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Inflammatory mechanisms associated with prostatic inflammation and lower urinary tract symptoms

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Current Prostate Reports

Abstract

Inflammation is a common finding in histologic prostate specimens obtained from aging men. Accumulating data suggest that inflammation may play an important role in the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and the development and progression of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Inflammatory processes may contribute to prostatic enlargement directly through stimulation of prostate growth, or, alternatively, through decreasing prostatic apoptosis. Inflammatory processes may also impact other components of the urogenital tract, such as the bladder, and contribute to LUTS regardless of the presence of prostate enlargement. Therefore, current research offers clues about converging inflammatory pathways that may be targeted to improve treatment of BPH and/or LUTS, as well as identifying potential targets for the prevention of these syndromes.

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  1. Mayo Clinic, Division of Epidemiology, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA

    Jennifer L. St. Sauver

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  1. Jennifer L. St. Sauver
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  2. Steven J. Jacobsen
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Correspondence to Jennifer L. St. Sauver.

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St. Sauver, J.L., Jacobsen, S.J. Inflammatory mechanisms associated with prostatic inflammation and lower urinary tract symptoms. Curr prostate rep 6, 67–73 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11918-008-0011-5

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