Calycosin Protects Against Chronic Prostatitis via Regulating Cellular Pyroptosis

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Pharmacology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Chronic prostatitis (CP) is a common male urological condition characterized by chronic pelvic pain.
• The anti-inflammatory effects of calycosin are known, but its mechanism in CP is unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the mechanism of calycosin in treating chronic prostatitis.
• To investigate calycosin's effects on inflammation, oxidative stress, and pyroptosis in CP models.

Main Methods:

• CP models were established in rats and RWPE-1 cells using carrageenan and LPS-ATP, respectively.
• Histological analysis, ELISA, detection kits, immunofluorescence, western blotting, CCK-8, and qRT-PCR were employed.
• Key pathways and markers related to inflammation, oxidative stress, and pyroptosis were assessed.

Main Results:

• Calycosin significantly reduced prostate tissue damage, inflammation, and oxidative stress in CP models.
• Calycosin treatment improved cell viability and suppressed pyroptosis in RWPE-1 cells.
• The protective effects of calycosin were associated with the inactivation of the NF-kBp65 signaling pathway.

Conclusions:

• Calycosin demonstrates protective effects against chronic prostatitis.
• It acts by suppressing inflammation, oxidative stress, and pyroptosis via the NF-kBp65 pathway.
• Calycosin shows potential as a therapeutic agent for CP.