What is it about?
Chronic prostatitis is a highly prevalent condition that significantly impacts the quality of life and fertility of men. Because of its heterogeneous nature, there is no definitive treatment, which requires ongoing research into its etiology. Additionally, the association between prostatitis and an elevated risk of prostate cancer highlights the importance of comprehending androgen involvement in prostatitis. This paper examines the current understanding of androgen signaling in prostatitis and explores contemporary therapeutic approaches.
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Why is it important?
Aging leads to a decrease in both circulating testosterone and intraprostatic dihydrotestosterone, which affects normal prostate function. This reduction impairs androgens' ability to maintain proper zinc levels and diminishes the secretion of citrate, prostatic acid phosphatase (PAcP), and other proteins into prostatic fluid. Research has shown that in cases of prostate cancer, the androgen-sensitive prostate-membrane zinc transporter is either reduced or absent. As a result, cellular ATP levels increase due to its production, which can promote tumor growth.
Perspectives
Various therapies for prostatitis have been evaluated, including antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications (such as bioflavonoids), neuromodulators, alpha-blockers, 5α-reductase inhibitors, and androgen receptor antagonists. These treatments have shown varying degrees of success in alleviating symptoms. However, researchers continue to work to enhance the effectiveness of current medications for this condition.
Dr Marisa Cabeza
Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Xochimilco
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Current Understanding of Androgen Signaling in Prostatitis and its
Treatment: A Review, Current Medicinal Chemistry, August 2024, Bentham Science Publishers,
DOI: 10.2174/0109298673279207231228070533.
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