The evaluation of markers of prostatic inflammation and function of the prostate gland in patients with chronic prostatitis.

Introduction: The aim of the study was to determine the numbers of polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocytes and PMN elastase and citric acid concentrations in chronic prostatitis patients regardless of etiology and in those with Chlamydia trachomatis infection of the prostate gland.

Materials And Methods: The study involved 46 patients with chronic prostatitis. Expressed prostatic secretions (EPS) were obtained to determine the leukocyte count, PMN elastase (ELISA) and citric acid concentrations (UV method), and the occurrence of C. trachomatis infection (ligase chain reaction).

Results: Increased PMN cell counts (> or =10 per high-power field) were found in 73.9% of patients and increased PMN elastase concentration (<250 ng/ml) in 78.3%. In 44.4% of the patients the elastase concentration indicated moderate (250-1000 ng/ml) and in 55.6% acute infection (> or =1000 ng/ml). Decreased citric acid concentration (<18.12 mg/ml) in the EPS was found in 65.2% of the men. C. trachomatis prostate infection was detected in 17.4% of the patients and all of these men had higher inflammation parameters and lower citric acid concentrations.

Conclusions: C. trachomatis prostate inflammation was accompanied by an increase in inflammation markers and a decrease in citric acid concentration.