Inflammatory Mechanisms Involved in the Pathophysiology of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Abstract

Urinary tract obstruction has been associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), given the progressive adenoma growth. This process leads to an increase in urinary flow resistance, associated with a deleterious effect of renal function. Age, increased sympathetic activity, hormonal alterations, metabolic syndrome and chronic inflammation are among the multiple theories associated with the development of hyperplasia. In recent years, the role of local prostatic inflammation in understanding the pathogenesis and progression of BPH has become relevant. This hypothesis suggests that inflammatory infiltrates lead to a tissue injury, thus generating a chronic healing process that conditions the prostatic increase. The present article focuses on describing the inflammatory mechanisms involved on BPH pathophysiology.