Deciphering the role of zinc in prostate health: From mechanism to therapeutic application.

The prostate contains the highest concentration of zinc in the male body, making it the organ most affected by zinc disturbances.

• Zinc is described as an essential trace element crucial for human health.
• The prostate's exceptionally high zinc concentration distinguishes it from other organs in the male body.
• This unique characteristic makes the prostate particularly sensitive to disruptions in zinc homeostasis.

Zinc plays a critical role in maintaining normal prostate structure and function through multiple mechanisms.

• Zinc modulates energy metabolism and secretory processes in prostate cells.
• Zinc regulates androgen balance, which is important for prostate physiology.
• Zinc exerts antibacterial effects within the prostate.
• These mechanisms collectively contribute to normal prostate structure and function.

Disturbances in zinc homeostasis are closely associated with the pathogenesis of common prostatic diseases.

• Three major prostatic diseases are linked to zinc homeostasis disturbances: prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and prostate cancer (PCa).
• The review provides a comprehensive overview of zinc metabolism and mechanisms of action with a focus on pathogenesis of these diseases.
• The association spans multiple distinct pathological conditions of the prostate.

Zinc supplementation has emerged as a potential therapeutic strategy for managing certain prostatic diseases, but its efficacy and safety remain controversial.

• The review analyzes recent advancements and current challenges in the clinical application of zinc supplementation.
• Despite the biological rationale for zinc supplementation, controversy exists regarding both its efficacy and safety.
• The paper presents zinc supplementation as a potential strategy rather than an established treatment.
• The review addresses current challenges in translating zinc biology into clinical applications.