Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is the swelling of the prostate gland. The prostate is located below the urinary bladder in men. Enlargement of the prostate gland causes difficulty in urination.
Acute urinary retention is painful. If prolonged, urinary retention leads to kidney failure. That is why the insertion of a rubber catheter inside the penis is necessary to relieve the obstruction.
BPH is associated with Metabolic Syndrome. Metabolic syndrome consists of obesity, hypertension, high blood sugar and insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia.
The high insulin levels promote the growth of prostate cells and increase the transcription of genes involved in sex hormone metabolism. Hyperinsulinemia lowers sex-hormone binding globulin. This increases the amount of androgen and estrogen entering the prostate cells and increases BPH risk. [1]
High insulin levels activate the insulin-like growth factor binding protein.
The contributing factors are leading to BPH. The increased muscle contraction secondary to the increased sympathetic tone and reduced nitric oxide led to increased smooth muscle proliferation and prostate enlargement. The same authors also found that increased physical activity improves lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and BPH. Many patients respond to medicine, but others may need surgery.
Erectile Dysfunction and coronary artery disease (CAD) share the exact mechanisms that lead to the dysfunction of the blood vessels. Again, if somebody has erectile dysfunction (ED), talk to your doctor if further testing is needed. The article from the Journal of Sexual Medicine, Basic Science Evidence for the Link Between Erectile Dysfunction and Cardiometabolic Dysfunction., establishes a link between erectile dysfunction (ED) and Cardiovascular Metabolic Disease (CVMD) on several grounds:
“the endothelium (endothelium-derived nitric oxide and oxidative stress imbalance); smooth muscle (SM) (SM abundance and altered molecular regulation of SM contractility); autonomic innervation (autonomic neuropathy and decreased neuronal-derived nitric oxide); hormones (impaired testosterone release and actions); and metabolics (hyperlipidemia, advanced glycation end product formation).”
What should you do if you know somebody with the above conditions?
A diagnosis of any disease related to Metabolic Syndrome should prompt an investigation if you are at risk of developing ischemic heart disease. Talk to your doctor if there is a need to check fasting blood sugar, serum triglyceride, and HDL level. Check your blood pressure and measure your waistline, then review the criteria for the MetS and see if you have it.
Related Readings:
- Erectile Dysfunction is a Sign of Coronary Artery Disease
- The Metabolic Syndrome
- Diseases of the Female Urinary and Reproductive System Associated with Metabolic Syndrome
- Diseases Associated with the Metabolic Syndrome
- The 80/20 Rule Applied to Diseases
- Cancers Associated with Metabolic Syndrome
- Lung Diseases Associated with Metabolic Syndrome
- The Deadliest Diseases Associated with Metabolic Syndrome
- Abnormal Blood Clots and Metabolic Syndrome
- Eye Problems and Metabolic Syndrome
- Ear Problems and Metabolic Syndrome
- Periodontal Disease and Metabolic Syndrome
References:
- Ngai et al. Metabolic syndrome and benign prostatic hyperplasia: An update. Asian J Urol. 2017;4(3):164-173. doi:10.1016/j.ajur.2017.05.001
- Musicki et al. Basic Science Evidence for the Link Between Erectile Dysfunction and Cardiometabolic Dysfunction. J Sex Med. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2016 Dec 8.
- Abdollah et al. Metabolic Syndrome and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Evidence of a Potential Relationship, Hypothesized Etiology, and Prevention.
Korean J Urol. 2011 Aug; 52(8): 507–516. Published online 2011 Aug 22. doi: 10.4111/kju.2011.52.8.507 PMCID: PMC3162215
Photo:
Male Genitourinary tract: By User: Indolences – Original JPG: http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/health/treat-prost/what-is.htm. Vector made by me., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1619411
© 2019 Asclepiades Medicine, LLC All Rights Reserved
DrJesseSantiano.com does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment