Prostatitis etiology

The testes and adrenal glands produce 90% and 10%, respectively, of circulating testosterone. Testosterone enters prostate cells, where predominantly type II 5a-reductase activates testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, which combines with a cytoplasmic receptor. The complex enters the nucleus and induces changes in protein synthesis which promote glandular tissue growth of the prostate. Thus, 5a-reductase inhibitors (e.g., finasteride and dutas-teride) directly interfere with one of the major etiologic factors of BPH. 

Around 20,000 cancer patients experience spinal cord compression in the United States every year, most of which involves the thoracic spine (approximately 70%). Cancers that inherently metastasize to bone (e.g., breast, prostate, and lung) are the most frequent etiologies identified. Most spinal cord compression occurs in patients with a known malignancy however, 8% to 34% occurs as the initial presentation of cancer, especially in patients with non-Hodgkins lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and lung cancer.17... 

Since the recognition of the biological role of lycopene in the prevention of chronic diseases, the emphasis of the scientific community has been in the area of cancer, with special focus on prostate cancer. However, based on the hypothesis that oxidative stress may be an important etiological factor in the causation of most of the degenerative diseases and that lycopene is a potent antioxidant, the scientific community has started to study its role in diseases other than the ones reviewed in this chapter. These health disorders include skin and ocular diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, periodontal diseases, and inflammatory disorders. The scientific information pertaining to the role of lycopene in these diseases is still in its infancy. However, the rationale for undertaking these studies is scientifically valid and it is hoped that in the next 3-5 years several studies will be reported in the literature. 

Most patients with overactive bladder and UUI have no identifiable underlying etiology. In fact, the most common cause of bladder overactivity and UUI is idiopathic. Clearly identifiable risk factors for UUI include normal aging, neurologic disease (including stroke, Parkinson s disease, multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injury), and bladder outlet obstruction (e.g., due to benign prostatic hyperplasia [BPH] or prostate cancer). 

As mentioned (vide supra), P450 4F8 expression is associated with psoriasis [1623, 1624], but its role in the etiology of the disease is unclear. P450 4F8 has also been identilled as a potential target in prostate cancer [1628]. 

Cancer is a term commonly used for diseases in which abnormal cells divide uncontrollably and invade other tissues. Cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. Cancer is not just one disease but many diseases. There are more than 100 different t3 pes of cancer, hence, the complexity of cancer treatment. It is the second leading cause of death worldwide after heart disease, and its risk and incidence increase with patient age (www. cancer.gov). In addition to genetic factors, enviromnental and nutritional factors play a main role in cancer etiology. In westernized countries, breast, prostate, and colon-rectum cancers predominate because diets are usually rich in animal-source foods and refined carbohydrates and deficient in plant foods. Conversely, in developing countries, where diets are largely based on cereal/starchy foods, esophageal, stomach, and liver cancers are more incident [127]. 

Popek EJ, Tyson RW, Miller GJ, Caldwell SA (1991) Prostate development in prune belly syndrome (PBS) and posterior urethral valves (PUV) etiology of PBS - lower urinary tract obstruction or mesenchymal defect Pediatr Pathol 11 1-29... 

Subcutaneous injections of cadmium salts in rats induce sarcoma at the site of injection and may also give rise to interstitial tumors in the testis. " In human beings, cadmium has been suggested as an etiologic factor in the development of prostatic carcinoma" " " and cancer of the respiratory tract. "... 

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