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Aetiology and pathogenesis of benign prostatic hyperplasia
1Academic Urology Unit, Medical School, University of Sheffield, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield S10 2RX, UK. c.l.eaton@sheffield.ac.uk
Current Opinion in Urology
|December 20, 2002
Summary
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) involves prostate stromal growth, influenced by growth factors like TGF-β and FGF. Age-related changes in hormones and inflammation may trigger BPH development.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Cell Biology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) primarily affects the prostate's stromal compartment.
- Over 70% of men over 70 experience BPH, with or without obstructive symptoms.
- Understanding stromal biology is key to BPH etiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent research on factors modulating prostate stromal growth.
- To discuss the role of these factors in the pathogenesis of BPH.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies from the last 3-5 years.
- Focus on molecular and cellular mechanisms regulating prostate stromal compartment.
Main Results:
- Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), and insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) are key regulators of cell proliferation and extracellular matrix turnover.
- Oestrogens, adrenergic signaling, and inflammation impact these growth factor activities.
- Age-related alterations in these factors are potential triggers for stromal hyperplasia.
Conclusions:
- A model for the control and dysregulation of prostatic stromal growth is presented.
- This model relates to the pathogenesis of BPH.
- Future research directions are outlined.