The imbalance of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-18 (IL-18), as well as changes in the levels of intestinal tight junction protein-1 and claudin-1, may also be related to the pathogenesis of BPH.<h4>Conclusions</h4>Changes in the abundances of specific gut microbiota and their metabolites, such as an increased F/B ratio and a decreased abundance of Lactobacillus, as well as the levels of inflammatory indicators and markers of intestinal barrier dysfunction, may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of BPH. The gene discussed is IL18; the disease is benign prostatic hyperplasia.