Stigmasterol as a ptotential phytotherapeutic agent for benign prostatic hyperplasia: modulation of inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis.

BACKGROUND

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most common urological diseases that cause lower urinary tract symptoms in aging men. Common treatments often have side effects, necessitating the investigation of safer therapeutic approach. Stigmasterol, a phytosterol found in various plants, has showed anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and apoptotic regulatory properties, making it promising for BPH management.

OBJECTIVE

This study attempted to investigate the possible protective effects of stigmasterol in a BPH animal model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

male rats were divided randomly into three groups (n = 10): control group, BPH group, subcutaneously given testosterone dissolving in corn oil (3 mg/ kg body weight/ day) and BPH + Stigmasterol group, animals were orally administered Stigmasterol (100 mg/kg body weight/day) simultaneously with testosterone. After 21 days of treatments, the therapeutic potential of stigmasterol was evaluated using histological, biochemical and molecular analysis.

RESULTS

Stigmasterol significantly reduced the prostatic index (PI) and improved histological changes associated with BPH. Treatment with stigmasterol led to a prominent reduction in serum dihydrotestosterone levels, along with a significant decrease in prostatic tissue content of pro-inflammatory markers (TNF-α and IL-1β), proliferative biomarker PCNA expression, 5 α reductase, and androgen receptor expression. Additionally, stigmasterol efficiently lowered lipid peroxidation level (MDA), while enhancing the total antioxidant capacity. It also modulated apoptotic pathways by upregulating Bax expression and downregulating Bcl-2 in prostatic tissues.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The results demonstrate the promise of stigmasterol as a treatment for BPH via different pathways, including the inhibition of 5 α-reductase leading to reduce dihydrotestosterone levels; downregulating of androgen receptor signaling, contributing to its anti-androgenic effects; as well as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-proliferative activities. Additionally, stigmasterol modulates apoptotic pathways, collectively contributing to the attenuation of BPH progression.