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.
An introduction to genetic and epigenetic changes in prostate gland – implications in efficacy of phytotherapy of benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer