Zinc Induces a Bell-shaped Proliferative Dose-response Effect in Cultured Smooth Muscle Cells From Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of zinc (Zn2+) concentrations on cultured benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation.MethodsThe effects of Zn2+ were studied in primary cultures of human BPH SMC, stimulated with either 10-μM lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) or LPA in combination with 100-nM testosterone. Deoxyribonucleic acid replication and protein synthesis using [3H]-thymidine and [35S]-methionine incorporation were measured. Furthermore, studies were performed to evaluate if Zn2+ could potentiate the inhibitory effect of phosphodiesterase-5 blockers, on BPH SMC proliferation.ResultsZn2+ generated a bell-shaped concentration response, both regarding deoxyribonucleic acid replication and protein synthesis in cultured BPH SMC. Below a threshold value (approximately 200 μM), a significant mitogenic effect was seen, whereas higher concentrations inhibited SMC proliferation after stimulation with LPA. This effect was even more pronounced after stimulation of LPA in combination with testosterone. Moreover, phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, that is, sildenafil blocked LPA-stimulated BPH SMC proliferation. This antiproliferative effect, was significantly potentiated by coincubation with Zn2+ in an additative manner.ConclusionThe bell-shaped concentration response of Zn2+ on cultured BPH SMC proliferation suggests that changes in prostate Zn2+ concentrations, during aging, diet, or inflammatory conditions, may be of importance in the pathogenesis of BPH.