Febuxostat attenuates testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia in rats via inhibiting JAK/STAT axis

Aim: To investigate the possible modulatory effect of febuxostat in testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in rats with emphasis on xanthine oxidase (XO)/Janus Kinases (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) axis.

Main methods: Male Wistar rats were treated with testosterone with/out febuxostat. Effect of febuxostat on BPH was assessed at the structural level by histopathology and determination of prostate weight/index. Cyclin D1 protein expression was assessed immunohistochemically and the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 mRNA expression was determined by real time polymerase chain reaction analysis (RT-PCR). Besides, uric acid serum level was determined colorimetrically. Prostatic XO activity, as well as oxidative stress and inflammatory markers were evaluated. Additionally, western blot analysis was performed for determination of JAK-1 and phosphorylated form of STAT-3 expression in tissues.

Key findings: Results revealed that febuxostat inhibited the increase in prostatic weight and index compared to testosterone-treated group. Additionally, febuxostat ameliorated testosterone-induced histopathological changes, prevented the rise in cyclin D1 expression and enhanced Bax/Bcl2 ratio. Febuxostat suppressed testosterone induced- increase in XO activity in prostates and serum level of uric acid. Moreover, it regulated oxidative stress markers including; malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and glutathione (GSH) content. Also, it inhibited the increase in prostate contents of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1 β), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and nuclear factor (NF-κB). Interestingly, febuxostat markedly reduced JAK-1 and subsequent phosphorylation of STAT-3 protein expression.

Significance: Febuxostat ameliorates testosterone-induced BPH via suppressing XO/JAK/STAT axis. This may help to re-purpose the use of XO inhibitors.