Fispemifene [Z-2-{2-[4-(4-Chloro-1,2-diphenylbut-1-enyl)-phenoxy]ethoxy}-ethanol], a Novel Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator, Attenuates Glandular Inflammation in an Animal Model of Chronic Nonbacterial Prostatitis

Abstract

The anti-inflammatory and antiestrogenic action of fispemifene [Z-2-{2-[4-(4-chloro-1,2-diphenylbut-1-enyl)phenoxy]ethoxy}-ethanol], a novel selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), was tested on the Noble rat model of chronic nonbacterial prostatic inflammation with cellular composition and inflammation patterns similar to those described in human prostatitis. Inflammation was assessed by counting perivascular and stromal infiltrates and the number of inflamed acini. Furthermore, the aggressiveness of inflammation was assessed on the basis of the relation of lymphocytes to the acinar epithelium. The immunohistochemical expression of progesterone receptor (PR) and Fos-related antigen 2 (Fra2), prolactin concentration in serum, and the weights of the seminal vesicles and pituitary glands were used as endpoints of estrogen action. Fispemifene significantly attenuated the glandular form of inflammation induced in the dorsolateral prostatic lobes (DLP) in the hormonal milieu of the decreased androgen/estrogen ratio. The anti-inflammatory action was seen in the decreased number of acini containing intraluminal neutrophils. As signs of antiestrogenic action, fispemifene blocked estrogen-induced expression of PR and Fra2 in the acinar epithelium of the DLP, and it decreased prolactin concentration in serum and the relative weights of the seminal vesicles and pituitary glands. Because fispemifene exhibited both antiestrogenic and anti-inflammatory action in the prostate, this experimental study suggests that SERMs could be considered as a new therapeutic option in the treatment and prevention of prostatic inflammation.