Metabolic Syndrome, Diabetes, and BPH: Intersecting Mechanisms of Prostatic Growth

Nasira A. Sitar

Department of Pharmacy Kampala International University Uganda

Satar.nasira@studwc.kiu.ac.ug

                                                                          ABSTRACT
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and diabetes mellitus (DM) are increasingly recognized as important risk factors in the development and progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a common urological condition in aging men characterized by prostatic enlargement and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Although traditionally considered separate clinical entities, an expanding body of epidemiological and experimental evidence links metabolic dysfunction with prostatic growth through shared pathophysiological mechanisms including chronic systemic inflammation, hormonal alterations, insulin resistance, and oxidative stress. This review synthesizes current knowledge on how elements of MetS, particularly obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and hyperglycemia, intersect with diabetes-related biochemical pathways to influence prostatic cellular proliferation and stromal remodeling. We discuss the roles of insulin/insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling, adipokines, sex steroids, and inflammatory mediators in modulating prostatic epithelial and stromal dynamics. Converging evidence suggests that diabetic metabolic disturbances not only increase the risk of BPH but may also contribute to faster symptom progression and reduced therapeutic responsiveness. Understanding these interconnected pathways is critical for developing more effective preventive and therapeutic strategies. We conclude by outlining potential molecular targets and clinical implications for managing BPH in men with MetS and diabetes.

Keywords: metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, benign prostatic hyperplasia, inflammation, insulin resistance.

CITE AS: Nasira A. Sitar (2026). Metabolic Syndrome, Diabetes, and BPH: Intersecting Mechanisms of Prostatic Growth. NEWPORT INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC AND EXPERIMENTAL SCIENCES, 7(2):48-53. https://doi.org/10.59298/NIJSES/2026/72.4853