Redox Biology of Prostatic Enlargement: The Role of Antioxidants in BPH Progression and Therapy
Abonyi, Emmanuel Obiora
Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu State, Nigeria
Corresponding author: Abonyi, Emmanuel Obiora, abonyi.emmanuel@esut.edu.ng, +2347030853307
ABSTRACT
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common age-related disease, which is a non-malignant enlargement of the prostate, lower urinary tract symptoms and progressive worsening of the quality of life. Even though it has historically been thought to be caused by hormonal imbalance and stromal-epithelial interactions, emerging evidence suggests that oxidative stress and redox dysregulation are key factors in driving prostate tissue remodeling. Mitochondrial dysfunction, chronic inflammation, metabolic dysfunctions, and environmental exposures lead to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which facilitates DNA damage, cellular senescence, extracellular matrix expansion, and proliferative signaling, characteristic features of hyperplastic growth. The biological convergence of oxidative stress and chronic prostate inflammation is demonstrated by the integration of oxidative cues into inflammatory and fibrotic responses by redox-sensitive pathways, including NF- kB, Nrf2, MAPKs, and PI3K/Akt. Oxidative injury and BPH progression can be alleviated by antioxidants- endogenous systems and exogenous dietary or pharmacologic antioxidants-as a promising treatment option. This review summarizes existing information on the redox biology of BPH, outlines major molecular and cellular processes that relate oxidative imbalance to hyperplasia, and identifies the new evidence on the potential use of antioxidants in prevention and treatment. Gaining insights into the role of redox perturbations in the prostate aging process and pathology can provide a disease-modifying way of treating BPH.
Keywords: Prostate fibrosis, redox signaling, antioxidants, excess benign prostatic hyperplasia, oxidative stress.
CITE AS: Abonyi, Emmanuel Obiora (2026). Redox Biology of Prostatic Enlargement: The Role of Antioxidants in BPH Progression and Therapy. IAA Journal of Applied Sciences 14(1):49-54.