This may result in a decrease in the inhibiting influence of 25‐OHD3 or 1,25‐(OH)2D3 on the development of BPH, caused by an age‐related reduction in intraprostatic synthesis of 1,25‐(OH)2D3 or of prostatic VDR expression leading to an increased resistance of prostatic tissue to 1,25‐(OH)2D3‐mediated effects. The gene discussed is VDR; the disease is benign prostatic hyperplasia.