Chronic prostatitis (CP) is an internationally important health problem of the man, particularly in developed countries. The aim of this exploratory study was to evaluate whether significant changes in the levels of Zn and some other trace elements of prostatic fluid exist in the inflamed prostate.
Prostatic fluid levels of Br, Fe, Rb, Sr, and Zn were prospectively evaluated in 33 patients with CP and 42 healthy male inhabitants. Measurements were performed using 109Cd radionuclide-induced energy dispersive X-ray fluorescent microanalysis. Prostatic fluid samples were divided into two portions. One was used for cytological and bacteriological investigations while the other was intended for trace element analysis.
Mean values ± standard error of means (M ± SΕΜ) for concentration (mg/L) of trace element in the expressed prostatic fluid (EPF) of normal prostate were: Br 2.86 ± 0.59, Fe 8.30 ± 1.42, Rb 1.16 ± 0.10, Sr 1.27 ± 0.17, and Zn 598 ± 34. It was observed that in the EPF of inflamed prostate content of Rb significantly increased whereas content of Zn decreased in a comparison with those in the EPF of normal prostate.
There are significant changes in trace element contents and their relationships in the fluid of CP prostate. The alterations in levels of Zn and Rb in the EPF of inflamed prostate might demonstrate an involvement of these trace elements in etiology and pathogenesis of CP. It was supposed that the changes of Zn and Rb levels in the EPF samples can be used as CP markers.