1 Genetic Polymorphism and Pathogenesis of Benign Prostatic

There is apparent uncertainty in etiology and pathogenesis of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. Though several hypothesis put forwarded, like other multifactorial complex diseases, BPH still lacks an integrated model of pathogenesis and progression. BPH is a common problem of aged men due uncontrollable non-cancerous prostatic growth. A wide variety of genetic factors have been associated with tissue hyperplasia in general. Androgen related genes and metabolism genes are closely associated with growth and function of prostate. Recent emergence of BPH as inflammation-mediated disease also opens new avenues in search for genetic factors of BPH. Knowledge of gene polymorphisms may be an important aid in genetic screening of risk of disease involved and the understanding of complex interactions involved in genesis and progression of BPH. Till to date there is no report of high penetrance genetic marker in BPH. There is immense possibility of evolving a model of low penetrance markers of BPH and with this prospect a more exhaustive search for all BPH associated polymorphism in larger population is needed. This strategy combined with high-throughput expression profiling and linkage studies of genes for establishing a clear picture of pathophysiology and risk factor of a complex disease like BPH. In this study, we have reviewed a variety of genetic polymorphisms in relation to their possible role in benign prostatic hyperplasia. We have included associations identified in molecular epidemiology studies and the consistency of findings reported to date. Suggestions for further research are also offered