed our institutional MIST database to identify patients with prostate sizes ≥30 and ≤80 cc who underwent WVTT or PUL for treatment of BPH between January 2017 and September 2021. Pre- and postoperative outcomes, including retreatment rates, American Urological Association symptom score (AUA-SS), maximum flow (Qmax), postvoid residual (PVR), medication usage, trial of void success rates, catheterization requirements, and postoperative complications within 90 days were extracted and compared between procedures. Three hundred seven patients received WVTT and 110 patients received PUL with average follow-up times of 11.3 and 12.8 months, respectively. WVTT patients showed significant improvements in AUA-SS, Qmax, and PVR, whereas PUL patients showed improvements in only AUA-SS and Qmax. Both WVTT and PUL patients with longitudinal follow-up demonstrated improvements in AUA-SS, Qmax, and PVR. Postoperatively, alpha-blocker utilization was significantly decreased following both WVTT and PUL (WVTT: 73.9%-46.6%, PUL: 76.4%-38.2%, both < 0.001). Compared to patients receiving PUL, WVTT patients more frequently reported postoperative dysuria (22.8% 8.3%, = 0.001) and nonclot-related retention (18.9% 7.3%, = 0.005); PUL patients more frequently experienced postoperative clot retention (7.3% 2.6%, = 0.027). There were no differences in rates of postoperative bladder spasm, trial of void success, urinary tract infections, or emergency department visits. Postoperative erectile dysfunction and retrograde ejaculation were rare and occurred at similar rates. In the real-world setting, WVTT and PUL have similar medium-term efficacy in improving symptoms and decreasing medication utilization for patients with BPH. Differences in postoperative complication profiles should inform patient counseling.
Topics: Humans; Male; Prostatic Hyperplasia; Prostate; Steam
PubMed: 36039926
DOI: 10.1089/end.2022.0385 -
The Canadian Journal of Urology Aug 2021INTRODUCTION The relationship between circumcision and prostate cancer has been controversial. A recently published meta-analysis contradicted previous meta-analyses of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
UNLABELLED
INTRODUCTION The relationship between circumcision and prostate cancer has been controversial. A recently published meta-analysis contradicted previous meta-analyses of male circumcision and prostate cancer risk. Our aim was to conduct a de novo meta-analysis and critically evaluate this recent paper published by Van Howe.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We retrieved data from each of the 12 source studies Van Howe used, then performed a random effects meta-analysis of those data. We critically examined the data and other information in Van Howe's study.
RESULTS
Using the same values as Van Howe, we confirmed his finding of a positive association of circumcision with prostate cancer (random effects summary OR = 1.14; 95% CI 0.99, 1.31). However, our independent meta-analysis found a negative association of circumcision with prostate cancer (random effects summary OR= 0.87; 95% CI 0.76, 1.00; p = 0.05). The reason for this critical discrepancy was Van Howe's erroneous transposition of values for circumcised and uncircumcised men in his Table columns, leading to inversion of the result. We further critically evaluated a geographical analysis and cost analysis of circumcision and prostate cancer, as well as claims denying a role for sexually transmitted infections in prostate cancer etiology, finding these too to be misleading.
CONCLUSIONS
Van Howe's 2020 meta-analysis was based on erroneous data transposition leading to an inverted outcome. The journal concerned recently corrected his Table. Van Howe's claim of a positive association of circumcision with country-level-age standardized prostate cancer prevalence and his cost analysis were found to be questionable. Our meta-analysis showed that circumcision is associated with lower prostate cancer risk.
