Effect of vernonia cinerea on chemically induced benign prostate hyperplasia in male wistar albino rats.

Chapter One

Introduction

1.1       Background of the Study

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is among the most common urological abnormality affecting the aging male above 40 years. The cause of the increase in prostatic volume is numerous, but current research has implicated hormonal abnormality. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) disease is characterized by uncontrolled proliferation of the prostatic epithelial cells and stromal cells, which results in increased prostate size  (Pais et al., 2010). As prostrate enlarges, it constricts the urethra and reduces the flow urine outflow, thus creating lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Clinical BPH is commonly viewed as benign enlargement of the prostate, which contributes to an array of urinary voiding difficulties among older men (Roehrborn et al., 2011). The hypertrophy of prostate, caused by excessive dihydrostestosterone (DHT) is estimated as the mechanism that oversupplies testosterone in blood and leads to large amount of DHT synthesis through the action of 5a- reductase in the prostate

1.2       Statement of the Problem

In BPH, the patient will suddenly develop different health complications such as

• Bladder stones and kidney failure
• Urinary tract infection (UTI)
• Gross hematuria
• Dysura and bladder obstruction
• Increased frequency, urgency and hesitancy of urinating as well as compromised urine flow ( Gacci et al., 2012)

1.3       Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of this work is to investigate the effects of Vernonia cinerea on chemically induced Benign Prostate Hyperplasia in male wistar albino rat.

Objectives of the Study

• To examine the effect of testosterone induced BPH on prostate function.
• To check if finasteride administered on Wistar rat models will affect the normal range of the prostate.
• To examine the effect of Vernonia cinerea on the levels of some prostate parameters such as 5- alpha reductase, PSA, TNF-a and TLR4.

1.4       Significance of Study

This study will help to show the alternative options in the treatment of BPH, using vernonia cinerea effects on biochemical parameters in BPH male wistar albino rats. It will help to solve biomedical problem associated with BPH. This study will provide new ground for further researchers on the effect of vernonia cinerea on various bodily functions.

1.5       Justification of Study

The present study on the effect of Vernonia cinerea on chemically induce benign prostate hyperplasia in male wistar albino rats is relevant in the biomedical profession especially in the field of biomedical research. It will assist in clinical diagnosis and investigation of disease conditions and their herbal cure. Several research has been carried out on how BPH affects human health.