Immune–Prostate Axis: The Role of Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Mediators in the Pathogenesis of Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH)

Kibibi Wairimu H.

 

School of Natural and Applied Sciences Kampala International University Uganda

ABSTRACT

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a highly prevalent condition in aging men, historically attributed to androgenic and hormonal imbalances. However, mounting evidence supports a central role for the immune–prostate axis in its development. Chronic inflammation, immune-cell infiltration (e.g., T cells, macrophages), and sustained cytokine release contribute to a pro-proliferative microenvironment in the prostate. At the same time, oxidative stress (OS)-driven by excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) from immune cells and metabolic dysregulation fosters tissue damage, DNA instability, and stromal-epithelial proliferation. The synergy of inflammation and OS disrupts apoptosis, enhances proliferation via MAPK, NF‑ κB, and STAT3 pathways, and triggers fibrotic remodeling. Emerging studies implicate deregulated antioxidant defense (e.g., diminished Nrf2 activity), autophagy/ferroptosis imbalance, and immune-mediated signaling in the stromal expansion characteristic of BPH. This review synthesizes current mechanistic knowledge of the immune–prostate axis in BPH pathogenesis, highlights key molecular mediators, and discusses potential therapeutic strategies targeting inflammation and oxidative stress to complement conventional treatments.

Keywords: benign prostatic hyperplasia, inflammation, oxidative stress, immune cells, Nrf2

 

CITE AS: Kibibi Wairimu H. (2026). Immune-Prostate Axis: The Role of Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Mediators in the Pathogenesis of Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH).

IDOSR JOURNAL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 12(1):88-92. https://doi.org/10.59298/IDOSR/JST/26/113.8892