[Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in women].

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Endocrinology
• Oncology

Context:

• Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a serine protease primarily associated with the prostate gland in males.
• Historically, PSA was considered absent in female tissues and fluids.
• Recent findings indicate PSA presence in various female tissues and body fluids.

Purpose:

• To investigate the presence and potential role of PSA in female tissues and fluids.
• To explore the association between PSA expression in female tissues and steroid hormone regulation.
• To evaluate the implications of PSA's broader presence beyond the prostate.

Summary:

• PSA, a serine protease, has been detected in female tissues (breast, ovarian, endometrial) and fluids (serum, milk, amniotic fluid).
• Its presence in these tissues correlates with steroid hormone regulation, particularly androgens and progestins, with estrogen potentially modulating androgen-induced production.
• PSA exists in free (active) and complexed forms, and its production may be linked to steroid hormone receptor-bearing cells under hormonal stimulation.

Impact:

• PSA can no longer be considered exclusively a prostatic marker.
• PSA may function as a growth factor in normal tissues, pregnancy, and tumors.
• PSA shows potential as a prognostic indicator in female breast cancer.