Clinical perspective on apoptosis in the management of the BPH patient.

Abstract

Background: Traditionally, alpha(1)-adrenoceptor (AR) antagonists have been assumed to produce clinical benefit by an exclusive action on the tone of the periurethral stromal smooth muscle. However, recent evidence has emerged of additional intra- and extraprostatic actions.

Methods: This article attempts to put into clinical context the recently described effects of certain alpha(1)-AR on prostate cell dynamics (i.e., proliferation and apoptosis). RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS There is good evidence that certain alpha(1)-AR antagonists, in addition to affecting stromal smooth muscle, have effects on prostatic apoptosis that contribute to the overall clinical profile. Furthermore, this is not a class effect and may be restricted to balanced quinazoline alpha blockers (BQABs), such as terazosin.