TLDR Hormones and metabolism play a complex role in prostate enlargement, and more research is needed to improve diagnosis and treatment.
The document from April 18, 2016, reviews the endocrine factors involved in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition characterized by an enlarged prostate gland. It emphasizes the controversial role of androgens, particularly dihydrotestosterone (DHT), in BPH development and notes that 5α-reductase inhibitors are effective in reducing prostate volume. The review also discusses the significance of growth factors and their interactions in the prostate, the influence of estrogens and estrogen receptors, the potential role of prolactin, and the connection between inflammation, metabolic syndrome, and BPH. Additionally, it explores the role of vitamin D and its receptor as potential therapeutic targets, despite mixed evidence regarding their impact on BPH. The document concludes that BPH pathogenesis is complex, involving hormonal and metabolic abnormalities, and that further research is needed to fully understand these mechanisms for better diagnostic and therapeutic management.
24 citations
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February 2012 in “Prostate cancer and prostatic diseases” 5α-reductase inhibitors help shrink the prostate, improve urinary symptoms, and may reduce prostate cancer risk.
149 citations
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January 2011 in “Nature reviews. Urology” Hormonal interactions, especially involving DHT and estrogen, play a key role in BPH development and treatment.
184 citations
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January 2000 in “European Urology” Blocking the enzyme that turns testosterone into DHT can safely and effectively treat enlarged prostate.
3 citations
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April 2015 in “American journal of biomedical sciences” Androgens play a key role in hair growth and disorders like baldness and excessive hairiness.
131 citations
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September 2017 in “Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology” The document concludes that blocking the internal pathways that create androgens might help treat cancers that depend on sex hormones.
22 citations
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August 2011 in “Endocrine Practice” Most hirsutism cases are due to PCOS, and treatment focuses on lowering testosterone and blocking its effects.
11 citations
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August 2020 in “Diabetes” Testosterone helps human pancreatic cells increase insulin release.
8 citations
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July 2017 in “The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology” DHT affects testicular development and regulates spermatogenesis in some fish.
50 citations
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February 2013 in “Annals of Clinical Biochemistry” Understanding how DHT works is important for diagnosing and treating hormone-related disorders.
