The effect of croton membranaceus on the hormone-dependent pathway in benign prostatic hyperplasia.

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2017-01-23
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Abstract
Current pharmacotherapeutic strategies modulate the active hormones involved in androgen biosynthesis as androgen estrogen imbalance has been implicated in the aetiology of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). However, their usage has recorded adverse side effects even after discontinuation. Attention has therefore shifted to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Croton membranaceus (CM) has been in use for the management of benign prostatic (BPH) in Ghana for decades, yet its precise mechanism of action in humans is yet to be proven. This study therefore sought to elucidate the effect of CM on the sex steroid hormone dependent pathway. The study population consisted of 30 BPH patients between the ages of 46-87 years and 30 non-BPH men between the ages of 46-72 years served as controls. BPH patients on CM were observed for 12 weeks. Data were collected at baseline and after 3 months of treatment with the drug. Urologic parameters such as lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and prostate volume (PV) were assessed via the International Prostate Symptom Score and ultrascan, respectively. Hormones [testosterone (T), free testosterone (FT), androstenedione (AED), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), estrone (E1) and estradiol (E2)] and their metabolites [androstanediol Adiol (3α-adiol) and androstanediol diol (3β-diol)] as well as total and free prostate specific antigens (tPSA and fPSA) were assayed by enzyme immunoassay (ELISA) techniques. Non-parametric analyses were performed as data were not normally distributed.
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A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Philosophy in Chemical Pathology In the Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, 2016.
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