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Statin Medications and Development and Progression of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms

  • BPH-Related Voiding Dysfunction (R Lee, Section Editor)
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Abstract

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are common among aging men and impact quality of life. Recently, there has been an interest in alternative mechanisms of BPH and LUTS, specifically the role of chronic prostatic inflammation. Statin medications, known for their cholesterol-lowering properties, also possess certain anti-inflammatory effects, which may be of interest in the treatment and/or prevention of BPH and LUTS. Prior studies of statins have yielded conflicting results. These were limited by cross-sectional designs or limited follow-up, small sample sizes, and inability to control for confounding. One prior randomized control trial found no difference between atorvastatin vs. placebo in the treatment of BPH and LUTS after 6 months. Additional randomized trials with longer follow-up time evaluating the impact of statins on incident BPH and LUTS are required to assess the therapeutic potential of statins and develop a better understanding of alternative mechanisms for BPH and LUTS.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah Health Care, 30 N 1900 E, RM 3B420, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA

    Darshan P. Patel

  2. Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA

    Jeremy B. Myers, William O. Brant & James M. Hotaling

  3. Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA

    Aruna V. Sarma

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Drs Patel, Myers, Brant, Sarma, and Hotaling conflicts of interest, including specific financial interests and relationships and affiliations relevant to the subject matter and materials discussed in this manuscript (employment/affiliation, grants or funding, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, royalties, or patents filed, received, or pending), are the following: None.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on BPH-Related Voiding Dysfunction

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Patel, D.P., Myers, J.B., Brant, W.O. et al. Statin Medications and Development and Progression of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms. Curr Bladder Dysfunct Rep 11, 146–152 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11884-016-0362-7

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