Urine flora imbalance and new biomarkers in prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia

Abstract

IntroductionMicrobial structure is closely associated with the initiation and development of various diseases. However, the roles of urine flora in prostate diseases, including prostate cancer (PCa) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are still unclear.Material and methodsIn this study, clinical samples were collected from PCa (n=21) and BPH (n=19) patients and healthy people (n=12). The analysis of urine flora DNA sequencing and hematological testing results between every two groups was performed by using bioinformatic methods, including alpha and beta diversity analysis, and functional PICRUSt analysis.ResultsThe results showed that the microbial structure in PCa and BPH differentiated from healthy control. Escherichia coli was increased in PCa and BPH patients, while probiotics, such as, Lactobacillus helveticus and Lactobacillus iners was decreased. Moreover, beta diversity in PCa group was different with control group, while alpha diversity showed no significant changes. Spearman analysis showed that Escherichia coli was negatively correlated with Lactobacillus helveticus and Lactobacillus iners. Microbial imbalance was associated with energy metabolism in PCa and with cell motility, energy metabolism, and intracellular trafficking, secretion, and vesicular transport in BPH. Moreover, microbial imbalance was associated with nervous disorders and infectious diseases in PCa, and with metabolic system, infectious diseases, and signal transduction BPH.ConclusionsTaken together, microbial imbalance may be associated with PCa and BPH. The increase of Escherichia coli was accompanied by the decrease of probiotics, such as Lactobacillus helveticus and Lactobacillus iners. This may be the biomarkers for risk prediction and early treatment for prostate disease.

Exploring the Association between Gut and Urine Microbiota and Prostatic Disease including Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Prostate Cancer Using 16S rRNA Sequencing

“…In our urine sample analysis, Lactobacillus and Staphylococcus were abundant genera that separately reflected statistical differences in patients with BPH and PC compared with the control group population. Yin et al [ 21 ] reported slightly different results. The analysis of urine flora DNA sequencing showed distinct microbiota composition in patients with BPH and PC compared to the control group.…”

Alteration of Gut Microbes in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Model and Finasteride Treatment Model

“…exert beneficial effects on the human body, such as protecting the host from potential pathogenic invasion and treating diarrhea, vaginal infections, and skin disorders such as eczema [ 19 , 20 ]. In a recent study on the urinary flora of patients with prostate cancer and BPH, a decrease in the abundance of Lactobacillus iners or L. helverticusd was confirmed, suggesting that these microbes may be biomarkers for the prediction and early treatment of prostate disease [ 21 ]. In addition, Lactobacillus abundance was decreased in the semen of patients with chronic prostatitis [ 22 ].…”

Overview of BPH: Symptom Relief with Dietary Polyphenols, Vitamins and Phytochemicals by Nutraceutical Supplements with Implications to the Prostate Microbiome

“…The findings by Jain et al in 2020 were confirmed, in part, by a Yin et al study in 2021 that examined 12 men with prostate cancer, 19 men with BPH and 12 healthy men that served as controls, where analysis of urine flora via DNA sequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA in the V4 region was performed. The results showed that increased E. coli levels were accompanied by decreased levels of probiotics such as Lactobacillus helveticus and Lactobacillus iners in men with prostate cancer and BPH [ 93 ]. This suggested an imbalance of the urine flora that may be used as new biomarkers in prostate disorders.…”