Elucidation of developmental mechanism for benign prostatic hyperplasia by pathogen invasion using next-generation sequencing

2020 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 18K16702
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 56030:Urology-related
• Research Institution: Fukushima Medical University
• Principal Investigator: Honda Ruriko 福島県立医科大学, 医学部, 助手 (80813138)
• Project Period (FY): 2018-04-01 – 2021-03-31
• Keywords: 前立腺肥大症 / クラミジア / シークエンサー

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Genome analysis by PCR and sequencing was performed using human prostate tissue to identify bacterial species associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia. The results of PCR showed that several bacteria and chlamydia could be detected associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Furthermore, the results to identify the bacterial species by sequencing revealed that Streptococcus spp. and Chlamydia trachomatis were identified in urine and prostate tissues respectively. The association between presence or absence of these bacterial species and clinical parameters (prostate volume, lower urinary tract symptom score) were analyzed. As a result, it was found that the presence of specific microorganisms in urine was significantly associated with the deterioration of voiding function, and the presence of specific microorganisms in prostate tissues was significantly associated with the deterioration of storage function and symptoms.

Free Research Field

前立腺肥大症

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究の結果は、前立腺肥大症の増殖過程に、前立腺組織内の特定の病原体の存在が関与し、臨床的な下部尿路症状の増悪にも関与することを明らかにした。この成果は、世界で初めての報告であり、独創性に秀でた研究結果であると考えられる。更なる解析が進めば、新規治療標的の同定につながる可能性を秘めている。