Central obesity as a risk factor for prostatic hyperplasia

The correlation between obesity and prostate volume in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia: A prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is increasing substantial burden on health care systems. Men with high body mass index (BMI) have bigger prostate volumes (PV) with subsequent increase in lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) than men with normal BMI. The purpose of this research was to investigate the correlation between Obesity and PV in patients with BPH.

METHOD

The study included 560 patients (50-80 years) with BPH. Weight and height measured to calculate BMI. TRUS was used to measure PV. Patient demographics such as IPSS score and prostate specific antigen (PSA) were also noted.

RESULTS

Patients in the study had a mean age of 65.3 ± 9.45 years and the mean BMI was 23.97 ± 4.89 kg/m2. The mean PV of each BMI group were 37.45 ± 0.81, 57.89 ± 1.52 and 77.94 ± 2.17 (ml) for normal, overweight and obese groups, respectively, and the average PV score was 57.76 ± 1.50 ml. The mean PSA score was 3.26 ± 0.94 (ng/dl) with a range of 0.6-10.4. There was significant correlation between BMI and PV (p = 0.001) as well as between BMI with PSA and IPSS (p = 0.02, 0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The results showing strong correlation between BMI and PV also BMI with PSA and IPSS. Therefore reducing weight may lead to a lower prostate volume in the elderly stage, making LUTS less noticeable and improving quality of life.

Lipidic extract of whole tomato reduces hyperplasia, oxidative stress and inflammation on testosterone-induced BPH in obese rats

PURPOSE

Tomato is an important source of lycopene, a carotenoid that has been emerging as a natural preventive agent for prostate disease. Moreover, tomato contains other components with a wide range of physiological properties, but their potential beneficial effects on prostatic hyperplasia (PH) during obesity have not been completely established. In this study, we compared the effect of a lipidic extract of tomato saladette (STE) with Serenoa repens (SR) on obese rats with PH.

METHODS

Forty-eight Wistar rats were divided in Control (C) and Obese (Ob) treated without (n = 12) and with (n = 36) testosterone enanthate (TE), once a week for 8 weeks to induce PH. After 4 weeks, SR and STE were administered. Biochemical parameters, oxidative stress markers and inflammatory cytokines production were determined.

RESULTS

TE increased prostate weight and caused prostatic hyperplasia in C group, and these effects were exacerbated by obesity. SR and STE reverted the increase in prostate weight and hyperplasia caused by TE in C and Ob groups. Obesity increased LDL, TGs, NOx and MAD, but decreased HDLc, GSx, SOD and CAT. SR reverted the effects of obesity, but these were significantly reduced and HDLc increased with STE. Obesity and TE increased TNFα, IL-1β and IL-6 levels, but these were partially reverted by STE compared with SR.

CONCLUSIONS

Excess of fat tissue increases the alterations by PH. STE diminishes these alterations compared with SR, suggesting its beneficial effect to improve prostate function. Whole tomato lipid extract could serve as sole therapy or as an adjunct to pharmacological treatment for PH.

The role of the serum 25-OH vitamin D level on detecting prostate cancer in men with elevated prostate-specific antigen levels

We aimed to determine whether vitamin D levels before prostate biopsy have diagnostic value for clinically significant prostate cancer. The study cohort included patients who underwent prostate biopsy. A total of 224 patients were enrolled in our study and serum vitamin D levels were measured from February 2016 to December 2019 in routine laboratory tests. To determine the relationship between vitamin D levels and aggressiveness of prostate cancer, we used logistic multivariate analysis. Based on the histopathological results of patients who underwent radical prostatectomy, the serum vitamin D level was significantly lower with the large tumor volume group. In the univariate analysis, the prostate cancer diagnosis rate was associated with low vitamin D levels. Low vitamin D level is negatively correlated with clinically significant prostate cancer (biopsy Gleason score of 7 or higher) in the univariate (Odds ratio [OR], 0.955; P < 0.001) and multivariate (OR, 0.944; P = 0.027) analyses. In conclusion, we found that the incidence of clinically significant prostate cancer might related to low vitamin D level in the Asian population. In the future, a larger population and prospective study are needed.

Obesity as a Source of Endogenous Compounds Associated With Chronic Disease: A Review

In 2014, it was estimated that more than 1.9 billion adults were overweight with over 600 million classifiable as obese. Approximately two-thirds of U.S. adults over 20 years of age are currently overweight with about 35% classified as obese, a figure thought likely to reach 42% by 2030 in those over 18 years of age. Adipose cells from stored body fat secrete estrogen and a very large number (> 500) of biologically active substances termed adipokines, in addition to inducing, by other cell-driven effects, pathological alterations in insulin pathways. The U.S. National Cancer Institute reports that exposure to the hormone disrupting and proinflammatory effects of excess adipose tissue are associated with an increased risk for 11 different cancers. Obesity is also associated with a number of serious non-neoplastic conditions including metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes; menstrual cycle irregularities and lowered fertility (men and women); and abnormal bone morphology in a subset of female patients. In men hypogonadism, low testosterone levels, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and lowered sperm counts have been reported. In developed countries, the endogenous adverse health burden associated with obesity is only matched, quantitatively and qualitatively, by the exogenous toxicity of cigarette smoking. The investigation of possible hormonal and/or proinflammatory effects of chemicals should include an assessment of the profound endocrine alterations associated with obesity.

The correlation between obesity and prostate volume in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital

Background

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is on the increase placing a substantial burden on health care systems. Recent studies have shown that men with high body mass index (BMI) and central obesity, as denoted by waist circumference (WC) have bigger prostate volumes (PV) with subsequent increase in lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) than men with normal BMI. The purpose of this research was to investigate the correlation between Obesity and PV in patients with BPH.

Methods

The study included 178 men aged between 50 and 75 years with BPH seen at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg academic hospital (CMJAH) Urology Outpatient Department between September 2018 and February 2019. Weight and height measurements were obtained to calculate BMI. Furthermore, WC was measured using a measuring tape, while a transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) was used to measure PV. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics such as hypertension, diabetes, smoking and prostate specific antigen (PSA) were also noted.

Results

Patients in the study had a mean age of 64.87 ± 6.526 years and the mean BMI was 27.31 ± 3.933 kg/m2. The mean PV of each BMI group were 52.92 ± 38.49, 61.00 ± 33.10 and 64.86 ± 37.46 cm3 for normal, overweight and obese groups, respectively, and the average PV score was 59.36 ± 36.507 cm3. The mean PSA score was 4.30 ± 3.126 with a range of 1.3–6.4, while the mean WC was 98.67 cm. There was no correlation between BMI and PV (p value = 0.195) as well as between PV and WC, hypertension, diabetes or smoking. The results revealed that the relationship between PV with PSA level as well as age was significant (p value = 0.001, p value = 0.009, respectively).