Topics: Circumcision, Male; Humans; Male; Prevalence; Prostate; Prostatic Neoplasms; Sexually Transmitted Diseases
PubMed: 34378513
DOI: No ID Found -
The Urologic Clinics of North America Feb 2021"Approximately 1 million prostate biopsies are performed each year in the United States. This procedure has traditionally been performed using a transrectal approach,... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Review
"Approximately 1 million prostate biopsies are performed each year in the United States. This procedure has traditionally been performed using a transrectal approach, which is associated with a significant risk of infectious complications including sepsis. In recent years, transperineal prostate biopsy has been increasingly adopted due to its lower associated infectious risk. In this review, we explore the benefits of the transperineal approach for performing prostate biopsy and detail technical advancements that have allowed for this procedure to now be routinely performed in the outpatient settings under local anesthesia."
Topics: Bacterial Infections; Biopsy; Humans; Image-Guided Biopsy; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Perineum; Prostate; Prostatic Neoplasms; Rectum; Robotic Surgical Procedures; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 33218591
DOI: 10.1016/j.ucl.2020.09.010 -
Urologia Internationalis 2021The role of Ureaplasma spp. (UPs) in the pathogenesis of chronic prostatitis is debated. The lithogenic potential of UPs could be a risk factor for the development of...
INTRODUCTION
The role of Ureaplasma spp. (UPs) in the pathogenesis of chronic prostatitis is debated. The lithogenic potential of UPs could be a risk factor for the development of chronic prostatitis.
METHODS
A total of 143 patients with identification of UPs were retrospectively selected from a database including patients with prostatitis-like symptoms who were studied according to the same protocol including clinical, microbiological and microscopic evaluation, and transrectal prostate ultrasound. A control group of patients with negative UPs was considered including 393 with chronic bacterial prostatitis (CBP), 42 patients with Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), and 781 patients with chronic pelvic pain syndrome. UPs and Mycoplasma hominis (MH) were identified using a semiquantitative assay.
RESULTS
Calcifications were observed more frequently in patients with UPs (64%) than in patients with CBP without UPs (39%), CT infection (37%), and chronic pelvic pain syndrome (29%) (p < 0.0001). UPs were isolated in VB1 alone in 35 patients (urethral UPs), in expressed prostatic secretion (EPS) or post-massage urine (VB3) or sperm in 77 patients (prostatic UPs) and associated with other pathogens in 31 patients (associated UPs). Calcifications were more frequent in prostatic UPs (71%) and associated UPs (73%) than in urethral UPs (34%). Mean NIH-CPSI scores were not significantly different between groups, although mean WBC counts of sperm of patients with urethral UPs were significantly lower than in patients with prostatic UPs (p = 0.000) and associated UPs (p = 0.002).
CONCLUSIONS
UPs identification in the urogenital fluids is related to higher rates of prostate calcifications. The ability of UPs to promote the formation of calcifications could be related to the chronicization of prostate infection. In particular, the presence of UPs in VB3/EPS/sperm is associated with higher rates of calcifications and high WBC sperm counts, suggesting a partial or full causative role of UPs in the pathogenesis of this disease.
Topics: Adult; Calcinosis; Chronic Disease; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Prostatitis; Retrospective Studies; Ureaplasma; Ureaplasma Infections; Urethra
PubMed: 33264795
DOI: 10.1159/000511653 -
BMJ Open May 2023Approximately one million prostate biopsies are performed annually in the USA, and most are performed using a transrectal approach under local anaesthesia. The risk of...
INTRODUCTION
Approximately one million prostate biopsies are performed annually in the USA, and most are performed using a transrectal approach under local anaesthesia. The risk of postbiopsy infection is increasing due to increasing antibiotic resistance of rectal flora. Single-centre studies suggest that a clean, percutaneous transperineal approach to prostate biopsy may have a lower risk of infection. To date, there is no high-level evidence comparing transperineal versus transrectal prostate biopsy. We hypothesise that transperineal versus transrectal prostate biopsy under local anaesthesia has a significantly lower risk of infection, similar pain/discomfort levels and comparable detection of non-low-grade prostate cancer.
