Metabolic syndrome-related factors as possible targets for lower urinary tract symptoms in Korean males

A positive association between benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH)/lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) was reported in several studies, but studies from Asia often showed conflicting results.

Medical records were obtained from a health promotion center database between 2021 and 2022. Men without a history of treatment for LUTS were evaluated using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS), transrectal ultrasonography.

Of 1345 individuals, 603 (44.8%) had MetS. Older age, higher IPSS values, higher prevalence rates of BPH and overactive bladder, higher triiodothyronine, and lower testosterone and sex-hormone binding globulin were observed in individuals with MetS than in individuals without MetS. The severity of LUTS significantly increased in the individuals with MetS (p = .002). In individuals with MetS, age, HbA1c, and cerebrovascular disease (CVD) were associated with IPSS. For OABSS, age, HbA1c, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), coronary artery occlusive disease, and CVD were identified as predictors.

We confirmed the positive correlation between MetS and BPH/LUTS in Korean. Factors including TSH and atherosclerosis affected LUTS in individuals with MetS. These findings suggested a potential role of thyroid hormones and atherosclerosis in the etiology and treatment of BPH/LUTS in patients with MetS.