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Updated: Jul 2, 2026

Ultrasonography of the Adult Male Urinary Tract for Urinary Functional Testing
Published on: August 14, 2019
[Pathophysiology and therapy of benign prostatic hyperplasia]
Natalie Sampson1, Stephan Madersbacher, Peter Berger
1Institut für Biomedizinische Alternsforschung, Osterreichische Akademie der Wissenschaften, Innsbruck, Austria.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) involves prostate enlargement causing lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in aging men. Understanding BPH pathophysiology reveals new therapeutic targets beyond current treatments.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Andrology
- Cell Biology
Context:
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and benign prostatic enlargement (BPE) are common in aging men.
- These conditions cause lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), impacting quality of life and potentially leading to complications like urinary retention.
- Tissue remodeling, particularly fibroblast to myofibroblast transdifferentiation, is a key feature of BPH.
Purpose:
- To provide an in-depth review of the underlying mechanisms of BPH/BPE.
- To connect recent research findings to the clinical presentation of the disease.
- To explore novel therapeutic targets for BPH/BPE.
Summary:
- BPH/BPE pathophysiology involves aging and androgens, leading to hormonal imbalances and altered growth factor signaling.
- Stromal changes promote inflammation, neovascularization, and further tissue remodeling.
- Current treatments like alpha-blockers and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors have limitations.
Impact:
- Identifies potential new therapeutic strategies including hormone modulators, anti-stromal therapies, vitamin-D analogues, and redox balancing approaches.
- Offers a comprehensive understanding of BPH/BPE mechanisms for researchers and clinicians.
- Aims to improve treatment outcomes and quality of life for men with BPH/BPE.
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