Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, Metabolic Syndrome and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Is Metaflammation the Link?

PURPOSE The prevalence of prostatic inflammation (PI) is very frequent in patients affected by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). To investigate the relationship between prostatic inflammation (PI) and the presence of MetS and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in a cohort of patients affected by BPH/LUTS. METHODS We conducted a prospective study from January 2012 to June 2014 on 264 consecutive patients, who underwent transurethral resection of the prostate for bladder outlet obstruction. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been defined according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). Prior to surgery, each patient has been evaluated for the presence of MetS and NAFLD. All surgical specimens were investigated for the presence of an inflammatory infiltrate, according to the Irani score. RESULTS The prevalence of patients affected by MetS alone was 13.8% (32/232), 13.8% (32/232) by NAFLD alone, and 42.7% (99/232) by both diseases. The rate of subjects affected by MetS + NAFLD and severe PI was significantly greater than those with only one metabolic alteration (75.8% vs. 24.2%, P