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 therapy. Methods. Immunohistochemical analysis was carried out by using anti-human AR monoclonal antibody AR441 (DAKO), and presence and intensity of AR were semi-quantitatively evaluated in 195 patients, 165 with BPH and 30 with PCa. Material for analysis was obtained by needle biopsy or transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Results. All secretory cells in patients with BPH were intensively androgen positive, while in patients with PCa they were mostly moderately to highly positive, but with foci of negativity. The observed negative correlation between AR and Gleason score and the International Society of Urologic Pathology (ISUP) grade group of PCa was not statistically significant. Conclusion. Study results indicate that PCa, before therapy, is androgen-dependent, with a high level of AR expression.

Keywords

• prostate neoplasms
• receptors, androgen
• prostatic hyperplasia
• immunohistochemistry