Shuangshi Tonglin Capsule treats benign prostatic hyperplasia through the ROS/NLRP3 signaling pathway

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Urology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition in aging men, characterized by prostate enlargement and lower urinary tract symptoms.
• Therapeutic strategies for BPH often involve hormonal manipulation and anti-inflammatory approaches, but novel treatments are needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the therapeutic effects of SST Leaf extract (SSTL) on a rat model of BPH.
• To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of SSTL's action in treating BPH.

Main Methods:

• A rat model of BPH was established using castration and testosterone (TP) administration.
• Rats were treated with SSTL orally for 28 days, with assessments of prostate index (PI), proliferation index (LI), and regression index (RI).
• Histopathological changes, collagen deposition, sex hormone levels, inflammatory factors, oxidative stress markers (ROS, MDA, CAT, GSH-Px, SOD), and key proteins in the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway (NOX4, NOX2, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, IL-1β) were analyzed.

Main Results:

• SSTL treatment significantly reduced PI and RI in BPH rats.
• Histological analysis revealed amelioration of prostatic damage and reduced collagen deposition.
• SSTL decreased serum and tissue levels of testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), TNF-α, and IL-1β.
• Oxidative stress markers were modulated, with decreased ROS and MDA, and increased SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px activity.
• Protein expression analysis showed downregulation of NOX4, NOX2, NLRP3, ASC, Cleaved Caspase-1, and IL-1β.

Conclusions:

• SSTL demonstrates significant therapeutic potential for BPH in rats.
• SSTL exerts its effects by inhibiting sex hormone levels and inflammatory responses.
• The mechanism involves the modulation of the ROS/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway, leading to reduced histopathological damage.