Adiponectin supplement protects from the development and progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia in obesity among ageing patients

Developers

Shi Fu, Huan Xu, Juan Zhou, Zhong Wang et al.

Description of the technology

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a prevalent pathologic condition among ageing men and a leading cause of bladder outlet obstruction and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Approximately 50% of men will develop BPH over the age of 50 years, and this number increases by 10% per decade and reaches 80% at the eighth decade of age. BPH is a histopathological diagnosis that encompasses microscopic (histological) BPH and macroscopic BPH. Microscopic BPH is characterized by an increased number of epithelial and stromal cells within the periurethral and transition zones, derived mainly from an imbalance between regulative factors of cell death and cell proliferation. Macroscopic BPH is characterized by enlargement of the prostate volume, which develops as benign prostatic enlargement. The pathogenesis of BPH is multifactorial and largely unknown. Ageing is the predominant factor in development of BPH. In addition, recent findings have highlighted the key roles of obesity, hormonal alterations and metabolic syndrome in BPH and LUTS. The incidence of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is increasing among obese individuals, but few studies have fully explained the underlying mechanisms.

This technology aimed to protect from development and progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia in obesity by using an adiponectin supplement. The study, performed for development of this technology, elucidated the relationship between obesity and BPH. It showed that adiponectin exerts multifunctional effects in prostatic epithelial and stromal cells, including anti-proliferation, blocking of cell cycle G1/S-phase progression and the promotion of apoptosis via inhibiting the MEK-ERK-p90RSK axis (mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase/ p90 ribosomal S6 kinase). Furthermore, it was found that a high-fat diet (HFD) led to adiponectin deficiency and microscopic BPH in a mouse model of obesity.

Thus, the present study provided evidence that adiponectin is a protective regulator in the development and progression of BPH and that adiponectin deficiency causally links BPH with obesity An adiponectin supplement (recombinant adiponectin, intraperitoneally) protected the obese mice from microscopic BPH.

Practical application

This technology can be used to prevent the development of one of the most common pathological syndromes, accompanying aging, namely, the development and progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia in patients suffering from obesity. Thus, it is a variant of pharmacological therapy, which contributes to the longevity and health in the ageing men.

Laboratories

• Department of Urology, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (SJTUSM), Shanghai (China)

Links

Publications

• Fu, S. et al. «Adiponectin deficiency contributes to the development and progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia in obesity." 7 Scientific Reports (2017): 43771.
• Liu, D., He, Q. & Liu, C. «Correlations among Helicobacter pylori infection and the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and vascular endothelial growth factor in gastric mucosa with intestinal metaplasia or dysplasia." 25 Journal of gastroenterology and hepatology (2010): 795–799.