The Association of Prostate Cancer and Urinary Tract Infections: A New Perspective of Prostate Cancer Pathogenesis

The role of the urinary microbiome in genitourinary cancers

Genitourinary cancers account for 20% of cancer instances globally and pose a substantial burden. The microbiome, defined as the ecosystem of organisms that reside within and on the human body, seems to be closely related to multiple cancers. Research on the gut microbiome has yielded substantial insights into the interactions of this entity with the immune system and cancer therapeutic efficacy, whereas the urinary microbiome has been relatively less well-studied. Advances in next-generation sequencing technologies led to new discoveries in the urinary microbiome, which might aid in early detection, risk stratification and personalized treatment strategies in genitourinary cancers. Mechanistic investigations have also suggested a role for the urinary microbiome in modulating the tumour microenvironment and host immune response. For example, distinct urinary microbial signatures have been linked to bladder cancer occurrence and recurrence risk, with specific taxa associated with cytokine production and inflammation. Urinary microbiome signatures have also been explored as potential biomarkers for non-invasive cancer detection. However, challenges remain in standardizing methodologies, validating findings across studies, and establishing causative mechanisms. As investigations into the urinary microbiome continue to evolve, so does the potential for developing microbiome-modulating therapies and enhancing diagnostic capabilities to improve outcomes in patients with genitourinary cancers.

LncRNA LINC01128 promotes prostate cancer cell proliferation, metastasis, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition by modulating miR-27b-3p

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a prevalent malignancy within the male reproductive system that poses a significant threat to patients' lives. The function of long non-coding RNA LINC01128 in PCa progression remains to be elucidated.

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to evaluate the significance of LINC01128 in PCa and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms, thereby identifying a potential target for PCa treatment.

METHODS

The clinical significance of LINC01128 in PCa was investigated by bioinformatics methods and data analysis. The expression of LINC01128 was quantified using real-time quantitative PCR. The impact of LINC01128 on PCa cell viability and metastasis was evaluated through Cell Counting Kit-8 and Transwell assays. The expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers was analyzed by Western blot analysis. Bioinformatics methods and dual-luciferase reporter assay were employed to explore the mechanisms underlying the role of LINC01128 in PCa progression.

RESULTS

LINC01128 demonstrated significant upregulation in PCa and exhibited a strong correlation with tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage, Gleason score, and lymph node metastasis. The upregulation of LINC01128 was found to be linked to a poorer prognosis for PCa. In PCa cells, silencing LINC01128 resulted in the suppression of cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Furthermore, the knockdown of LINC01128 enhanced the expression of E-cadherin while concurrently repressing the expression of N-cadherin and Vimentin. Mechanistically, the negative regulation of miR-27b-3p by LINC01128 mediated the role of LINC01128 in PCa progression.

CONCLUSIONS

In PCa, high expression of LINC01128 may predict patients' unfavorable prognosis. LINC01128 promoted PCa cellular processes by negatively regulating miR-27b-3p.

Influence of microbiome in intraprostatic inflammation and prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

Chronic infection and inflammation have been linked to the development of prostate cancer. Dysbiosis of the oral and gut microbiomes and subsequent microbial translocation can lead to pathogenic prostate infections. Microbial-produced metabolites have also been associated with signaling pathways that promote prostate cancer development. A comprehensive discussion on the mechanisms of microbiome infection and the prostate microenvironment is essential to understand prostate carcinogenesis.

METHODS

Published studies were used from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database to conduct a narrative review. No restrictions were applied in the selection of articles.

RESULTS

Microbiome-derived short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) have been found to upregulate multiple signaling pathways, including MAPK and PI3K, through IGF-1 signaling and M2 macrophage polarization. SCFAs can also upregulate Toll-like receptors, leading to chronic inflammation and the creation of a pro-prostate cancer environment. Dysbiosis of oral microbiota has been correlated with prostate infection and inflammation. Additionally, pathogenic microbiomes associated with urinary tract infections have shown a link to prostate cancer, with vesicoureteral reflux potentially contributing to prostate infection.

CONCLUSIONS

This review offers a comprehensive understanding of the impact of microbial infections linked to intraprostatic inflammation as a causative factor for prostate cancer. Further studies involving the manipulation of the microbiome and its produced metabolites may provide a more complete understanding of the microenvironmental mechanisms that promote prostate carcinogenesis.

Inflammation in Prostate Cancer: Exploring the Promising Role of Phenolic Compounds as an Innovative Therapeutic Approach

Prostate cancer (PCa) remains a significant global health concern, being a major cause of cancer morbidity and mortality worldwide. Furthermore, profound understanding of the disease is needed. Prostate inflammation caused by external or genetic factors is a central player in prostate carcinogenesis. However, the mechanisms underlying inflammation-driven PCa remain poorly understood. This review dissects the diagnosis methods for PCa and the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the disease, clarifying the dynamic interplay between inflammation and leukocytes in promoting tumour development and spread. It provides updates on recent advances in elucidating and treating prostate carcinogenesis, and opens new insights for the use of bioactive compounds in PCa. Polyphenols, with their noteworthy antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, along with their synergistic potential when combined with conventional treatments, offer promising prospects for innovative therapeutic strategies. Evidence from the use of polyphenols and polyphenol-based nanoparticles in PCa revealed their positive effects in controlling tumour growth, proliferation, and metastasis. By consolidating the diverse features of PCa research, this review aims to contribute to increased understanding of the disease and stimulate further research into the role of polyphenols and polyphenol-based nanoparticles in its management.