Protective effects of Allium ampeloprasum extract against DHT-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia in WPMY-1 cell

This study investigated the protective effects of Allium ampeloprasum extract (AAE) against dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in WPMY-1 cells. Cytotoxicity testing confirmed that AAE was non-toxic at all tested concentrations. Pretreatment with AAE significantly reduced DHT-induced secretion of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), demonstrating its anti-inflammatory potential. AAE also decreased 5α-reductase and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, suggesting suppression of testosterone-to-DHT conversion and reduced androgen receptor (AR) activation. Furthermore, AAE diminished DHT-stimulated increases in AR, the coactivator steroid receptor coactivator-1 (SRC-1), and PSA, indicating modulation of androgen-dependent transcription. AAE also modulated apoptosis-related proteins. DHT reduced BCL2-associated X protein (Bax) and caspase-3 expression and increased B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) levels. AAE reversed these changes, restoring apoptotic signaling. These findings suggest that AAE attenuates BPH-related processes by regulating androgen signaling, inflammation, and apoptosis. AAE may therefore serve as a potential natural source for functional ingredients aimed at supporting prostate health.