METHODS AND ANALYSIS
We will perform a multicentre, prospective randomised clinical trial to compare transperineal versus transrectal prostate biopsy for elevated prostate-specific antigen in the first biopsy, prior negative biopsy and active surveillance biopsy setting. Prostate MRI will be performed prior to biopsy, and targeted biopsy will be conducted for suspicious MRI lesions in addition to systematic biopsy (12 cores). Approximately 1700 men will be recruited and randomised in a 1:1 ratio to transperineal versus transrectal biopsy. A streamlined design to collect data and to determine trial eligibility along with the two-stage consent process will be used to facilitate subject recruitment and retention. The primary outcome is postbiopsy infection, and secondary outcomes include other adverse events (bleeding, urinary retention), pain/discomfort/anxiety and critically, detection of non-low-grade (grade group ≥2) prostate cancer.
ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION
The Institutional Review Board of the Biomedical Research Alliance of New York approved the research protocol (protocol number #18-02-365, approved 20 April 2020). The results of the trial will be presented at scientific conferences and published in peer-reviewed medical journals.
TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
NCT04815876.
Topics: Male; Humans; Prostate; Prospective Studies; Biopsy; Prostatic Neoplasms; Rectum; Image-Guided Biopsy; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Multicenter Studies as Topic
PubMed: 37208135
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-071191 -
The Lancet. Infectious Diseases Oct 2022The benefit of antibiotic prophylaxis is uncertain when performing transperineal prostate biopsies. Judicious use of antibiotics is required as antimicrobial resistance... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
The benefit of antibiotic prophylaxis is uncertain when performing transperineal prostate biopsies. Judicious use of antibiotics is required as antimicrobial resistance increases worldwide. We aimed to assess whether antibiotic prophylaxis can be omitted when performing transperineal prostate biopsies under local anaesthesia as an outpatient procedure.
METHODS
In this randomised, open-label, non-inferiority trial, we aimed to enrol all patients with a suspicion of prostate cancer undergoing transperineal prostate biopsies at two hospitals in Norway and Germany. Patients with a high risk of infection or ongoing infection were excluded. Patients were randomised (1:1) to receive intramuscular (in Norway) or intravenous (in Germany) 1·5 g cefuroxime antibiotic prophylaxis or not. Follow-up assessments were done after 2 weeks and 2 months. The primary outcome was rate of sepsis or urinary tract infections requiring hospitalisation within 2 months. The secondary outcome was the rate of urinary tract infections not requiring hospitalisation. These outcomes were assessed in all eligible randomly allocated participants with a prespecified non-inferiority margin of 4%. Biopsies were performed using an MRI-transrectal ultrasound fusion transperineal technique under local anaesthesia. Patients with a positive MRI underwent 2-4 biopsies per target; in addition, 8-12 systematic biopsies were performed in biopsy naive and MRI-negative patients. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04146142.
FINDINGS
Between Nov 11, 2019, and Feb 23, 2021, 792 patients were referred for biopsy, of whom 555 (70%) were randomly allocated to treatment groups. 277 (50%) patients received antibiotic prophylaxis and 276 (50%) did not; two (<1%) patients were excluded after randomisation because of unknown allergy to study drug. Sepsis or urinary tract infections requiring hospitalisation occurred in no patients given antibiotic prophylaxis (0%, 95% CI 0 to 1·37) or not given antibiotic prophylaxis (0%, 0 to 1·37; difference 0% [95% CI -1·37 to 1·37]). Urinary tract infections not requiring hospitalisation occurred in one patient given antibiotic prophylaxis (0·36%, 95% CI 0·01 to 2·00) and three patients not given antibiotic prophylaxis (1·09%, 0·37 to 3·15; difference 0·73% [95% CI -1·08 to 2·81]). The number needed to treat with antibiotic prophylaxis to avoid one infection was 137.
INTERPRETATION
The non-inferiority margin of 4% was not exceeded, suggesting rates of infections were not higher in patients not receiving antibiotic prophylaxis before transperineal prostate biopsy than in those receiving it. Therefore, antibiotic prophylaxis might be omitted in this population.