Conclusion

The results showed no correlation between BMI and PV. Diabetes and hypertension as well had no positive correlation with PV. A follow-up study may be indicated to look at the correlation between obesity, LUTS and urinary flow rates to establish whether aggressive management of obesity would have significant impact on the management of BPH.

Body size throughout the life-course and incident benign prostatic hyperplasia-related outcomes and nocturia

BACKGROUND

Existing evidence suggests that there is an association between body size and prevalent Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)-related outcomes and nocturia. However, there is limited evidence on the association between body size throughout the life-course and incident BPH-related outcomes.

METHODS

Our study population consisted of men without histories of prostate cancer, BPH-related outcomes, or nocturia in the intervention arm of the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial (PLCO) (n = 4710). Associations for body size in early- (age 20), mid- (age 50) and late-life (age ≥ 55, mean age 60.7 years) and weight change with incident BPH-related outcomes (including self-reported nocturia and physician diagnosis of BPH, digital rectal examination-estimated prostate volume ≥ 30 cc, and prostate-specific antigen [PSA] concentration > 1.4 ng/mL) were examined using Poisson regression with robust variance estimation.

RESULTS

Men who were obese in late-life were 25% more likely to report nocturia (Relative Risk (RR): 1.25, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.11-1.40; p-trend_{for continuous BMI} < 0.0001) and men who were either overweight or obese in late-life were more likely to report a prostate volume ≥ 30 cc (RR_overweight: 1.13, 95% CI 1.07-1.21; RR_obese: 1.10, 95% CI 1.02-1.19; p-trend_{for continuous BMI} = 0.017) as compared to normal weight men. Obesity at ages 20 and 50 was similarly associated with both nocturia and prostate volume ≥ 30 cc. Considering trajectories of body size, men who were normal weight at age 20 and became overweight or obese by later-life had increased risks of nocturia (RR_{normal to overweight}: 1.09, 95% CI 0.98-1.22; RR_{normal to obese}: 1.28, 95% CI 1.10-1.47) and a prostate volume ≥ 30 cc (RR_{normal to overweight}: 1.12, 95% CI 1.05-1.20). Too few men were obese early in life to examine the independent effect of early-life body size. Later-life body size modified the association between physical activity and nocturia.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that later-life body size, independent of early-life body size, was associated with adverse BPH outcomes, suggesting that interventions to reduce body size even late in life can potentially reduce the burden of BPH-related outcomes and nocturia.

Variation of prostatic morphology in Chinese benign prostatic hyperplasia patients of different age decades

OBJECTIVE

Our study aimed to investigate the age-related growth in prostatic morphological parameters in Chinese benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients, and to find out the regularity of how these parameters change with aging.

METHODS

Medical records of 1038 BPH patients were obtained from a retrospective database of first-visit men with BPH. Change regularity of prostatic anatomical factors with aging was analyzed.

RESULTS

Patients were classified into four groups according to different age decades. All prostatic anatomical factors assessed in this research increased with age growth (p < .0001). However, these anatomical factors sustained stably when older than 70 years. By analyzing the detailed correlation between age and prostatic morphological parameters, transitional zone index (TZI) (Pearson r = 0.358, r² = 0.128, p < .0001) and transitional zone width (TZW) (Pearson r = 0.344, r ²= 0.118, p < .0001) showed the best correlation coefficient with age. After adjusted the influence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes mellitus (DM), the result remained still similarly.

CONCLUSION

Prostatic morphological parameters increase progressively with age growth when patients were younger than 70 years, indicating reasonable interventions to be provided to BPH patients before 70 years. In addition, TZI and TZW are two practical, easy-to-measure prostatic parameters that are significantly associated with the growth of age compared to others.

Aerobic exercise ameliorates benign prostatic hyperplasia in obese mice through downregulating the AR/androgen/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE

Emerging evidence has suggested that physical activities can reduce the risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Here, we evaluated the effect of aerobic exercise in a model of BPH using obese mice.

METHODS

Obese C57BL/6J mice in the control group, obesity group (OB), and obesity group plus exercise (OB + E) with eight weeks training were inspected for morphological alterations via hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining, lipid and sex hormone metabolites via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), relative protein expression via Western blotting, and prostate cancer-up-regulated long noncoding RNA (PlncRNA) and androgen receptor (AR) mRNA levels via quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR).

RESULTS

Aerobic exercise training slowed fat-mass gain in OB mice. Prostate volume (PV) and area of lumen was significantly decreased in OB mice and was slightly increased following aerobic exercise. Epithelial volume density in the OB group was higher than that in the control group. Furthermore, aerobic exercise lowered serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglyceride, and free fatty acid (FFA) levels, whereas it raised high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels in OB + E mice. Additionally, the hormonal ratio of estradiol/testosterone (E2/T) approached that of the control group following aerobic exercise in OB + E mice. Mechanistically, aerobic exercise downregulated the PlncRNA-AR/androgen signaling pathway via the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) axis in the prostates of OB + E mice.

CONCLUSION

These data demonstrate that aerobic exercise may alleviate BPH in obese mice through regulation of the AR/androgen/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Impact of Body Mass Index on Outcomes Following Anatomic GreenLight Laser Photoselective Vaporization of the Prostate

Introduction: Obesity can lead to increased risk of perioperative complications in surgical patients, but evidence is lacking regarding the impact of obesity on bladder outlet surgery outcomes. We sought to assess the safety and efficacy of GreenLight photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) in obese patients by comparing functional outcomes and complications in men, stratified according to the body mass index (BMI). Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was undertaken of 424 men who underwent 180W GreenLight PVP between 2012 and 2016 at two tertiary medical centers. Patients were stratified based on the World Health Organization (WHO) classification of obesity as determined by BMI. Normal weight men had BMI <25 kg/m², overweight men had BMI between 25 and 30 kg/m², and obese men had BMI greater than 30 kg/m². Primary endpoints examined were differences in intraoperative outcomes and incidence of intraoperative and postoperative complications between BMI groups. Secondary endpoints were improvements in the International Prostate Symptom Score, quality of life score, and the uroflowmetry variables, maximum urinary flow rate and postvoid residual. Results: The BMI groups did not differ regarding operative time or lasing time after matching for prostate volume, but overweight patients in the matched cohort still required higher mean energy use than normal weight men (258.6 kJ vs 233.9 kJ; p = 0.017). No significant differences between BMI groups were observed for intraoperative complications, postoperative complications, or readmission rates. All functional parameters were significantly improved at 24 months for each group, with no differences in improvement between groups. On multivariable analysis, BMI was not a significant predictor for outcomes following PVP. Conclusions: Increased BMI has a negligible effect on intraoperative parameters and does not affect postoperative complication rates or functional outcomes. GreenLight XPS 180W PVP is a safe and effective procedure in overweight and obese men.

