The causal relationship between sarcopenic obesity factors and benign prostate hyperplasia

Frontiers in Endocrinology, 2023 · DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1290639 · Published: November 8, 2023

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the relationship between sarcopenic obesity (SO) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) using Mendelian randomization, a method that uses genetic variations to assess causal relationships. The study focuses on basal metabolic rate (BMR) and appendicular lean mass (ALM) as key factors related to SO. The researchers found that an increase in BMR and ALM is associated with a higher risk of developing BPH. This suggests that factors preventing SO might inadvertently increase BPH risk. The findings indicate a complex relationship where preventing muscle loss and maintaining a higher metabolism, while generally healthy, could elevate the risk of BPH, highlighting a need for nuanced approaches in managing health in aging men.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

331,307 individuals for BMR and 205,513 individuals for ALM; 13,118 BPH cases and 72,799 controls

Evidence Level

Original Research, Mendelian randomization study

Key Findings

1
An increase in BMR is associated with an elevated risk of developing BPH.
2
An increase in ALM is associated with an elevated risk of developing BPH.
3
No genetic causal relationship was observed between fat-free mass distribution, muscle mass distribution, and BPH.

Research Summary

This study employed Mendelian randomization to investigate the causal relationship between sarcopenic obesity (SO) factors and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), focusing on basal metabolic rate (BMR) and appendicular lean mass (ALM). The results indicated that increased BMR and ALM are genetically associated with a higher risk of BPH, suggesting that interventions targeting SO might inadvertently affect BPH risk. The study concludes that while SO may act as a protective factor for BPH, other factors like increased waist circumference in older adults necessitate vigilant BPH monitoring and proactive interventions.

Practical Implications

Personalized Health Strategies

Clinicians should consider the potential impact of interventions aimed at improving muscle mass and metabolism on the risk of BPH, especially in older men.

Targeted Monitoring

Vigilant monitoring for BPH is crucial in older adults, particularly those with increased waist circumference, even if they do not exhibit sarcopenic obesity.

Balancing Treatment Approaches

Treatment plans should balance the benefits of managing metabolic and muscle-related conditions with the potential risks of BPH, considering individual patient profiles.

Study Limitations

1
Self-reported BPH cases might overlook some BPH cases and mistakenly include other lower urinary tract disorders.
2
Findings are only applicable to individuals of European lineage.
3
Lack of distinction between male and female cohorts in the UKB database of SO factors introduces gender-related bias.

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