Chronic inflammation in benign prostatic hyperplasia: implications for therapy

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common age related proliferative abnormality of the human prostate. Histological features demonstrate that the typical nodules of BPH are composed of stromal and epithelial cells that are proportionally different between nodules. BPH nodules frequently occur concurrently with chronic inflammatory infiltrates, mainly composed of chronically activated T cells and macrophages. Recent studies suggest that these inflammatory cells, immunity responses and their precursors play important roles in the pathogenesis of BPH. Clinical evidences also indicate that chronic inflammation correlates with clinical progression of BPH. Therefore, we hypothesize that BPH is an inflammatory disease. Reducing inflammation may play a crucial role in the treatment of BPH and finally lead to a better clinical outcome. If our hypotheses can be further supported with clinical trials it may change the approach of the medical management for BPH.