Oxidative stress in benign prostatic hyperplasia: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND Several parameters including inflammatory mediators, hormones, dietary factors, inflammatory genes, and oxidative stress (OS) have been considered to play a role in the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Prostate tissue damage and OS may lead to compensatory cellular proliferation with resulting hyperplastic growth. METHODS We searched MEDLINE for articles in English published up to March 2014 using the key words 'oxidative stress', 'antioxidants' and 'benign prostatic hyperplasia'. RESULTS Prostatic inflammation can cause the generation of free radicals. The extent of oxidative damage can be exacerbated by a decreased efficiency of antioxidant defense mechanisms. The balance between OS and the antioxidant component also has a role in developing prostate disease. Several works show the role of oxidant products and of depletion of antioxidant substances in BPH patients. It is accepted that free radicals play a role in carcinogenesis and that BPH should be considered a premalignant condition which may evolve into prostate cancer. High OS parameters and low antioxidant activity are more prominent in prostate cancer patients compared with BPH and controls. CONCLUSIONS Further studies are needed to clarify the potential role of antioxidants in BPH also in view of preventing the progression to prostate cancer.