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Abnormalities of apoptotic and cell cycle regulatory proteins in distinct histopathologic components of benign prostatic hyperplasia

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Abstract

Introduction:Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a slowly progressive abnormal glandular enlargement with heterogeneous morphology. Disruption of apoptotic pathways has been suggested as an important regulatory mechanism in this common and significantly morbid disease.

Methods:Prostatic tissue from 20 patients with BPH and no prior or subsequent prostatic carcinoma was obtained by transurethral prostatectomy (TURP) at the University of California Davis. Apoptotic regulatory proteins: BCL2, BAX and p27 were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and evaluated for expression in four distinct histologic patterns: hyperplastic epithelium, nodules, dilated glands and atrophic/inflammatory glands.

Results:Particularly striking was the decreased expression of BAX and an abnormal BCL2 : BAX ratio within all nodules relative to expression in other epithelial patterns. p27 expression was decreased in 35% of the hyperplastic epithelial areas and 10% of the nodules.

Discussion:Overall, abnormal expression of BCL2, BAX and/or p27 was identified in the hyperplastic epithelium of 19 (90%) of specimens and all 12 (100%) of the hyperplastic nodules. The high frequency of abnormalities in apoptosis regulatory genes, suggests that alteration of apoptotic pathways is important for the development of this condition.

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Acknowledgements

Our work was supported by a grant from the National Institute for Aging (AG15404).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pathology, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, USA

    R Gandour-Edwards

  2. Department of Internal Medicine and Hematology/Oncology, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, USA

    P C Mack & P H Gumerlock

  3. Department of Urology, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, USA

    R W deVere-White

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  1. R Gandour-Edwards
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  2. P C Mack
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  4. P H Gumerlock
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Correspondence to R Gandour-Edwards.

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Gandour-Edwards, R., Mack, P., deVere-White, R. et al. Abnormalities of apoptotic and cell cycle regulatory proteins in distinct histopathologic components of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis 7, 321–326 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.pcan.4500749

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