Metabolic syndrome and benign prostatic hyperplasia: An update

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Endocrinology
• Cardiovascular Medicine

Background:

• Metabolic syndrome (MetS) involves metabolic abnormalities, central adiposity, and insulin resistance.
• MetS is associated with increased risks of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.
• Metabolic aberrations in MetS may contribute to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the association between Metabolic Syndrome and BPH/LUTS.
• To highlight the prevalence and potential pathophysiological links.
• To emphasize clinical recognition and management implications.

Main Methods:

• Review of worldwide studies reporting MetS prevalence in men with LUTS.
• Analysis of proposed pathophysiological mechanisms linking MetS to LUTS/BPH.
• Clinical guideline considerations for risk factor optimization.

Main Results:

• Prevalence of MetS in men with LUTS ranges from 26.5% to 55.6% globally.
• Key contributing factors include insulin resistance, visceral adiposity, hormonal changes, and inflammation.
• These factors play significant roles in the pathophysiology of LUTS/BPH.

Conclusions:

• Clinicians must acknowledge the cardiovascular and metabolic impact of MetS in men with LUTS.
• Optimizing MetS risk factors and appropriate medical therapy may slow LUTS/BPH progression.
• Early intervention can potentially reduce comorbidities and mortality from associated cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.