title: Metabolic syndrome and benign prostatic hyperplasia: evidence of a potential relationship, hypothesized etiology, and prevention.
abstract: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is highly prevalent in older men and causes substantial adverse effects on health. The pathogenesis of this disease is not totally clear. Recent reports have suggested a possible relationship between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and BPH. Single components of MetS (obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and insulin resistance) as well as the syndrome itself may predispose patients to a higher risk of BPH and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). This may stem from changes in insulin resistance, increased autonomic activity, impaired nitrergic innervation, increased Rho kinase activity, pro-inflammatory status, and changes in sex hormones that occur in association with MetS. However, the exact underlying mechanisms that regulate the potential relationship between MetS and BPH/LUTS still need to be clarified. Increased physical activity and dietary strategies may help in decreasing the incidence of MetS and its impact on BPH/LUTS. However, differences in the definitions used to address the examined predictors and endpoints preclude the possibility of arriving at definitive conclusions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, San Raffaele Hospital, Università Vita-Salte, Urological Research Institute (URI), Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Firas
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Abdollah
authors.forename: Alberto
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Briganti
authors.forename: Nazareno
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Suardi
authors.forename: Fabio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Castiglione
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gallina
authors.forename: Umberto
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Capitanio
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Montorsi