Tomato lipidic extract plus selenium decrease prostatic hyperplasia, dihydrotestosterone and androgen receptor...

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Pharmacology
• Urology

Background:

• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition in aging men.
• Current treatments like finasteride can have side effects.
• Natural compounds are being explored for BPH management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of tomato lipidic extract (STE) combined with selenium (Se) in a rat model of BPH.
• To compare the effects of STE + Se with finasteride.
• To investigate the underlying mechanisms and potential synergistic effects.

Main Methods:

• 54 male Wistar rats were divided into 9 groups, including control, BPH, finasteride, STE, Se, and various combinations.
• Rats were treated with testosterone enanthate to induce BPH (except control).
• Prostate and bladder weight, diuresis, oxidative stress markers, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), androgen receptor (AR) expression, and histopathology were assessed after 4 weeks.

Main Results:

• The STE + Se combination significantly reduced prostate weight by 53.8%, compared to 28% reduction with finasteride.
• STE + Se markedly decreased glandular hyperplasia, prooxidant activity, DHT, and AR expression.
• STE + Se increased diuresis and antioxidant activity, unlike finasteride which elevated MDA in the prostate.

Conclusions:

• Tomato lipidic extract (STE) combined with selenium (Se) demonstrates superior therapeutic and beneficial effects in treating BPH in rats compared to finasteride.
• This combination therapy effectively reduces prostate size and hyperplasia without exacerbating prooxidant activity.
• STE + Se represents a promising natural alternative for managing BPH.