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Basic fibroblast growth factor and keratinocyte growth factor over-expression in benign prostatic hyperplasia
1Department of Endocrine and Molecular Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University Lyon I, France. sophieboget@hotmail.com
Farmaco (Societa Chimica Italiana : 1989)
|August 3, 2001
Summary
Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs), including bFGF and KGF, are overexpressed in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This suggests these growth factors contribute to prostate enlargement by stimulating cell multiplication in both stromal and epithelial tissues.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Endocrinology
- Urology
Background:
- Prostate growth is regulated by androgens via growth factors.
- Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are implicated in prostate development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of bFGF (FGF2) and KGF (FGF7) in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
- To determine the role of these FGFs in prostate tissue growth.
Main Methods:
- RT-PCR was used to study gene expression.
- Densitometry was employed for semi-quantification of gene expression.
Main Results:
- Both bFGF and KGF gene expression were significantly increased in BPH compared to normal prostates.
- Overexpression levels were 2-3 times for bFGF and 1.5-4 times for KGF.
- bFGF and KGF were found to act in parallel, stimulating prostatic stroma and epithelium, respectively.
Conclusions:
- Overexpression of bFGF and KGF may drive pathological prostate growth through increased cell proliferation.
- These growth factors likely contribute to the overall increase in prostate size in BPH by affecting both stromal and epithelial tissues.