Effects of low-frequency ultrasound combined with microbubbles on benign prostate hyperplasia.

Our objective is to assess the effects of low-frequency ultrasound combined with microbubbles on benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). Sixteen Beagle dogs with BPH were randomly assigned into 4 groups (n = 4): control group (without treatment), G1 group (injection with 2 mL of microbubble contrast agent); G2 group (21 kHz ultrasound); and G3 group (injection with 2 mL of micro-bubble contrast agent +21 kHz ultrasound). The histopathological damage to prostate cells was assessed via transmission electron microscopy and optical microscopy. The protein expressions of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), superoxide dismutase (SOD) of vessels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Histopathologically, the prostate cells exhibited nuclear chromatin contraction, mitochondrial swelling, degranulation of rough endoplasmic reticulum, basement membrane rupture and cell apoptosis in the G2 and G3 groups; it was especially obvious in the G3 group, while no changes were observed in the control and G1 groups. Although prostate volume using imaging was not significantly changed in all groups after treatment, PSA was significantly reduced in the G2 and G3 groups, and especially obvious in the G3 group (p < 0.05). The iNOS and SOD, which are important oxidative stress factors, significantly increased after treatment in the G2 and G3 groups, but not in the control and G1 groups (p < 0.05). Low-frequency ultrasound is effective in treating BPH; low-frequency ultrasound combined with microbubbles improves the treatment efficacy.