title: Apoptotic Pathways Linked to Endocrine System as Potential Therapeutic Targets for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.
abstract: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a chronic condition common in older men that can result in bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms. The molecular mechanisms and networks underlying the development and the progression of the disease are still far from being fully understood. BPH results from smooth muscle cell and epithelial cell proliferation, primarily within the transition zone of the prostate. Apoptosis and inflammation play important roles in the control of cell growth and in the maintenance of tissue homeostasis. Disturbances in molecular mechanisms of apoptosis machinery have been linked to BPH. Increased levels of the glycoprotein Dickkopf-related protein 3 in BPH cause an inhibition of the apoptosis machinery through a reduction in B cell lymphoma (Bcl)-2 associated X protein (Bax) expression. Inhibitors of apoptosis proteins influence cell death by direct inhibition of caspases and modulation of the transcription factor nuclear factor-κB. Current pharmacotherapy targets either the static component of BPH, including finasteride and dutasteride, or the dynamic component of BPH, including α-adrenoceptor antagonists such as tamsulosin and alfuzosin. Both these classes of drugs significantly interfere with the apoptosis machinery. Furthermore, phytotherapic supplements and new drugs may also modulate several molecular steps of apoptosis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", 98125 Messina, Italy. lminutoli@unime.it.
authors.forename: Letteria
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Minutoli
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", 98125 Messina, Italy. mrinaldi@unime.it.
authors.forename: Mariagrazia
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rinaldi
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", 98125 Messina, Italy. hrmarini@unime.it.
authors.forename: Herbert
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Marini
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", 98125 Messina, Italy. nirrera@unime.it.
authors.forename: Natasha
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Irrera
authors.affiliation: Department of Human Pathology, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", 98125 Messina, Italy. giovanni.crea@unime.it.
authors.forename: Giovanni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Crea
authors.affiliation: Department of Human Pathology, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", 98125 Messina, Italy. cesare.lorenzini@unime.it.
authors.forename: Cesare
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lorenzini
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy. puzzolo@unime.it.
authors.forename: Domenico
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Puzzolo
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", 98125 Messina, Italy. andrea.valenti@unime.it.
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Valenti
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy. apisani@unime.it.
authors.forename: Antonina
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pisani
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy. elenabianca.adamo@unime.it.
authors.forename: Elena B
authors.initials: EB
authors.lastname: Adamo
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy. daltavilla@unime.it.
authors.forename: Domenica
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Altavilla
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", 98125 Messina, Italy. fsquadrito@unime.it.
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Squadrito
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy. amicali@unime.it.
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Micali
mesh_terms: D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects*; D000068538:Dutasteride / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004703:Endocrine System / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D018120:Finasteride / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011470:Prostatic Hyperplasia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism*; D011799:Quinazolines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013449:Sulfonamides / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000077409:Tamsulosin; D064804:Urological Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D011799:Quinazolines; D013449:Sulfonamides; D064804:Urological Agents; D018120:Finasteride; C047638:alfuzosin; D000077409:Tamsulosin; D000068538:Dutasteride
keywords: apoptosis; benign prostatic hyperplasia; treatment