Analysis of risk factors for post-bacillus Calmette-Guerin-induced prostatitis in patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer

The objective of this study was to evaluate risk factors for bacillus Calmette–Guerin-induced prostatitis in patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer following bacillus Calmette–Guerin therapy. Clinical findings from patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer who underwent multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging before transurethral resection of bladder tumor and post-bacillus Calmette–Guerin therapy from March 2004 to August 2018 were evaluated. The population was grouped into patients with or without newly developed lesions on multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging performed 3 months after bacillus Calmette–Guerin instillation. Patients with prostate-specific antigen levels ≥ 4 ng/mL or prostate cancer were excluded. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to determine the predictors of prostate lesions in patients with prior bacillus Calmette–Guerin exposure. Post bacillus Calmette–Guerin-induced prostatitis was found in 50 of the 194 patients (25.8%). No significant differences were observed between the groups except for prostate volumes (33.8 mL vs. 30.8 mL, P = 0.012) and body mass index (25.2 kg/m² vs. 24.1 kg/m², P = 0.044). After bacillus Calmette–Guerin exposure, no significant differences in prostate-specific antigen levels, international prostate symptom scores, or post-voiding residual volume were noted. Multivariable regression analysis showed that body mass index (odds ratio, OR = 1.115, P = 0.038) and prostate volume (OR = 3.080, P = 0.012) were significant predictors of post-bacillus Calmette–Guerin prostate lesions. Body mass index and prostate volume may be clinical predictors of prostate lesions after bacillus Calmette–Guerin exposure. Awareness of potential risk factors for this entity should contribute to the clinical decision-making process for patients following bacillus Calmette–Guerin therapy.

Impact of Testosterone Deficiency and Testosterone Therapy on Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Men with Metabolic Syndrome

Lower urinary tract function is modulated by neural, vascular and urethral and bladder structural elements. The pathophysiological mechanisms of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) encompass prostate enlargement, alterations in urethra histological structure bladder fibrosis and alterations in pelvic neuronal and vascular networks, The complex pathophysiological relationship between testosterone (T) deficiency (TD) and the constellations LUTS, and metabolic dysfunction manifested in the metabolic syndrome (Met S) remains poorly understood. TD has emerged as one the potential targets by which Met S may contribute to the onset and development as well as worsening of LUTS. Because it has been recognized that treatment of men with Met S with T therapy ameliorates Met S components, it is postulated that T therapy may represent a therapeutic target in improving LUTS. Furthermore, the effect of TD on the prostate remains unclear, and often debatable. It is believed that T exclusively promotes prostate growth, however recent evidence has strongly contradicted this belief. The true relationship between benign prostatic hyperplasia, TD, and LUTS remains elusive and further research will be required to clarify the role of T in both benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) and LUTS as a whole. Although there is conflicting evidence about the benefits of T therapy in men with BPH and LUTS, the current body of literature supports the safety of using this therapy in men with enlarged prostate. As the population afflicted with obesity epidemic continues to age, the number of men suffering from Met S and LUTS together is expected to increase.

Visceral adiposity index is associated with benign prostatic enlargement in non-diabetic patients: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association between visceral adiposity index (VAI) - a novel indicator for the assessment of visceral adipose tissue and prostate enlargement in non diabetic patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Four hundred patients who were admitted to the Urology clinic between January and December 2014 with complaints of BPH(benign prostatic hyperplasia )/LUTS(male lower urinary tract symptoms)were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Patients were divided into two groups according to their prostate volume and international prostate symptom score (IPSS) value. They were compared in terms of age, body mass index (BMI), VAI, prostate volume, PSA, post micturional residual volume (PMRV), uroflowmetry Q max value, triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) and fasting blood sugar (FBS).

RESULTS

Although univariate analyses reveal that age, BMI, waist circumference (WC), FBS, TG, HDL-C level and TG/HDL ratio were correlated with prostate volume, only age [1.125 OR (1.088-1.164), p = .00001], BMI [1.119 OR (1.040-1.204), p = .003], TG [1.043 OR (1.016-1.071), p = .002], HDL-C [0.923 OR (0.860-0.990), p = .025] and VAI [1.194 OR (1.110-1.305), p = .011] were statistically significant in multivariate analysis. A positive correlation was found between VAI value and prostate volume in the Spearman correlation test (r = 0.29, p = .00001). The calculated area under the curve (AUC) for prostate volumes of 30, 40 and 50 ml were 0.680 (0.621-0.738), 0.625 (0.570-0.681) and 0.590 (0.528-0.652), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our study revealed a positive correlation between VAI and prostate volume. Our results are needed to be tested with well-designed randomized prospective cohort studies.

Beneficial effects of lipidic extracts of saladette tomato pomace and Serenoa repens on prostate and bladder health in obese male Wistar rats

BACKGROUND

Obesity is associated with increased risk of a number of serious medical conditions, including urological disorders. This study investigated the effect of lipidic extracts of saladette tomato pomace (STP) and Serenoa repens (SR) on the prostate and bladder in a rat obese model induced by high-carbohydrate diet.

RESULTS

High-sucrose-fed rats showed higher prostate weight as well as increased contractility and stromal and epithelial hyperplasia in the prostate. Treatment with STP and SR improved contractility and diminished hyperplasia and hypertrophy in the prostate. Obese animals also showed impaired bladder contractility, but neither extract reversed this deterioration. In the histological study, a disarray in the process of smooth muscle cell proliferation with non-parallel fibers was observed; interestingly, treatment with STP and SR led to improvement in this derangement.

CONCLUSION

These findings indicated impaired contractility and hyperplasia in the prostate and bladder of obese rats induced by high sucrose. STP and SR could enhance prostate function by reducing contractility and hyperplasia and improve smooth muscle fiber structure and decrease cell proliferation in the bladder, suggesting their possible health-beneficial effects on lower urinary tract symptoms. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Obesity inversely correlates with prostate-specific antigen levels in a population with normal screening results of prostate cancer in northwestern China

Serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a diagnostic biomarker of prostate cancer and is possibly associated with obesity. This study aimed to explore the relationships between obesity indicators [body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC)] with PSA in Chinese men. A cross-sectional study of men aged 30-85 years undergoing prostate cancer screening was conducted from August 2008 to July 2013 in Xi'an, China. Data were obtained from clinical reports, condition was recorded based on self-report including demographics, weight, height, and WC (>90 cm=obese). Fasting blood glucose (FBG) and prostate volume (PV) were assessed clinically. Patients were grouped by BMI (normal=22.9, overweight=23-27.4, obese≥27.5 kg/m²). PSA parameters of density (PSAD), PSA serum level, and PSA increasing rate per year (PSAR) were calculated per BMI and age groups (30-40, 41-59, 60-85 years). Obesity indicators (BMI and WC) and PSA parameter relationships were modeled by age-stratified linear regression. Of 35,632 Chinese men surveyed, 13,084 were analyzed, including 13.44% obese, 57.44% overweight, and 29.12% normal weight, according to BMI; 25.84% were centrally (abdominally) obese according to WC. BMI and WC were negatively associated with all PSA parameters, except PSAD and PSAR [P<0.05, BMI: β=-0.081 (95%CI=-0.055 to -0.036), WC: β=-0.101 (-0.021 to -0.015)], and independent of FBG and PV (P<0.05) in an age-adjusted model. In conclusion, obesity was associated with lower PSA in Chinese men. Therefore, an individual's BMI and WC should be considered when PSA is used to screen for prostate cancer.

Protective potential of epigallocatechin-3-gallate against benign prostatic hyperplasia in metabolic syndrome rats

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is a major catechin in green tea with functions of antioxidant, anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory and attenuating metabolic syndrome. In this study, rat model of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) accompanied with metabolic syndrome was induced by fed on high-fat diet for 12 weeks combined with testosterone injection (10mg/kg/d) from 9th to 12th weeks. EGCG was orally given from 9th to 12th weeks. Finally, the levels of glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, prostate weight, insulin-like growth factors (IGFs), inflammatory cytokines, antioxidant enzymes, and prostatic expression of IGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) and peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPARs) were evaluated. It was found that EGCG significantly decreased the levels of glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, IGFs, and inflammatory cytokines, normalized the activities of antioxidant enzymes, as well as increased the prostatic expression of IGFBP-3 and PPARs. These results indicated that EGCG was able to exert anti-BPH activities in metabolic syndrome rats.

The Association Between Metabolic Syndrome and Characteristics of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the association of metabolic syndrome (MS) with measures of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) including prostate growth rate, prostate volume, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, and maximal flow rate.Medline, Cochrane CENTRAL, EMBASE, CBM, and Google Scholar databases were searched until March 23, 2015 using combinations of the keywords benign prostate hyperplasia/BPH, metabolic syndrome, total prostate volume, prostate growth rate, prostate specific antigen, International Prostate Symptom Score/IPSS, maximal flow rate. Cohort or case-control studies of patients with BPH and MS that reported quantitative outcomes were included. The pooled mean differences of the outcome measures were compared between patients with and without MS.A total of 158 potentially relevant studies were identified, and 8 were included in the meta-analysis. The 8 studies included in the meta-analysis contained a total of 3093 BPH patients, wherein 1241 had MS and 1852 did not have MS. BPH patients with MS had a significantly higher prostate growth rate (pooled mean difference = 0.67 mL/y, P < 0.001) and larger prostate volume (pooled mean difference = 6.8 mL, P = 0.010) than the BPH patients without MS. There was no significant difference in IPSS score (pooled mean difference = 1.58, P = 0.202) or maximal flow rate (pooled mean difference = -1.41 mL/s, P = .345) between BPH patients with and without MS. A borderline nonsignificant difference in PSA (pooled mean difference = 0.24 ng/mL, P = 0.056) was noted between BPH patients with and without MS.The results of this meta-analysis are consistent with literature indicating that BPH patients with MS have a higher prostate growth rate and larger prostate volume than those without MS; however, further study is necessary to determine the association of BPH and metabolic disorder elements and the potential risk of disease progression in BPH patients with MS.

The impact of obesity towards prostate diseases

Evidence has supported obesity as a risk factor for both benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer (PCa). Obesity causes several mechanisms including increased intra-abdominal pressure, altered endocrine status, increased sympathetic nervous activity, increased inflammation process, and oxidative stress, all of which are favorable in the development of BPH. In PCa, there are several different mechanisms, such as decreased serum testosterone, peripheral aromatization of androgens, insulin resistance, and altered adipokine secretion caused by inflammation, which may precipitate the development of and even cause high-grade PCa. The role of obesity in prostatitis still remains unclear. A greater understanding of the pathogenesis of prostate disease and adiposity could allow the development of new therapeutic markers, prognostic indicators, and drug targets. This review was made to help better understanding of the association between central obesity and prostate diseases, such as prostatitis, BPH, and PCa.

Lifestyle and dietary factors in relation to prostate cancer risk

The aim of the present study was to determine the association between the socio-demographic, lifestyle factors, and dietary habits with the risk of prostate cancer (PC) in a case-control study of Spanish men. None of the socio-demographic, lifestyle or dietetic variables was found predictors of PC risk. Body mass index was associated with an increased risk for aggressive PC and fruit consumption with lower Gleason scores, thus less aggressive cancers. Nonetheless, after applying Bonferroni correction, these variables were not still associated with PC aggressiveness. More adequately, powered epidemiological studies that measure the effect of lifestyle and dietary intake in PC risk and aggressiveness are warranted to further elucidate the role of these modifiable factors on PC etiology.

Effect of obesity on International Prostate Symptom Score and prostate volume

Aim:

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between obesity and lower urinary tract symptoms and prostate volume in patients who underwent prostate biopsies.

Materials and Methods:

Between December 2008 and November 2009, transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy was performed on patients who had elevated prostate-specific antigen levels or abnormal digital rectal examination findings. A total of 211 patients were included in this study. Prostate volumes, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) values, and the patient's height and weight were all recorded during the biopsy. Body mass index (BMI) <18.5 was determined as underweight, 18.5–23.0 normal, 23.0–27.5 overweight, and >27.5 obese.

Results:

The mean age of the patients was 68.0 ± 6.3 years, and the mean BMI was 28.0 ± 4.9 kg/m². The mean prostate volume of the normal, overweight, and obese groups was 30, 50, and 70 ml, respectively. The positive and statistically significant correlation between BMI and prostate volume was determined (P < 0.001). According to BMI, the mean IPSS was 8.0, 16.5, and 20.0 in the groups, respectively. Similarly, a statistically positive correlation between BMI and IPSS was demonstrated (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

As the result of a rise in BMI, prostate volumes and IPSS increase in patients. Prostate volume and IPSS decrease due to weight loss, and hence that fewer urinary symptoms occur, and the quality-of-life of patients may increase.

