Androgens in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia before and after prostatectomy

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Urology

Background:

• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition in aging men.
• Androgens play a role in prostate growth, but their specific involvement in BPH is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate plasma androgen levels in men with BPH compared to age-matched controls.
• To examine changes in androgen levels before and after prostatectomy.

Main Methods:

• Measurement of plasma testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), androstenedione (A), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17 OHP), and estradiol (E2).
• Comparison of hormone levels in BPH patients (60-80 yrs) pre-prostatectomy with those in healthy controls.
• Follow-up measurements 2-5 months post-prostatectomy.

Main Results:

• Significantly higher mean DHT levels were observed in BPH patients compared to controls (P < 0.025).
• Mean T and free testosterone levels were slightly elevated in BPH patients aged 70-80 yrs (P < 0.05).
• Plasma T and DHT levels increased significantly 2-5 months after prostatectomy compared to pre-operative levels.

Conclusions:

• Elevated DHT may be associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia.
• Preoperative stress might influence hormone levels measured before prostatectomy.
• Post-prostatectomy hormone level changes warrant further investigation.