Forsythiaside a facilitates autophagy to ameliorate chronic nonbacterial prostatitis in rats by blocking the PKCα/NF-κB pathway

Background: Given the lack of effective treatment for chronic nonbacterial prostatitis (CNP) and the anti-inflammatory property of natural bioactive compound forsythiaside A (FTA), the therapeutic potential of FTA on CNP is worthy of investigation. Methods: CNP rat models were established using complete Freund's adjuvant, followed by a 4-week administration of FTA at different concentrations (40 and 80 mg/kg/d). The body and prostate of rats were weighed to calculate the prostatic index. Prostate damage and inflammatory infiltration were assessed using histological analysis and immunohistochemistry staining. Levels of inflammation-related cytokines, autophagic markers as well as the protein kinase C alpha (PKCα)/NF-κB pathway in prostate tissues were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and western blot. Results: No significant change was observed in the body weight of CNP rat models administered with or without FTA. FTA treatment reduced the prostatic index and mitigated prostate damage and inflammatory infiltration of CNP rat models. FTA treatment decreased the number of CD3-positive cells and CD45-positive cells, while downregulating interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), IL-2, IL-6, IL-17A, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and tumor necrosis factor alpha in prostate tissues of CNP rat models. FTA treatment promoted Beclin-1 and LC3B II/LC3B I expressions, and inhibited PKCα and p-p65/p65 expressions in prostate tissues of CNP rat models. Conclusion: FTA alleviates inflammation and facilitates autophagy in CNP rat models by blocking the PKCα/NF-κB pathway.