Oxidative stress in benign prostate hyperplasia

Abstract

The greatest risk factor for developing benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is advanced age. Potential molecular and physiologic contributors to the frequency of BPH occurrence in older individuals include the oxidative stress, chronic infl ammation, and alterations in tissue microenvironment. As BPH and aberrant changes in reactive oxygen species become more common with aging, oxygen species signaling may play an important role in the development and progression of this disease. Increased oxidative stress is a result of either increased reactive oxygen species generation or a loss of antioxidant defense mechanisms. Oxidative stress is associated with several pathological conditions including infl ammation and infection. Oxygen species are byproducts of normal cellular metabolism and play vital roles in stimulation of signaling pathways in response to changing intra and extracellular environmental conditions. This review is aimed to explore the mechanism of oxidative stress in prostate and the possibility of drug development against oxidative stress for prostatic disease prevention.