Aromatase mRNA Levels in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Prostate Cancer

Abstract

Background: Estrogens are suspected to play a role in the pathogenesis of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer. In this study, the expression of aromatase messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) was determined, and these levels were quantitated, in human prostatic tissues to evaluate the role of estrogens in the pathogenesis of BPH and prostate cancer. Methods: Prostatic tissues were obtained either by retropubic prostatectomy, radical prostatectomy, or radical cystectomy from patients with BPH, prostate cancer, and bladder cancer. The expression of aromatase mRNA in the prostatic tissues was studied by Southern blot analysis of the reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction technique (RT-PCR) products. Aromatase mRNA levels were measured in human prostatic tissues by the RT-PCR using a fluorescent primer. Results: Aromatase mRNA was identified in all specimens by Southern blot analysis of the RT-PCR products. The concentrations of aromatase mRNA (mean f SD) which were measured by fluorometric quantitation in 16 of 19 patients with BPH and in 3 of 4 patients with prostate cancer, were 1.81 k 3.02, and 0.84 f 0.27, x 1 0-3 attomoles/pg of total RNA, respectively.Conclusions: These results demonstrate local formation of estrogen in the prostates of patients with BPH and prostate cancer. Controlled studies will be necessary to determine whether this may be a faclor in the development of BPH and prostate cancer.

Early effects of estrogen on the rat ventral prostate

“…However, the identification of E2 receptors α and ß in prostatic cells indicates that E2 might have a direct effect on the prostate. This conclusion is further supported by the fact that the prostate is also able to convert T to E2 (7). Determining the effects of E2 on the prostate is important because E2 is a necessary agent in the control of androgen-insensitive prostate cancer (30,31).…”

“…Accordingly, E2 receptors α and ß are expressed in the prostatic stroma and epithelium, respectively (5,6). Furthermore, aromatase has been identified in the human prostate, suggesting that the prostate is a site of aromatization and a possible source of E2 (7). These data suggest that E2 may be produced locally in the prostate gland and may influence both epithelial and stromal cells via its two receptors.…”

Oestrogens and prostate cancer.

“…As there is increasing evidence that the prostate is a target for direct oestrogenic activity (Jarred et al 2000, Putz et al 2001, it is important to determine whether or not aromatase is expressed locally and to identify any changes that may occur with prostate disease. To date, aromatase expression in the prostate is contentious because the detection of enzymic activity or gene expression is equivocal; numerous reports have detected or failed to detect aromatase in prostatic tissue (Smith et al 1982, Kaburagi et al 1987, Stone et al 1987, Brodie et al 1989, Matzkin & Soloway 1992, Tsugaya et al 1996, Hiramatsu et al 1997, Negri-Cesi et al 1998, 1999. We believe that the discrepancies in the literature are partly due to the heterogeneity of prostatic tissue.…”

Molecular epidemiology of prostate cancer: androgens and polymorphisms in androgen-related genes

“…Aromatase is present in the gonads and in the extragonadal tissue, including the prostate and adipose tissue. Aromatase mRNA and protein have both been detected in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer tissue (88,89). Two studies have investigated the role of CYP19 in prostate cancer (37,65) (Table 1).…”