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Updated: Nov 1, 2025
miRNA Expression Analyses in Prostate Cancer Clinical Tissues
Published on: September 8, 2015
Prostatic fluid exosome-mediated microRNA-155 promotes the pathogenesis of type IIIA chronic prostatitis
Baixiong Zhao1, Jun Zheng1, Yang Qiao1
1Department of Urology, Southwest Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China.
Background:
The latest research has shown that exosomes play an important role in cell-to-cell communication and are closely related to the occurrence of many chronic inflammatory diseases. However, no studies have clarified whether exosomes are involved in the pathogenesis of aseptic inflammation, type IIIA chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS-A). This study aimed to explore the relationship between prostatic fluid exosomes and CP/CPPS-A and reveal new pathogenesis.
Methods:
Our group collected prostatic fluid samples from CP/CPPS-A patients and normal adult men. Electron microscope, quantitative PCR (qPCR), Western Blot, nanoparticle tracking analysis, hematoxylin-and-eosin (HE) staining, immunofluorescence staining and miRNA-155 functional analysis were used to verify the role of exosomes in CP/CPPS-A in vivo and in vitro.
Results:
Exosomes were abundantly enriched in the prostatic fluid of CP/CPPS-A patients and selectively overloaded with microRNA-155 (miRNA-155). These exosomes were taken up by prostatic stromal cells in large quantities. They activated interleukin (IL)-8 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) expression in vitro, and the integrity of the exosomes' plasma membrane is a necessary condition for information transmission by exosomes. In in vivo experiments, histological results showed that prostatic fluid exosomes induced prostatitis in rats. Also, immunofluorescence staining showed excessive activation of IL-8, TNF-α, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS).
Conclusions:
Exosomes in the prostatic fluid and the miRNA-155 contained therein were may be involved with the pathogenesis of CP/CPPS-A.
Insights
Prostatic fluid exosomes, enriched with microRNA-155, are implicated in chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS-A). These exosomes activate inflammatory pathways and induce prostatitis in animal models, suggesting a novel pathogenic role.
Area of Science:
- Cell biology
- Immunology
- Urology
Background:
- Exosomes mediate cell-to-cell communication and are linked to chronic inflammatory diseases.
- The role of exosomes in aseptic inflammation, specifically in chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome type IIIA (CP/CPPS-A), remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the involvement of prostatic fluid exosomes in the pathogenesis of CP/CPPS-A.
- To identify potential new mechanisms underlying CP/CPPS-A.
Main Methods:
- Prostatic fluid samples were collected from CP/CPPS-A patients and healthy men.
- Exosomes were analyzed using electron microscopy, qPCR, Western Blot, and nanoparticle tracking analysis.
- In vitro and in vivo experiments, including cell culture and rat models, assessed exosome function and inflammatory markers.
Main Results:
- Prostatic fluid from CP/CPPS-A patients showed abundant exosomes selectively enriched with microRNA-155.
- These exosomes were internalized by prostatic stromal cells, activating interleukin-8 (IL-8) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) expression.
- In vivo studies demonstrated that prostatic fluid exosomes induced prostatitis in rats, with elevated IL-8, TNF-α, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS).
Conclusions:
- Exosomes present in prostatic fluid, particularly those containing microRNA-155, are likely involved in the pathogenesis of CP/CPPS-A.
- This study highlights a novel role for exosomes in the development of chronic prostatitis.
