Correlation of pain with substance P and neurokinin-1 receptor in the L5–S2 spinal cord in rats with chronic nonbacterial prostatitis

The incidence of prostate pain is 90%–95% in prostatitis. The symptoms are persistent, which is prone to relapse and difficult to be cured. It seriously affects the survival and quality of life of patients. This study analyzed the correlation between pain and substance P (SP) and neurokinin-1 receptors (NK-1R) in the L5–S2 spinal cord of chronic nonbacterial prostatitis (CNP) rats, which may give a new way to explore the pathogenesis and treatment of pain in prostatitis. We randomly divided the rats into control group, 45 d group, 60 d group, and 90 d group. After making a rat model with autoimmune method, the paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) was measured, the histomorphological changes in the prostate was observed by transmission electron microscopy and light microscopy. The expression of SP and NK-1R was measured by immunohistochemistry, and the concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-2 (IL-2), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Compared with the control group, the PWT was decreased by 34.21%, 41.90% and 64.79%, TNF-α was increased by 74.19%, 89.45% and 132.15%, IL-1β was increased by 148.88%, 181.95% and 250.74%, IL-2 was increased by 75.97%, 82.15% and 128.57% and IL-10 was increased by 31.04%, 63.28% and 212.99% in the 45 d group, 60 d group and 90 d group respectively. Microscope observation showed the structure of prostate tissue in control group was normal. However, the prostate tissue had obvious inflammatory response with the model extension. The expressions of SP and NK-1R in each model group were significantly higher than the control group. There was a significant correlation between pain and SP in L5–S2 spinal cord in CNP rats. These findings are indicative of a correlation between pain and the expression levels of SP and NK-1R in the L5–S2 spinal cord of CNP rats

Genesis of Geothermal Waters in Suichuan County, China: An Integrated Method Constrained by the Hydrochemical and Isotopic Characteristics

Numerous geothermal resources of medium to low temperature have been reported in southern China. Suichuan County is one of the regions where thermal manifestations are abundant. However, the study regarding the understanding of geothermal water sources, hydrochemical composition and fluid-rock interaction lacks behind. Therefore, this study has characterized the slightly acidic to slightly alkaline bicarbonate geothermal waters of medium-low temperature of the Suichuan area. Geothermal waters of the study area have been evaluated mainly as of HCO3-Ca-Na hydrochemical type with a maximum temperature of 80 °C. The results indicate the low hydrochemical concentration where HCO3− acts as a principal anion. Furthermore, the F− content in geothermal and two cold water samples have been found high with a maximum value of 13.4 (mg/L), showing high pH of 9.6 as well. Here, the compilation of deuterium and oxygen-18 isotopic data of geothermal waters showed a local precipitation origin with a recharge elevation ranging from 630–1000 m. The circulation depth and reservoir temperatures are estimated, explaining the deep thermal water behavior. Additionally, the estimation of saturation indices of various minerals shows the geothermal waters’ corrosive or scaling behavior. Subsequently, the geothermal water points in the study area represent a fracture convection formation pattern. Finally, by integrating conventional hydrochemistry along with isotopic data, and considering the geological framework, a conceptual genetic model of the Suichuan thermal ground waters has been discussed. Hydrochemistry and isotopic features along with a conceptual circulation model have been provided by the foundation towards the sustainable management of hydrothermal resources in Suichuan. Proper management policies and practices are required for further development of Suichuan hydrothermal waters