Description
The prostate gland is an important part of the male reproductive system. The prostate gland’s primary function is to produce a fluid that mixes with sperm to form semen. Testosterone plays a crucial role in the development and growth of the prostate gland during puberty. The prostate gland can be susceptible to various conditions and diseases. Some common issues include Prostate Cancer (Pca), Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), and Prostatitis (Inflammation of the prostate gland).
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
BPH refers to the non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. As men age, the prostate gland can gradually grow larger, leading to compression of the urethra leading to lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) such as frequent urination, weak urine flow, difficulty starting and stopping urination, urgency, and weak urine stream. Hormonal imbalances associated with aging and inflammation-induced oxidative stress in the prostate gland contribute to the progression of BPH, making LUTS more common in older men (1).
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a hormone derived from testosterone, and it plays a significant role in the growth and development of the prostate gland. However, excessive levels of DHT can contribute to the enlargement of the prostate gland (2).
DHT is formed when the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase converts testosterone into its more potent form, DHT. In normal circumstances, the balance between testosterone and DHT is maintained. However, as men age, there is an increase in the activity of the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, leading to higher levels of DHT. This excess DHT can cause the prostate gland to enlarge (2).
Therefore reducing the levels of DHT is one of the strategies used in the management of BPH. DHT blockers, such as medications or natural supplements, work by interfering with the conversion of testosterone to DHT or by arresting DHT from binding to androgen receptors.
There is evidence suggesting that estrogens may play a role in the development of BPH. As men age, their androgen levels decrease, while the conversion of androgen to estrogen increases. Additionally, an age-related increase in body weight and adipose cells leads to higher expression of aromatase, the enzyme responsible for estrogen conversion. The excess estrogens stimulate the growth of prostate tissue, leading to the occurrence of BPH (3).
References:
- Liu, L. C., Lin, Y. H., Lin, Y. C., Ho, C. T., Hung, C. M., Way, T. D., & Bau, D. T. (2018). Banana Flower Extract Suppresses Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia by Regulating the Inflammatory Response and Inducing G1 Cell-cycle Arrest. In vivo (Athens, Greece), 32(6), 1373–1379.
- Kinter, K. J., & Anekar, A. A. (2022). Biochemistry, dihydrotestosterone. In StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing.
- Eleazu, C., Eleazu, K., & Kalu, W. (2017). Management of benign prostatic hyperplasia: could dietary polyphenols be an alternative to existing therapies?. Frontiers in pharmacology, 8, 234.