Age and Obesity Promote Methylation and Suppression of 5α-Reductase 2: Implications for Personalized Therapy of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

PURPOSE

In men with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia 5α-reductase inhibitors are a main modality of treatment. More than 30% of men do not respond to the therapeutic effects of 5α-reductase inhibitors. We have found that a third of adult prostate samples do not express 5α-reductase type 2 secondary to epigenetic modifications. We evaluated whether 5α-reductase type 2 expression in benign prostatic hyperplasia specimens from symptomatic men was linked to methylation of the 5α-reductase type 2 gene promoter. We also identified associations with age, obesity, cardiac risk factors and prostate specific antigen.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Prostate samples from men undergoing transurethral prostate resection were used. We determined 5α-reductase type 2 protein expression and gene promoter methylation status by common assays. Clinical variables included age, body mass index, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, prostate specific antigen and prostate volume. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were performed followed by stepwise logistic regression modeling.

RESULTS

Body mass index and age significantly correlated with methylation of the 5α-reductase type 2 gene promoter (p <0.05) whereas prostate volume, prostate specific antigen or benign prostatic hyperplasia medication did not correlate. Methylation highly correlated with 5α-reductase protein expression (p <0.0001). In a predictive model increasing age and body mass index significantly predicted methylation status and protein expression (p <0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Increasing age and body mass index correlate with increased 5α-reductase type 2 gene promoter methylation and decreased protein expression in men with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia. These results highlight the interplay among age, obesity and gene regulation. Our findings suggest an individualized epigenetic signature for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia, which may be important to choose appropriate personalized treatment options.

Connections between lower urinary tract symptoms related to benign prostatic enlargement and metabolic syndrome with its components: a systematic review and meta-analysis

A significant amount of epidemiological evidences have underlined an emerging link between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to benign prostatic enlargement a (BPE). We aimed to assess the connections between LUTS and MetS with its components. Meta-analysis were conducted to determine the mean differences (MD) and confidence intervals of IPSS total score, IPSS-voiding, IPSS-storage and prostate volume (PV) in patients with or without MetS. Ln(odds-ratio) were calculated to estimate the risk of having moderate-to-severe LUTS (IPSS ≥ 8). Nineteen studies were identified as eligible for this systematic review, with a total of 18,476 participants, including 5554 (30.06%) with and 12,922 (69.94%) without MetS. Pooled analysis did not demonstrate significant MD of IPSS, IPSS-voiding and IPSS-storage in men with or without MetS but PV was significantly different (MD = 2.18; p = 0.03). Presence of MetS was not significantly associated with moderate-to-severe LUTS (odds ratio = 1.13; p = 0.53) and only altered serum triglycerides and diabetes were associated with this risk. The association between MetS and LUTS/BPE remain unclear and further observational studies in a population with metabolic disorders should be conducted in order to address it's potential role in determining LUTS/BPE.

Waist circumference and risk of lower urinary tract symptoms: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Epidemiological studies have reported conflicting results concerning the role of central obesity in lower urinary tract symptoms. We performed a meta-analysis to determine whether larger waist circumference (WC) is a predicted signal for Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUT). Data resource: Eligible studies were retrieved by searching PubMed, Web of science, and the Cochrane Library database up to January 2014.

STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Prospective and retrospective cohort, case-controlled trials and observational studies.

DATA EXTRACTION

Data were extracted and analyzed using random effect models to reveal an array of risk factors. Dose-response meta-analysis was performed for studies reporting categorical risk estimates at multiple exposure levels. Study heterogeneity and publication biases were assessed.

DATA SYNTHESIS

A total of 12 studies met the inclusion criteria of the meta-analysis. A positive association with waist circumference (WC) was observed between WC and LUTS at an odds ratio of 1.49, (95% confidence intervals 1.34-1.64). In subgroup analysis, WC exhibited a positive dose-dependent relationship with LUTS in mostly study design, region and primary outcomes.

LIMITATION

Potential biases from preferential publication and selective reporting.

CONCLUSION

Large WC is associated with increased risk of LUTS. Further studies are needed to confirm this finding and to define related biological mechanisms.

Metabolic syndrome and benign prostatic enlargement: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To summarise and meta-analyse current literature on metabolic syndrome (MetS) and benign prostatic enlargement (BPE), focusing on all the components of MetS and their relationship with prostate volume, transitional zone volume, prostate-specific antigen and urinary symptoms, as evidence suggests an association between MetS and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to BPE.

METHODS

An extensive PubMed and Scopus search was performed including the following keywords: 'metabolic syndrome', 'diabetes', 'hypertension', 'obesity' and 'dyslipidaemia' combined with 'lower urinary tract symptoms', 'benign prostatic enlargement', 'benign prostatic hyperplasia' and 'prostate'.

RESULTS

Of the retrieved articles, 82 were selected for detailed evaluation, and eight were included in this review. The eight studies enrolled 5403 patients, of which 1426 (26.4%) had MetS defined according to current classification. Patients with MetS had significantly higher total prostate volume when compared with those without MetS (+1.8 mL, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.74-2.87; P < 0.001). Conversely, there were no differences between patients with or without MetS for International Prostate Symptom Score total or LUTS subdomain scores. Meta-regression analysis showed that differences in total prostate volume were significantly higher in older (adjusted r = 0.09; P = 0.02), obese patients (adjusted r = 0.26; P < 0.005) and low serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations (adjusted r = -0.33; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results underline the exacerbating role of MetS-induced metabolic derangements in the development of BPE. Obese, dyslipidaemic, and aged men have a higher risk of having MetS as a determinant of their prostate enlargement.

Measuring the improvement in health-related quality of life using King's health questionnaire in non-obese and obese patients with lower urinary tract symptoms after alpha-adrenergic medication: a preliminary study

Background

The efficacy of medical treatment among obese men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) has been less clear, especially regarding the improvement of QoL. We aimed to investigate the difference in efficacy and consequent satisfaction of life quality after medical treatment of male LUTS according to obesity.

Methods

An 8-week prospective study was performed for a total of 140 patients >50 years old with International Prostate Symptom Scores (IPSS) > 12 points and prostate volume > 20 mL. Obesity was determined by either body mass index (BMI) or waist circumference (WC). Patients were divided into 2 groups according to BMI or WC. Patients received tamsulosin at a dose of 0.4 mg daily for 8 weeks. The changes from baseline in the IPSS, maximal urinary flow rate (Qmax), post-void residual volume, questionnaire of quality of life (QoL), and King’s Health Questionnaire (KHQ) were analyzed.

