Objective: To investigate the significance of the determination of IL-8 and TNF-alpha in prostatic secretions in the evaluation of chronic prostatitis.
Methods: IL-8 and TNF-alpha levels in EPS were evaluated by ELISA in 90 men: controls (n = 12), CBP (n = 12), CPPS IIIA (n=38), CPPS IIIB (n=28). And the difference was analyzed between CBP or CPPS IIIA and CPPS IIIB or controls.
Results: IL-8 and TNF-alpha levels in EPS were higher in men with CBP [(10967.5 +/- 3477.7) pg/ml, (84.1 +/- 54.7) pg/ml] or CPPS IIIA [(9268.4 +/- 2034.6) pg/ml and (32.6 +/- 18.6) pg/ml], but lower in men with CPPS IIIB [(2726.1 +/- 277.5) pg/ml, (12.6 +/- 7.1) pg/ml] or controls [(2800.0 +/- 320.2) pg/ml and (12.9 +/- 10.1) pg/ml] respectively. There was significant difference between CBP or CPPS IIIA and CPPS IIIB or controls (P < 0.01).
Conclusion: IL-8 and TNF-alpha are elevated in the EPS of the men with CBP and CPPS IIIA, and provide a novel means for the identification and characterization of chronic nonbacterial prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome. The cut-points for IL-8 and TNF-alpha to discriminate CBP or CPPS IIIA from CPPS IIIB or controls need further investigation.