KLK3 and prostatitis: In order to evaluate, whether age and the associated hormonal changes that occur upon aging, affect the disease severity and symptoms of CP/CPPS, we stratified patients into two age-groups (separated using the median cohort age; <40 years versus ≥40 years) and analyzed with regard to C-reactive protein (CRP, a marker of inflammation), prostate specific antigen (PSA) and disease severity based on CPSI and IPSS (international prostate symptom score) questionnaires.