Infiltrating lipid-rich macrophage subpopulations identified as a regulator of increasing prostate size in human benign prostatic hyperplasia (Updated August 1, 2024).

A recent study conducted on human benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) found that macrophages, a type of immune cell, play a role in increasing prostate size. The study used single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze macrophage subpopulations in large and small prostates. The researchers discovered that macrophages with altered lipid metabolism pathways, identified by the expression of TREM2 and MARCO genes, accumulate in larger prostates. These lipid-rich macrophages were found to promote cell proliferation in the prostate. The findings suggest that targeting these macrophages could potentially be a therapeutic approach for BPH. However, it is important to note that this study is a preprint and has not yet undergone peer review. [Extracted from the article]