Introduction. The development of oxidative stress and nonspecific inflammation is one of the leading factors in the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and associated urination disorders in metabolic syndrome (MS). However, the specific mechanisms of these processes are not entirely clear.

The purpose of the study. To study the activity of reactive oxygen species production and the functional state of mitochondria in the prostate and bladder and their role in the dysfunction of these organs using an experimental model of MS induction in rats.

Material and methods. In 10 adult mongrel male rats MS was induced by keeping them on a high-calorie diet with an increased content of carbohydrates and fats for 3 months. 10 rats kept on a standard vivarium diet served as controls. The development of MS was confirmed by characteristic changes in the biochemical analysis of blood (hyperglycemia, hyperuricemia, dyslipidemia, hyperinsulinemia). In both series of rats, sections of the native prostate and bladder were examined by laser confocal microscopy and stained with fluorescent probes that characterize the activity of the production of reactive oxygen species (dichlorofluorescein-DCF) and the functional state of the mitochondria (tetramethylrodamine ether – TMRE). The activity of a number of intracellular enzymes (AST, ALT. Alkaline phosphatase, LDH) was investigated in the tissues and urine.

Results. In rats with MS, the development of BPH and hypertrophy of the bladder were revealed, confirmed histologically. The study of sections of both organs by confocal microscopy revealed a significant increase in the production of reactive oxygen species by their cells and a decrease in the functional activity of mitochondria, which indicated the development of oxidant stress and tissue hypoxia. In the prostate, this was accompanied by a decrease in the secretory activity of the prostate glands, and in the bladder – the release of cytoplasmic enzymes from damaged cells into the urine, indicating cell damage.

Conclusion. The causes of the development of a non-specific inflammatory process in the prostate and bladder, leading to dysfunction of these organs in MS, are increased production of reactive oxygen species and the development of tissue hypoxia

Conflict of interest. The authors declare no conflict of interest.