Endocrine patterns in patients with benign and malignant prostatic diseases

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Urology
• Oncology

Background:

• The endocrine system, especially steroid hormones, is crucial for prostate gland development.
• Steroid hormones possess immunomodulatory properties.
• Investigating hormonal differences in benign and malignant prostate diseases is warranted.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare hypophyseal, adrenal, and gonadal hormones, including cortisol, in patients with benign and malignant prostate diseases.
• To analyze serum concentrations of key hormones in prostate cancer (PC) versus benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients.
• To explore potential endocrine markers for prostate cancer.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study of 75 newly diagnosed, untreated PC patients and 159 BPH patients.
• Serum analysis for prostate-specific antigen (PSA), human luteinizing hormone (hLH), human follicle-stimulating hormone (hFSH), testosterone, estradiol (E2), cortisol, and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulphate (DHEA-S).
• Standardized blood collection from fasting patients between 7:30-10:00 AM.

Main Results:

• PC patients had significantly lower hFSH, hLH, and estradiol levels compared to controls.
• PC patients showed significantly higher serum cortisol concentrations than controls.
• No significant differences in DHEA-S and testosterone levels were observed between groups. Cortisol and estradiol differences persisted across age groups.

Conclusions:

• Newly diagnosed, untreated prostate cancer is associated with significantly higher serum cortisol and lower estradiol concentrations.
• The observed hormonal profile in PC patients suggests potential roles for these hormones in disease development or progression.
• Further research into cortisol's effect on immune status in PC is recommended.