How steroid hormones affect benign prostate hyperplasia and urinary symptoms in aging men
Official title: Steroid Hormone Pathways Regulating BPH and LUTS
Funded at Magee-Women's Res Inst and Foundation · NIH-10601867 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how hormones like testosterone and estradiol affect prostate growth and urinary issues in older men, with the goal of finding better ways to manage these common problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Magee-Women's Res Inst and Foundation NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | September 29, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $489,509 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG077740-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10601867 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are aging men experiencing symptoms of benign prostate hyperplasia or lower urinary tract symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not experiencing symptoms of benign prostate hyperplasia or are younger than the typical age range may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of steroid hormones, specifically testosterone and estradiol, in the development and progression of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in aging men. The study aims to understand the molecular mechanisms that contribute to these conditions, which are prevalent in older men and significantly impact their quality of life. By using various models that mimic the hormonal changes associated with aging, researchers will explore how these hormones influence smooth muscle contraction in the prostate, potentially leading to new treatment strategies. The findings could help clarify the relationship between hormone levels and urinary symptoms, paving the way for improved management of BPH and LUTS.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better treatments for benign prostate hyperplasia and lower urinary tract symptoms, improving the quality of life for many aging men.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the hormonal influences on benign prostate hyperplasia, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Magee-Women's Res Inst and Foundation
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Walker, William H — Magee-Women's Res Inst and Foundation
- Study coordinator: Walker, William H
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.