Metabolic syndrome-related factors as possible targets for lower urinary tract symptoms in Korean males

Introduction A positive association between benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH)/lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) was reported in several studies, but studies from Asia often showed conflicting results. Materials and methods Medical records were obtained from a health promotion center database between 2021 and 2022. Men without a history of treatment for LUTS were evaluated using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS), transrectal ultrasonography. Results Of 1345 individuals, 603 (44.8%) had MetS. Older age, higher IPSS values, higher prevalence rates of BPH and overactive bladder, higher triiodothyronine, and lower testosterone and sex-hormone binding globulin were observed in individuals with MetS than in individuals without MetS. The severity of LUTS significantly increased in the individuals with MetS (p = .002). In individuals with MetS, age, HbA1c, and cerebrovascular disease (CVD) were associated with IPSS. For OABSS, age, HbA1c, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), coronary artery occlusive disease, and CVD were identified as predictors. Conclusions We confirmed the positive correlation between MetS and BPH/LUTS in Korean. Factors including TSH and atherosclerosis affected LUTS in individuals with MetS. These findings suggested a potential role of thyroid hormones and atherosclerosis in the etiology and treatment of BPH/LUTS in patients with MetS.

Automated summary

A positive association between benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH)/lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) was found, with older age, higher IPSS values, higher prevalence rates of BPH and overactive bladder, higher triiodothyronine, and lower testosterone and sex-hormone binding globulin observed in individuals with MetS. The severity of LUTS significantly increased in individuals with MetS. Factors including TSH and atherosclerosis affected LUTS in individuals with MetS.