Nrf2-mediated macrophage function in benign prostatic hyperplasia: Novel molecular insights and implications.

One of the most common urological diseases is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), with a high prevalence in the middle-aged and elderly male population. Patient's mental and physical health is affected significantly by this condition, causing them considerable discomfort. During the development of BPH, a synergistic effect occurs in response to inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis induced by the activation of macrophages. The nuclear factor erythroid2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway can mediate macrophage activation and inhibit prostate hyperplasia by suppressing pro-inflammatory factors, anti-oxidative stress disorder, and initiating apoptosis. The purpose of this study was to review the mechanism of action of Nrf2 signaling pathway-mediated macrophage activation on the immune microenvironment of BPH and to summarize the Chinese medicine based on Nrf2 to provide an overview of BPH treatment options. • This article reviews the Nrf 2 signaling -mediated macrophage activation mechanism on the BPH immune microenvironment. • The Nrf 2 signaling mediates macrophage activation and inhibits BPH by inhibiting pro-inflammatory factors. • The Nrf 2 signaling mediates macrophage activation and inhibits BPH by inhibiting oxidative stress disorders. • The Nrf 2 signaling mediates macrophage activation and inhibits BPH by initiating apoptosis. • The traditional Chinese medicine based on Nrf 2 were summarized to provide ideas for the BPH treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]