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Regulation of prostate-specific antigen gene expression by an LH-RH analogue in human prostatic cells
Gigliola Sica1, Giovanni Zelano, Daniela Settesoldi
1Istituto di Istologia ed Embriologia, Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo F. Vito n. 1, 00168 Roma, Italia. ibiis@rm.unicatt.it
Background:
We investigated the regulation of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) gene expression in prostatic tumor cells by an LH-RH analogue, Leuprorelin acetate (LH-RHa), alone or combined with dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
Materials And Methods:
PSA gene expression was evaluated by Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) in androgen-sensitive LNCaP and androgen-insensitive PC-3 cells.
Results:
LH-RHa at both high and low concentrations induced a diminution in the levels of PSA gene expression which reached 70% in androgen-insensitive PC-3 cells. The analogue lowered the levels of expression obtained under DHT stimulation in LNCaP cells. These effects were visible from 6-24 hours of treatment and persisted until 120 hours.
Conclusion:
PSA gene expression is directly regulated by LH-RHa in both LNCaP and PC-3 cells. High concentrations of the analogue are particularly effective, but low doses of the drug have a similar behaviour. Interestingly, Leuprorelin acetate is able to counteract the androgen-induced gene expression. Our results suggest that, at least in androgen-sensitive cells, the analogue may regulate PSA gene expression also by interfering with the androgen receptor machinery.