Korean J Urol.  2011 Aug;52(8):507-516. 10.4111/kju.2011.52.8.507.

Metabolic Syndrome and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Evidence of a Potential Relationship, Hypothesized Etiology, and Prevention

• Abdollah F
• Briganti A
• Suardi N
• Castiglione F
• Gallina A
• Capitanio
• Montorsi F

• KMID: 1988954
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4111/kju.2011.52.8.507

Abstract

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is highly prevalent in older men and causes substantial adverse effects on health. The pathogenesis of this disease is not totally clear. Recent reports have suggested a possible relationship between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and BPH. Single components of MetS (obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and insulin resistance) as well as the syndrome itself may predispose patients to a higher risk of BPH and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). This may stem from changes in insulin resistance, increased autonomic activity, impaired nitrergic innervation, increased Rho kinase activity, pro-inflammatory status, and changes in sex hormones that occur in association with MetS. However, the exact underlying mechanisms that regulate the potential relationship between MetS and BPH/LUTS still need to be clarified. Increased physical activity and dietary strategies may help in decreasing the incidence of MetS and its impact on BPH/LUTS. However, differences in the definitions used to address the examined predictors and endpoints preclude the possibility of arriving at definitive conclusions.

Keyword

Insulin resistance; Metabolic syndrome X complications; Obesity complications; Prostatic hyperplasia etiology; Prostatic hyperplasia pathology

MeSH Terms

Dyslipidemias
Gonadal Steroid Hormones
Humans
Hypertension
Incidence
Insulin
Insulin Resistance
Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms
Male
Motor Activity
Prostatic Hyperplasia
rho-Associated Kinases
Gonadal Steroid Hormones
Insulin
rho-Associated Kinases

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