Expressions of genes encoding steroidogenic enzymes and their role in prostate carcinogenesis

Abstract

The concentration of sex steroid hormones in the prostate gland is controlled by their local synthesis and metabolism. These processes involve steroid metabolizing (steroidogenic) enzymes, which are necessary to produce the active form of androgens and estrogens at specific locations. Changes in gene expression of the steroid metabolizing enzymes may play an important role in prostate carcinogenesis by regulating sex steroid concentration in the prostate gland. The purpose of this review is to gather the most important reports connected with gene expression of the steroidogenic enzymes and to find correlations between gene expression and tumorigenesis in the prostate gland.

Keywords

• prostate cancer
• steroidogenesis
• steroidogenic enzymes
• steroid hormone