A Pharmacological study of the potential protective effect of angiotensin II receptor blocker(s) on experimentally induced benign prostatic hyperplasia in rats

Abstract

Inflammation and suppression of apoptosis play a central role in initiation and progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Irbesartan is an Angiotensin 2 receptor blocker with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and pro-apoptotic effects. The aim of the current study was to explore the protective effect of irbesartan against testosterone-induced BPH in rats as well as underlying mechanisms. An initial dose-response study showed that when irbesartan was administered at doses of (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg p.o.), 40 mg/kg of the drug was the most effective dose in preventing the increase in prostate weight and prostate index. Also, this dose of irbesartan prevented testosterone-induced histopathological changes. Testosterone at dose of 3mg/kg subcutaneously significantly reduced caspase-3 enzyme activity and cytochrome-c, while protein expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was increased.