Soybean Extracts (Glycine Max) with Curcuma, Boswellia, Pinus and Urtica Are Able to Improve Quality of Life in Patients Affected by CP/CPPS: Is the Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine IL-8 Level Decreasing the Physiopathological Link?

Abstract

The present study evaluates the efficacy of a combination of soyabean extracts associated with Curcuma Longa, Boswellia, Pinus pinaster and Urtica dioica (PROSTAFLOG®) in patients affected by CP/CPPS, through the evaluation of interleukin-8 (IL-8) plasma seminal levels. All patients diagnosed with CP/CPPS, attending the same urologic center, were enrolled in this randomized, controlled phase III study. Participants were randomized to receive oral capsules of PROSTAFLOG® (two capsules at bedtime every 24 h) or Ibuprofen 600 mg (1 tablet daily), lasting for a period of four weeks. NIH-CPSI and SF-36 questionnaires, as urological evaluations with a transrectal ultrasound (TRUS), the Meares–Stamey test, and IL-8 dosage in seminal plasma were performed at baseline and at 3 months follow-up. A total of 77 patients (mean age of 34.5 ± 6.1) were enrolled (PROSTAFLOG® (n = 39); ibuprofen (n = 38)) in the study. At 3 months, in the PROSTAFLOG® series, 69.2% of patients showed a significant reduction in the NIH-CPSI score, compared with 34.2% in the ibuprofen group (p < 0001). The mean IL-8 levels were significantly lower in the PROSTAFLOG® cohort compared with the ibuprofen series (p < 0.0001), while a significant reduction in the IL-8 level between the enrolment and last follow-up evaluation was also observed in this group (p < 0.0001). Additionally, a significant reduction in the volume of the seminal vesicles assessed by TRUS was also found in the PROSTAFLOG® series during the observational timeframe (18.3 ± 7.1 mL vs. 11.2 ± 2.4 mL (p < 0.0001). In conclusion, PROSTAFLOG® significantly improves the QoL in patients affected by CP/CPPS and it provides a significant reduction in IL-8 seminal levels as the overall seminal vesicles volume.

The Use of Ellagic Acid and Annona muricata Complex in Male Subjects with Oligospermia and HPV-Related Infections: Results from a Pilot Study

“…Several authors reported that numerous reactive oxygen classes have been involved in seminal plasma parameters decline [21,22]. In particular, some metabolites in peroxidative damage are associated with oligospermia and teratospermia [23], such as prostate tissue damage [24,25]. In this sense, the use of anti-oxidant drugs is an important pillar in the management of hypofertile males.…”

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy in association with bromelain and escin for the management of patients affected by chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome

“…General characteristics of the study participants were expressed with descriptive statistics (means, standard deviations or ranges). The calculation of the sample size needed for enrollment was based on the expected questionnaire results (improvement of quality of life) in line with published results from other studies ( 14 , 20 , 21 ). The required sample size was calculated under the following conditions: Difference between the groups, 35% of patients who reach a reduction in 15% of the NIH-CPSI total score; α error level, 0.05 two-sided; statistical power, 80%; and anticipated effect size, Cohen's d=0.5.…”

“…Moreover, several other Extracorporeal shock wave therapy in association with bromelain and escin for the management of patients affected by chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome approaches have been used and evaluated for the management of patients with CP/CPPS, such as thermobalancing, transurethral needle ablation, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation or sono-electromagnetic therapy, and patients treated using these approaches have exhibited a significant clinical improvement (5)(6)(7). On the other hand, phytotherapy has been used over the past years with satisfactory results as regards the relief of symptoms and quality of life (7,13,14). Several studies have been published on the roles of quercetin, bee pollen, pumpkin seed oil, eviprostat or terpene mixture, with promising results (7,13,14).…”

“…On the other hand, phytotherapy has been used over the past years with satisfactory results as regards the relief of symptoms and quality of life (7,13,14). Several studies have been published on the roles of quercetin, bee pollen, pumpkin seed oil, eviprostat or terpene mixture, with promising results (7,13,14).…”

“…On the other hand, phytotherapy has been used over the past years with satisfactory results as regards the relief of symptoms and quality of life ( 7 , 13 , 14 ). Several studies have been published on the roles of quercetin, bee pollen, pumpkin seed oil, eviprostat or terpene mixture, with promising results ( 7 , 13 , 14 ). In particular, Cai et al ( 7 ) reported that flower pollen extract was able to relieve symptoms in patients affected by CP/CPPS through the reduction of interleukin (IL)-8 levels.…”