Introduction. Through androgen receptors, androgens regulate prostate
cellular growth and function, proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis,
lipid metabolism and secretory activity, as well as development and
progression of prostate cancer. Prostate cancer, and its primary glandular
tissue are influenced by hormones, and it is used for therapeutic purposes.
Anti-androgen treatment is carried out in patients with metastatic prostatic
cancer, in order to block effects of androgens. Immunohistochemical analysis
of androgen receptors in the prostate cancer tissue may help us to assume
how the tumors will react to the anti-androgen therapy, if they are
androgen-positive, -negative, or hormone resistant tumors. Knowledge of the
presence of androgen receptors in the tumor tissue may be a prognostic
indicator in histopathological analysis. The aim of this study was
stereological evaluation of androgen receptor expression in patients with
benign prostatic hyperplasia and in patients with prostatic cancer, before
therapy. Material and Methods. Immunohistochemical analysis was carried out
using anti-human androgen receptor monoclonal antibody 441. The presence and
intensity of the androgen receptors were evaluated in 195 patients: 165 with
benign prostatic hyperplasia and 30 with prostatic cancer using Weibel?s
multi-purpose M 42 stereological test system. Material was obtained by
needle biopsy or transurethral resection of the prostate. Results. All
secretory cells in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia were androgen
positive, while in patients with prostatic cancer, all tumors were mostly
androgen positive, some with foci of negativity. The resulting negative
correlation with Gleason score and International Society of Urological
Pathology grade was not statistically significant. Conclusion. Study results
of stereological analysis of androgen receptors indicate that prior the
therapy prostate cancer is androgendependent, with a high level of androgen
receptor expression, although slightly lower compared to benign prostatic
hyperplasia.
Stereological analysis of androgen receptors in prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia
