Immunohistochemical expression of androgen receptors in prostate carcinoma and benign prostatic hyperplasia

Abstract

Background/Aim. Prostate carcinoma (PCa) and its parent organ are influenced by hormones, which is used for therapeutic purposes. Through androgen receptors (AR) androgens influence cell growth and function, proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, lipid metabolism and secretory activity of the prostate, as well as development and progression of PCa. An antiandrogen therapy is carried out in patients with metastatic PCa, in order to block effects of androgens. By conducting immunohistochemical analysis of androgen receptors in the PCa tissue, we can assume how the tumour will react to an administered antiandrogen therapy, both in androgen-positive and androgen-negative, resistant tumours. Knowledge of the presence of AR in the tumour tissue may serve as a prognostic indicator in histopathological analysis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of AR in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and in those with PCa, before