Results

Of the 150 enrolled patients, 96 completed the study. Seventy-five patients (78.1%) had BMI ≥ 23 kg/m², and 24 (25.0%) had WC > 90 cm. Overall, the IPSS, IPSS QoL, and total KHQ showed significant improvement. Obese (BMI ≥ 23 kg/m²) and non-obese (BMI < 23 kg/m²) both showed improvement of the IPSS and IPSS QoL scores, but only the obese (BMI ≥ 23 kg/m²) group showed improvement of the total KHQ score (P < 0.001 vs. P = 0.55). Only the obese (WC > 90 cm) group showed improvement of the IPSS and total KHQ scores (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Our preliminary study showed the different efficacy of an alpha-blocker for improvement of LUTS and life quality according to obesity. Obese patients, defined by BMI or WC, showed the tendency toward a more favorable improvement of LUTS and life quality.

Trial registration

Current Controlled Trials 2010–058. Registered 2 September 2010 in Soonchunhyang Univeristy Hospital

Impact of metabolic syndrome on benign prostatic hyperplasia in elderly Chinese men

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of metabolic syndrome (MetS) on benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in elderly Chinese men.

METHODS

A total of 401 elderly BPH patients were divided into the without or with MetS group to assess the associations of MetS and components of MetS with BPH. Urologic evaluation included prostate volume, International Prostate Symptom Score, serum prostate-specific antigen, duration of concomitant lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and maximum flow rate.

RESULTS

Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, fasting glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, triglyceride, fasting insulin (FINS), insulin resistance assessed by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR) were greater and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was lower in BPH patients with MetS than in those without MetS. The patients with MetS showed a significantly larger prostate volume (p = 0.000) and longer duration of LUTS (p = 0.006) than those without MetS. Prostate volume was positively correlated with BMI (p = 0.000), FINS (p = 0.001), HOMA-IR (p = 0.003) and inversely correlated with HDL-C (p = 0.000). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that prostate volume was significantly correlated with HOMA-IR (p = 0.015).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that MetS, BMI, low HDL-C level, increased serum insulin and especially insulin resistance are considered risk factors for prostate enlargement in elderly Chinese men.

Obesity is associated with larger prostate volume but not with worse urinary symptoms: analysis of a large multiethnic cohort

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the associations between body mass index (BMI) and prostate volume (PV) and lower urinary tract symptoms in a multiethnic cohort.

METHODS

A cohort of men without prostate cancer seen at our institution was assembled, excluding those with previous transurethral resection of the prostate. Height and weight were measured to compute BMI, PV was measured by transrectal ultrasound, and the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaire was administered. After stratified bivariate analyses, multiple linear regression and ordinal logistic regression models were used to assess the independent effect of BMI on PV and IPSS, respectively.

RESULTS

The cohort included 1613 patients, and mean BMI was 27.1 kg/m(2). Patients with a BMI of <25.0, 25.0-29.9, and 30.0-34.9 had a median PV of 44.0 mL, 48.0 mL, and 52.0 mL, respectively. The African ethnicity subgroup generally had larger median PVs than European and Asian subgroups and had the largest differences in median PV between normal and obese men. There were no significant differences in IPSS or usage of benign prostatic hyperplasia medications between BMI categories. In multivariable analyses, higher BMI was associated with larger PV (P <.001) but not IPSS (P = .91). On the basis of our model, given a PV of 40 mL, 50 mL, and 60 mL, each 5 kg/m(2) increase in BMI was associated with a 2.19 mL, 2.74 mL, and 3.29 mL increase in PV, respectively. Body weight (P <.001) but not height (P = .13) was associated with PV.

CONCLUSION

Higher BMI is associated with larger PV but not worse lower urinary tract symptoms (measured using IPSS). Usage rate of alpha blockers or 5 alpha reductase inhibitors was not significantly different between BMI categories.

Obesity and benign prostatic hyperplasia: clinical connections, emerging etiological paradigms and future directions

PURPOSE

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a highly prevalent disease in older men with substantial adverse effects on public health. Classic etiological paradigms for benign prostatic hyperplasia focus on nonmodifiable risk factors. However, obesity also potentially promotes benign prostatic hyperplasia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a structured, comprehensive literature review to identify studies of obesity, benign prostatic hyperplasia, lower urinary tract symptoms and physical activity.

RESULTS

A preponderance of published evidence suggests strong positive associations of obesity with benign prostatic hyperplasia and lower urinary tract symptoms. This evidence encompasses most established metrics of adiposity, including body mass index, waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio, and falls under 3 general categories, including prostate volume, clinical benign prostatic hyperplasia and lower urinary tract symptoms. 1) Prior studies consistently showed that increased adiposity is positively associated with radiographically determined prostate volume and enlargement, suggesting that obesity promotes prostate growth. 2) Most studies revealed that obesity increases the risk of clinical benign prostatic hyperplasia by several measures, including the initiation of benign prostatic hyperplasia medical treatment, noncancer prostate surgery, physician diagnosed benign prostatic hyperplasia, histological diagnosis and urinary flow rate. 3) Prior studies demonstrated that obesity increases the risk of lower urinary tract symptoms, as measured by a validated questionnaire. Also, most studies showed that physical activity significantly decreases the risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

CONCLUSIONS

Obesity markedly increases the risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Since physical activity decreases the risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia, these observations support the development of novel prevention strategies and treatment targeted toward adiposity, weight loss and lifestyle.

Effect of weight reduction following bariatric surgery on serum visfatin and adiponectin levels in morbidly obese subjects

OBJECTIVE

Adipokines are signaling and mediator proteins secreted from adipose tissue. A novel adipokine, visfatin, was reported as a protein which was mainly expressed in visceral adipose tissue. Controversial results have been shown regarding the changes of adipokines following weight reduction. So we investigated the effects of weight reduction on serum concentrations of adiponectin and visfatin in morbidly obese subjects.

METHODS

35 severely obese patients (26 females and 9 males), aged 15-58 years, were studied. Anthropometric parameters and biochemical parameters as well as adiponectin and visfatin were analyzed before and 6 weeks after weight reduction.

RESULTS

Anthropometric indices decreased significantly. Blood levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride were reduced significantly. The reduction of visfatin and the elevation of adiponectin were significant as well. However, other parameters like fasting glucose and insulin did not change. Moreover, we could not find any significant correlation between the change of serum visfatin and that of adiponectin.

CONCLUSIONS

6-week weight reduction after bariatric surgery resulted in decreased serum visfatin and increased adiponectin levels. However, we cannot find any significant correlation between changes of adiponectin, visfatin, BMI, waist circumference, and insulin resistance. Further studies with different design are suggested to clarify these associations.

