image: Figure 1. The formation of AA and LA metabolites (ASA-COX―acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) cyclooxygenase, PGG―prostaglandin G, LOX―lipoxygenase, HETE―hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids, HODE―hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (based on Calder, 2010, 2013; the authors’ own modification)).
Credit: Copyright: © 2025 Ratajczak et al.
“Our research results suggest that pro-inflammatory mediators and suppressors of inflammation are involved in the development of BPH, but their exact contribution has yet to be investigated.”
BUFFALO, NY — February 19, 2025 — A new research paper was published by Aging (Aging-US) on January 6, 2025, in Volume 17, Issue 1, titled “The profile of oxidative stress markers (arachidonic and linoleic acid derivatives) in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia in relation to metabolic syndrome.”
A team of researchers, led by first author Weronika Ratajczak and corresponding author Olimpia Sipak from Pomeranian Medical University, examined how inflammation and metabolic health contribute to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a common condition that causes prostate enlargement in aging men, leading to urinary problems. Their findings suggest that inflammatory-related molecules in the blood may play a key role in BPH development, especially in men with metabolic syndrome—a group of conditions including obesity, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol.
BPH affects millions of men as they age, making urination more difficult and sometimes painful. While age and hormonal changes are known factors, the precise causes of prostate enlargement remain unclear. This study provides new evidence that inflammation, especially lipid-derived inflammatory markers, may be a driving factor behind BPH, particularly in those with poor metabolic health.
The research team analyzed blood samples from 219 men, including 144 with BPH and 75 without, measuring markers related to inflammation and oxidative stress. The results showed that men with BPH had significantly higher levels of pro-inflammatory molecules such as 12S-HETE and 5-HETE while having lower levels of anti-inflammatory substances like lipoxin A4. The imbalance was even more pronounced in men with both BPH and metabolic syndrome, indicating a possible link between poor metabolic health and worsening prostate conditions.
“Furthermore, there is mounting evidence that links the onset of inflammation with the development of prostate diseases, including benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer.”
Metabolic dysfunction and chronic inflammation may not only contribute to BPH development but also exacerbate its severity. Monitoring metabolic health could play a role in reducing the risk of prostate enlargement.
Future research is needed and may focus on whether anti-inflammatory treatments or lifestyle changes—such as improved diet, weight management, and exercise—could help slow the progression of BPH or reduce its symptoms.
Read the full paper: DOI: https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.206187
Corresponding author: - Olimpia Sipak - olimpiasipak-szmigiel@wp.pll
Keywords: aging, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), metabolic syndrome (MetS), lipid markers, inflammation, fatty acids derivatives
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About Aging:
The journal Aging aims to promote 1) treatment of age-related diseases by slowing down aging, 2) validation of anti-aging drugs by treating age-related diseases, and 3) prevention of cancer by inhibiting aging. (Cancer and COVID-19 are age-related diseases.)
Aging is indexed by PubMed/Medline (abbreviated as “Aging (Albany NY)”), PubMed Central, Web of Science: Science Citation Index Expanded (abbreviated as “Aging‐US” and listed in the Cell Biology and Geriatrics & Gerontology categories), Scopus (abbreviated as “Aging” and listed in the Cell Biology and Aging categories), Biological Abstracts, BIOSIS Previews, EMBASE, META (Chan Zuckerberg Initiative) (2018-2022), and Dimensions (Digital Science).
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Journal
Aging-US
Method of Research
News article
Subject of Research
People
Article Title
The profile of oxidative stress markers (arachidonic and linoleic acid derivatives) in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia in relation to metabolic syndrome
Article Publication Date
6-Jan-2025
COI Statement
The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.