Figure 4.

Summary of alterations in BPH. The normal adult prostate has low immune cell infiltration, basal AR expression, and basal levels of NF-κB activity, allowing for steady-state cell death/proliferation rates and maintenance of tissue homeostasis. In a prostate with BPH, there is increased collagen deposition and infiltration of inflammatory mediators, such as T cells and macrophages, resulting in a chronic inflammatory status within the prostate. Elevated inflammation results in NF-κB activation, which has been demonstrated to stimulate expression of SRD5A2, AR, and AR-V7. Inflammation, NF-κB activity, or AR could each be involved in the development of hyperplasia in epithelial or stromal cells observed in BPH nodules. AR, androgen receptor; BPH, benign prostatic hyperplasia; SRD5A2, 5α-reductase 2.