Body mass index and risk of BPH: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Epidemiological studies have reported conflicting results relating obesity to BPH. A meta-analysis of cohort and case-control studies was conducted to pool the risk estimates of the association between obesity and BPH.

METHODS

Eligible studies were retrieved by both computer searches and review of references. We analyzed abstracted data with random effects models to obtain the summary risk estimates. Dose-response meta-analysis was performed for studies reporting categorical risk estimates for a series of exposure levels.

RESULTS

A total of 19 studies met the inclusion criteria of the meta-analysis. Positive association with body mass index (BMI) was observed in BPH and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) combined group (odds ratio=1.27, 95% confidence intervals 1.05-1.53). In subgroup analysis, BMI exhibited a positive dose-response relationship with BPH/LUTS in population-based case-control studies and a marginal positive association was observed between risk of BPH and increased BMI. However, no association between BPH/LUTS and BMI was observed in other subgroups stratified by study design, geographical region or primary outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

The overall current literatures suggested that BMI was associated with increased risk of BPH. Further efforts should be made to confirm these findings and clarify the underlying biological mechanisms.

A novel equation and nomogram including body weight for estimating prostate volumes in men with biopsy-proven benign prostatic hyperplasia

Anthropometric measurements, e.g., body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI), as well as serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and percent-free PSA (%fPSA) have been shown to have positive correlations with total prostate volume (TPV). We developed an equation and nomogram for estimating TPV, incorporating these predictors in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). A total of 1852 men, including 1113 at Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) Hospital as a training set and 739 at Cancer Institute Hospital (CIH) as a validation set, with PSA levels of up to 20 ng ml(-1), who underwent extended prostate biopsy and were proved to have BPH, were enrolled in this study. We developed an equation for continuously coded TPV and a logistic regression-based nomogram for estimating a TPV greater than 40 ml. Predictive accuracy and performance characteristics were assessed using an area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) and calibration plots. The final linear regression model indicated age, PSA, %fPSA and BW as independent predictors of continuously coded TPV. For predictions in the training set, the multiple correlation coefficient was increased from 0.38 for PSA alone to 0.60 in the final model. We developed a novel nomogram incorporating age, PSA, %fPSA and BW for estimating TPV greater than 40 ml. External validation confirmed its predictive accuracy, with AUC value of 0.764. Calibration plots showed good agreement between predicted probability and observed proportion. In conclusion, TPV can be easily estimated using these four independent predictors.

Which obesity index best correlates with prostate volume, prostate-specific antigen, and lower urinary tract symptoms?

OBJECTIVE

To determine which measurement variable, waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI), or waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) is most closely related to the prostate volume (PV), prostate-specific antigen (PSA), and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).

METHODS

Between January 2010 and September 2011, 1632 consecutive ostensibly healthy Korean men aged 40-69 years who visited our clinic for a prostate checkup were enrolled into the study. Exclusion criteria included pyuria, history of lower urinary tract disorder influencing urination, and a high PSA level of >3.0 ng/mL. All men underwent a detailed clinical evaluation using the International Prostate Symptom Score (I-PSS) questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements were determined. Serum PSA, urinalysis, and transrectal ultrasound were also performed.

RESULTS

Data from 1601 men were analyzed. The mean age was 51.6 years, WC 83.7 cm, BMI 24.8 kg/m(2), PV 24.6 mL, and the mean PSA level was 1.07 ng/mL. Using multivariate analysis, PV most positively associated with WC (P < .001), while PSA level had negatively associated with BMI (P = .036) and no significant association with WC or WHR was noted. There was no significant relationship between various obesity indexes and I-PSS.

CONCLUSION

Our data showed that PV positively associated with central obesity, as represented by WC. In contrast, serum PSA negatively associated with BMI, which represented overall obesity (ie, hemodilution). Our data also suggested that obesity is not associated with lower urinary tract symptoms in Korean men.

Association of metabolic syndrome and benign prostate enlargement in young korean males

Purpose

This study was designed to evaluate the association of metabolic syndrome and benign prostate enlargement in young Korean males. We analyzed the clinical data associated with metabolic syndrome and prostate volume in the study population.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data obtained from 1,506 young men under the age of 60 who visited the health promotion center in our institution for routine checkups. The patients were interviewed with a questionnaire including the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and were evaluated by medical history, blood chemistry, digital rectal examination, and prostate volume via transrectal ultrasonography. The presence of metabolic syndrome was determined according to the modified National Cholesterol Education Program Expert Panel on Detection, Evalution, And Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults criteria. We divided the subjects into two groups: those with metabolic syndrome and those without. Logistic regression analysis was carried out to determine which metabolic components were associated with an increased risk of benign prostate enlargement.

Results

Significant differences in prostate volume were noted between the groups. The prostate volumes were significantly larger in the metabolic syndrome group than in the non-metabolic syndrome group in all subgroups divided by age (in decades). However, no significant differences in IPSS or voiding or storage subscore were noted. In the multivariate regression analysis, only diabetes and obesity were identified as risk factors for benign prostate enlargement among the metabolic components.

Conclusions

Metabolic syndrome and prostate volume were significantly related, even in young males. Diabetes and obesity were identified as significant risk factors for benign prostate enlargement in young males under the age of 60.

PPARγ: a molecular link between systemic metabolic disease and benign prostate hyperplasia

The emergent epidemic of metabolic syndrome and its complex list of sequelae mandate a more thorough understanding of benign prostatic hyperplasia and lower urinary tract symptoms (BPH/LUTS) in the context of systemic metabolic disease. Here we discuss the nature and origins of BPH, examine its role as a component of LUTS and review retrospective clinical studies that have drawn associations between BPH/LUTS and type II diabetes, inflammation and dyslipidemia. PPARγ signaling, which sits at the nexus of systemic metabolic disease and BPH/LUTS through its regulation of inflammation and insulin resistance, is proposed as a candidate for molecular manipulation in regard to BPH/LUTS. Finally, we introduce new cell and animal models that are being used to study the consequences of obesity, diabetes and inflammation on benign prostatic growth.

Waist circumference is an independent risk factor for prostatic hyperplasia in Taiwanese males

PURPOSE

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a common disease affecting older males. As obesity becomes an increasing problem worldwide, its role in prostatic hypertrophy has been discussed recently. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between waist circumferences and prostatic hyperplasia in Taiwan.

