Immunomodulatory and Anti-Proliferative Effects of Vitamin D in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Comprehensive Review
Abstract
Background
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most prevalent benign neoplasm in aging men, affecting up to 90% of men over 80 years of age. Chronic inflammation and uncontrolled cellular proliferation are now recognised as central drivers of BPH pathogenesis alongside classical androgenic mechanisms. Vitamin D, a pleiotropic secosteroid hormone, exerts its biological actions through the vitamin D receptor (VDR), which is robustly expressed in both prostatic epithelial and stromal cells. The active metabolite, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ (calcitriol), modulates immune cell activity, suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokine cascades, and inhibits cellular proliferation through multiple overlapping molecular mechanisms.
Objectives
This review consolidates evidence on the immunomodulatory and anti-proliferative roles of vitamin D in the pathogenesis and potential management of BPH, with reference to clinical, epidemiological, and molecular data sourced from PubMed (MEDLINE).
Methods
A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, including studies published from 2000 to 2024. Search terms included combinations of 'vitamin D', 'calcitriol', 'VDR', 'benign prostatic hyperplasia', 'lower urinary tract symptoms', 'inflammation', 'proliferation', and 'immunomodulation'. Original research articles, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and randomised controlled trials were included.
Conclusions
VDR agonists including synthetic analogues such as elocalcitol demonstrate…
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