The Role of Inflammation in the Progression of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Abstract

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most frequent urological occurrence in elderly males, and recently prostatic inflammation has been involved in the pathogenesis and progression of the disease. Inflammatory infiltrates determine cytokine release in the prostatic microenvironment, with consequent tissue damage and subsequent chronic tissue healing that results in the development of BPH. Clinical trials have reported an association between prostatic inflammation and the risk of BPH progression. Moreover, men with metabolic syndrome appear to be at increased risk of BPH, probably for the concomitance of systemic inflammation associated with such syndrome. Understanding the immune pathways associated with BPH will aid in identifying novel therapeutic targets and improve the management of the disorder. The aim of this review is to evaluate the available evidence on the role of prostatic inflammation on BPH and its progression and to discuss the possible clinical implications.