Comprehensive multi-omics analyses elucidate the mechanism of male sexual dysfunction induced by chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome in the experimental autoimmune prostatitis rat model

Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is a condition characterized by persistent pain in the genitourinary tract. Men with CP/CPPS are significantly more susceptible to sexual dysfunction compared to the general population. While an association exists between CP/CPPS and sexual dysfunction, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study sought to elucidate the underlying central mechanisms linking autoimmune prostatitis to sexual dysfunction by employing an integrated multi-omics approach in a well-established rodent model. Overall design: An experimental autoimmune prostatitis (EAP) model was induced by injecting a mixture of rat prostate protein and Freund's adjuvant. Comprehensive assessments were conducted, including histopathological evaluation of prostate and penile tissues via H&E and Masson's trichrome staining, quantification of serum cytokines and neurochemicals using ELISA, functional assessment of erectile capability by measuring intracavernous pressure/mean arterial pressure (ICP/MAP) ratio, and detailed mating behavior analysis. Brain tissues from rats were collected for comprehensive transcriptomic profiling and non-targeted metabolomic analyses.