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Expression and localization of basic fibroblast growth factor in diabetic rat prostate
1Section of Urology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven Connecticut 06520, USA.
BJU International
|May 3, 2000
Summary
Diabetes alters prostate fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2) expression, particularly in epithelial cells. Insulin treatment partially reversed these changes, suggesting FGF2 plays a role in diabetic prostate alterations.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Urology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2) is crucial for normal prostate function and implicated in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and cancer.
- Diabetes mellitus can affect various organs, including the prostate, through complex mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of experimentally induced diabetes on FGF2 expression and distribution in the rat prostate.
- To evaluate the effect of insulin treatment on these diabetic-induced changes.
Main Methods:
- Streptozotocin-induced diabetes model in rats, with and without insulin treatment.
- Western blotting and immunohistochemistry to analyze FGF2 protein expression and localization.
- Analysis of prostatic size and serum testosterone levels.
Main Results:
- Diabetic rats exhibited smaller prostates and lower testosterone levels compared to controls.
- Diabetes increased overall FGF2 protein expression in the prostate, with a shift in distribution from epithelial to uniform stromal-epithelial expression.
- Insulin treatment improved prostatic size and testosterone levels in diabetic rats.
Conclusions:
- Altered FGF2 expression and distribution patterns in the diabetic prostate suggest a role in the observed prostatic growth changes.
- FGF2 may be a key mediator in the prostatic complications associated with diabetes.