FUNDING
Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway and Vivantes Klinikum Am Urban, Berlin, Germany.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Biopsy; Cefuroxime; Humans; Male; Prostate; Sepsis; Urinary Tract Infections
PubMed: 35839791
DOI: 10.1016/S1473-3099(22)00373-5 -
Medicine Nov 2023Prostate tuberculosis (PTB) has no specific symptoms, or insidious presentation in male reproductive system tuberculosis, and is difficult to detect in the early stage.... (Review)
Review
RATIONALE
Prostate tuberculosis (PTB) has no specific symptoms, or insidious presentation in male reproductive system tuberculosis, and is difficult to detect in the early stage. When PTB develops to the late stage, it leads to disease progression and irreversible organ and tissue damage. At present, the imaging manifestations of prostate tuberculosis vary and are not well known to imaging physicians and urologists.
DIAGNOSES AND INTERVENTIONS
This case was a PTB patient, whose main manifestation was elevated serum prostate-specific antigen and the diagnosis was confirmed by ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy. We analyzed the imaging performance of various imaging techniques, and summarized and explored the imaging characteristics reported in the previous literature, with the aim of improving the early detection rate and providing evidence-based practice for early regular antituberculosis treatment in PTB.
OUTCOMES
The multiparametric transrectal ultrasound performance of PTB is characteristic, and can be used for the differential diagnosis of prostate cancer causing elevated prostate-specific antigen levels in aged men.
Topics: Humans; Male; Aged; Prostate; Prostate-Specific Antigen; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Image-Guided Biopsy; Prostatic Neoplasms; Prostatitis; Tuberculosis, Male Genital
PubMed: 38013327
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000036172 -
Sexual Medicine Reviews Oct 2022Hematospermia (HS) is the presence of blood in ejaculatory fluid. It is a rare condition that is historically idiopathic or associated with sexual behavior.... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Hematospermia (HS) is the presence of blood in ejaculatory fluid. It is a rare condition that is historically idiopathic or associated with sexual behavior. Technological advances have identified many of the etiologies behind HS, improving treatment. Though often benign, HS remains a source of considerable sexual anxiety for patients. Few papers have outlined a diagnostic and therapeutic approach to HS, and none have explicitly addressed its sexual consequences.
OBJECTIVES
To provide a comprehensive overview of HS, emphasizing its sexual ramifications.
METHODS
A PubMed literature search was performed through May 2021 to identify all relevant publications related to etiology, diagnosis, treatment, and sexual effects of HS. Original research and reviews were analyzed, and pertinent studies were included in this review.
RESULTS
Iatrogenic interventions (eg, transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsies) are the most common cause of HS. Infection and/or nonspecific inflammation is the most common non-iatrogenic etiology. Malignancies, including prostate, testicular, and other genitourinary cancers, are rarely the cause of HS. Diagnostic approaches to HS can be organized according to patient age (less than or greater than 40 years old), persistence of bleeding, and the presence/absence of concerning symptoms. Though HS often spontaneously resolves, treatment may require various medications (eg, antibiotics, anti-inflammatories) or surgical interventions. HS has several sexual ramifications, including libido-affecting anxiety, social repercussions from sexual partners and non-sexual affiliates, increased risk of erectile dysfunction or transmission of sexual infections, and compromised fertility, especially when cryopreservation is utilized.
CONCLUSION
HS may significantly affect sexual health through several mechanisms, though there is a paucity of formal data on this subject. Further research is needed to fully understand the severity and extent of HS's effect on sexual well-being, especially in those with refractory bleeding. Drury RH, King B, Herzog B, et al. Hematospermia Etiology, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Sexual Ramifications: A Narrative Review. Sex Med Rev. 2022;10:669-680.
Topics: Adult; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Erectile Dysfunction; Hemospermia; Humans; Male; Prostate; Sexual Behavior
PubMed: 34538619
DOI: 10.1016/j.sxmr.2021.07.004