METHODS

There were 539 men enrolled in the study who had health examinations at the Healthcare Center of Chang Gung Memorial Hospital; 53 were excluded because of history of conditions affecting prostatic volume. Their anthropometry was measured and serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels as well as lipid profiles were analyzed. Prostate volume was measured by transrectal ultrasonography performed by experienced urologists.

RESULTS

The mean prostate volume was 26.43 mL, whereas mean body mass index (BMI) was 25.27 kg/m(2) and mean waist circumference (WC) was 90.81 cm. By age-adjusted logistic regression, PSA > 4 ng/mL, WC ≥ 90 cm, and BMI > 24 kg/m(2) are associated with increased risk of developing prostatic hyperplasia; only WC ≥ 90 cm can be validated by multiple logistic regression. Further analysis of obesity patterns showed that abdominal overweight/obesity places patients at increased risk independently rather than high WC or high BMI alone.

CONCLUSIONS

Study results showed that waist circumference ≥ 90 cm is an independent risk factor of prostatic hyperplasia in Taiwan. Men with abdominal overweight/obesity (WC ≥ 90 cm and BMI > 24 kg/m(2)) have a twofold risk of developing prostatic hyperplasia.

Comparison of the clinical efficacy of medical treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia between normal and obese patients

We aimed to investigate the difference in efficacy of medical treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) between normal and obese patients with BPH; obesity was determined by either body mass index (BMI) or waist circumference (WC). In this 12-week prospective observational study, a total of 175 patients aged ≥40 years with International Prostate Symptom Scores (IPSS) ≥12 points and prostate volume ≥20 ml were prospectively enrolled. The patients were divided into two groups according to BMI or WC. Patients received the doxazosin gastrointestinal therapeutic system (GITS) at a dose of 4 mg once per day for 12 weeks. The changes from baseline in the IPSS, maximal urinary flow rate (Q(max)), post-void residual volume, quality of life (QoL) scores and adverse events (AEs) were analysed. Of the 175 enrolled patients, 132 completed the study. Sixty-seven patients had BMI >23 kg m⁻², and 43 had WC >90 cm. Obese patients represented by WC >90 cm or BMI ≥23 kg m⁻² had a significantly greater prostate volume compared with non-obese patients at baseline. Total IPSS was significantly higher in the WC >90 cm group compared to the WC ≤90 cm group. Total IPSS was positively correlated with prostate volume (P=0.031) and WC (P=0.045). All groups showed significant improvements in total IPSS and QoL at 12 weeks. However, the improvement of total IPSS was greater in the high-BMI and high-WC groups. The most frequent AE was dizziness (n=13), and it was significantly lower in the obese BPH patients. Obesity was associated with increased prostate volume and lower urinary tract symptoms. Alpha-blockers appear to be efficacious for controlling symptoms, especially in obese men.

Effects of pumpkin seed oil and saw palmetto oil in Korean men with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia

This study was to investigate the role of complementary and alternative medicine in the prevention and treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. For this purpose, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was performed over 12 months on 47 benign prostatic hyperplasia patients with average age of 53.3 years and international prostate symptom score over 8. Subjects received either sweet potato starch (group A, placebo, 320 mg/day), pumpkin seed oil (group B, 320 mg/day), saw palmetto oil (group C, 320 mg/day) or pumpkin seed oil plus saw palmetto oil (group D, each 320 mg/day). International prostate symptom score, quality of life, serum prostate specific antigen, prostate volume and maximal urinary flow rate were measured. In groups B, C and D, the international prostate symptom score were reduced by 3 months. Quality of life score was improved after 6 months in group D, while those of groups B and C were improved after 3 months, compared to the baseline value. Serum prostate specific antigen was reduced only in group D after 3 months, but no difference was observed in prostate volume in all treatment groups. Maximal urinary flow rate were gradually improved in groups B and C, with statistical significance after 6 months in group B and after 12 months in group C. None of the parameters were significantly improved by combined treatment with pumpkin seed oil and saw palmetto oil. From these results, it is suggested that administrations of pumpkin seed oil and saw palmetto oil are clinically safe and may be effective as complementary and alternative medicine treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Effects of obesity on lower urinary tract symptoms in Korean BPH patients

We analyzed the effects of obesity on lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTSs) in Korean benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients. This is a multicenter, cross-sectional, prospective study conducted in four centers in Korea. A total of 602 men with LUTSs secondary to BPH were included. BPH/LUTSs cases were men aged >/= 40 years with international prostate symptom scores (IPSS) > or = 8 points. Height, weight and waist circumference were measured. Among the 602 patients, 156 patients had a waist circumference above 90 cm, representing central obesity, and 215 patients had a body mass index above 25 kg m(-2). Waist circumference was positively correlated with prostate volume (P = 0.034). Men with waist circumference > 90 cm experienced a 1.36-fold increased risk of severe LUTSs (95% CI 0.82-2.41) compared with men with waist circumference < or = 90 cm. Prostate volume was positively correlated with urgency and nocturia in men with central obesity. In this population of Korean men diagnosed with BPH, central obesity rather than overall obesity seems to be the more important predictor of LUTSs correlated with BPH.

Effect of body mass index and waist circumference on prostate specific antigen and prostate volume in a generally healthy Korean population

PURPOSE

We examined the influences of age, body mass index and waist circumference on prostate specific antigen before and after adjusting for prostate volume. We also examined associations among age, body mass index, waist circumference and prostate volume.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We analyzed 38,380 Korean men 30 to 79 years old who received regular checkups at our health examination center. We had prostate volume data for 3,593 of them. We divided the subjects into 5 groups by age, 4 groups by body mass index and waist circumference (using Asia-Pacific obesity reference values), and quartiles for prostate volume. We compared prostate specific antigen and prostate volume by multivariate regression analysis across body mass index and waist circumference after adjusting for age and/or prostate volume.

RESULTS

Increasing body mass index or waist circumference was associated with decreasing prostate specific antigen (with or without prostate volume adjustment) and increasing prostate volume (p for trend <0.01). When we stratified prostate volume by quartile, age was not associated with prostate specific antigen except in quartile 4 (p for trend by quartile 0.402, 0.639, 0.056 and <0.01). Mean prostate specific antigen of the group with a body mass index less than 23 in prostate volume quartile 4 was approximately 3 times that of the group with a body mass index greater than 30 in prostate volume quartile 1 (1.42 vs 0.55).

CONCLUSIONS

Obesity had a negative association with prostate specific antigen regardless of prostate volume, and a positive association with prostate volume. Age was not associated with prostate specific antigen after prostate volume adjustment. Obese men, especially those with a small prostate volume, may have lower baseline prostate specific antigen and, thus, be at higher risk for having prostate cancer undetected in a prostate specific antigen screening test.