Effects of low-frequency ultrasound combined with microbubbles on benign prostate hyperplasia

Abstract

Introduction: Our objective is to assess the effects of low-frequency ultrasound combined with microbubbles on benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). Methods: Sixteen Beagle dogs with BPH were randomly assigned into 4 groups (n = 4): control group (without treatment), G1 group (injection with 2 mL of microbubble contrast agent); G2 group (21 kHz ultrasound); and G3 group (injection with 2 mL of microbubble contrast agent +21 kHz ultrasound). The histopathological damage to prostate cells was assessed via transmission electron microscopy and optical microscopy. The protein expressions of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), superoxide dismutase (SOD) of vessels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Histopathologically, the prostate cells exhibited nuclear chromatin contraction, mitochondrial swelling, degranulation of rough endoplasmic reticulum, basement membrane rupture and cell apoptosis in the G2 and G3 groups; it was especially obvious in the G3 group, while no changes were observed in the control and G1 groups. Although prostate volume using imaging was not significantly changed in all groups after treatment, PSA was significantly reduced in the G2 and G3 groups, and especially obvious in the G3 group (p < 0.05). The iNOS and SOD, which are important oxidative stress factors, significantly increased after treatment in the G2 and G3 groups, but not in the control and G1 groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Low-frequency ultrasound is effective in treating BPH; low-frequency ultrasound combined with microbubbles improves the treatment efficacy. IntroductionBenign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-malignant enlargement of the prostate, ranking among the 10 most common diseases in aging men.1 BPH is characterized by smooth muscle and epithelial proliferation primarily within the prostatic transition zone, which results in a variety of problems for patients. The most frequent problem is lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) 2 and 80% of men in their 70s suffer from BPH-related LUTS. 3,4 Currently, the management of BPH involves non-surgical and surgical techniques. Alpha-blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors are common medical options due to their excellent efficacy and convenience of administering without severe adverse effects. 5,6 Although transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is the gold standard for BPHrelated LUTS, it has disadvantages. Its potential disadvantages include significant blood loss and operative hyponatraemia, need for hospitalization and possible prolonged catheterization, and low, but real, risks of urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, bladder neck contractures, and urethral stricture disease.7 Laser surgery as a substitute has also been attempted and has a satisfactory short-term efficacy. [8][9][10] However, elderly and more infirm patients are least likely to undergo it; this raises concern about the underutilization of the technique in this population.11 Therefore, a more effective, safe, and easy trea...

Additional correction of OAB symptoms by two anti-muscarinics for men over 50 years old with residual symptoms of moderate prostatic obstruction after treatment with Tamsulosin

“…To study dynamics of abnormal symptoms during all period of observation, patients were asked to fill in bladder diaries and record volume of urinations, information about urge episodes (UE), incontinence episodes (IE), episodes of nighttime urination (ENU) [22,23]. Patients underwent ultrasound examination of prostatic gland before the study and after treatment with Tamsulosin [24,25].…”

Upregulation of Beclin-1 expression in DU-145 cells following low-frequency ultrasound irradiation combined with microbubbles

“…Ultrasound has been widely used in cancer therapy and has been shown to mediate apoptosis through thermal, cavitation, sonoporation and sonochemical effects; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear (5). Furthermore, a number of experiments indicated that the effects of ultrasound may be enhanced by microbubbles (6,7).…”