Benign prostatic hyperplasia at the environment–biology interface: pathogenesis,natural resources, and sustainable management

Abstract

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common age-associated disorder characterized by non-malignant proliferation of prostatic stromal and epithelial cells, particularly within the transition zone of the prostate. Although ageing and androgenic signalling are established determinants of BPH; however, increasing evidence indicates that its development is influenced by complex interactions among environmental exposures, lifestyle factors, metabolic disturbances, inflammation, oxidative stress, genetic susceptibility, and the prostatic microenvironment. This review examines BPH from an integrated biological and environmental perspective, with emphasis on how external and endogenous factors converge on molecular pathways that regulate prostatic growth and tissue remodelling. The roles of androgen receptor signalling, insulin-like growth factor pathways, chronic inflammation, transforming growth factor-β, apoptosis, oxidative stress, microbial stimuli, obesity, metabolic dysfunction, dietary patterns, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and genetic/epigenetic susceptibility are considered. The review also explains biomarkers that are clinically relevant, current diagnostic and therapeutic approaches “including pharmacological, surgical, lifestyle-based, and emerging non-invasive interventions” against BPH. Moreover, the potential of biological and plant-derived resources bioactive compounds for sustainable prevention and management strategies are also discussed. Although natural products provide chemically diverse molecules with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-androgenic, and antiproliferative activities; however, their translation to clinical care requires toxicological evaluation, mechanistic validation, rigorous standardization, and well-designed clinical researches. An environmentally informed understanding of BPH may support prevention strategies that integrate healthier lifestyles, reduction of harmful environmental exposures, sustainable utilization of biological resources, and precision-oriented management. Future research is suggested to prioritize interdisciplinary approaches linking environmental health, molecular biology, nutrition, epidemiology, and sustainable bioresource development.

Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 61(3), 119-136, 2026