¿La disminución en la testosterona sérica es una causa de cáncer de próstata? La hipótesis de Prehn 10 años después

Dr. Álvaro Morales has reviewed the paper published in 1999 by Dr. Richmond T. Prehn who proposes an explanation for the observation that with low Testosterone there is more Prostate Cancer. We had named his concept the “Prehn Hypothesis” and reviewed the 2 fundamental bases of the hypothesis: a) Compensatory Hyperplasia and; b) Biphasic Action of Androgens. We review the current concepts on the relationship between low testosterone levels and the more aggressive prostate cancer. Our conclusions are that the scientific evidence available today shows that low testosterone levels, rather than high ones, cause cellular disturbances associated with androgen receptors, thus preventing the prostate cell proliferation regulatory mechanisms from functioning normally and eventually causing causing prostate carcinogenesis. These mechanisms would possibly remain working normally, if the androgens level were sufficient for cellular functions. We suggest the possibility of a decrease in the prevalence of prostate cancer using early testosterone replacement, which may also decrease the incidence of other diseases, including cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome.