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Energy balance alters dunning R3327-H prostate tumor architecture, androgen receptor expression, and nuclear
Zhiming Liao1, Shihua Wang, Brandy S Wiegers
1Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA.
Background:
We hypothesize that diet or energy restriction may alter prostate tumor architecture and nuclear morphometry in a manner predictive of indolent biology.
Methods:
Adult male rats bearing the Dunning R3327-H tumor were provided free-access to the AIN76 diet or 30% diet/energy restriction for 16 weeks. Tumor tissue was harvested and stained for biomarker evaluation by quantitative digital image analysis.
Results:
Compared to controls, tumors from restricted rats showed a contracted stromal compartment with an increased epithelial/glandular area, and a greater number of smaller and more homogeneous glands. In parallel, the nuclei in tumors harvested from diet-restricted rats were smaller in size, showed a lower proportion with androgen receptor (AR) staining, and reduced intensity of AR staining.
Conclusions:
Our observations support the hypothesis that diet/energy restriction alters prostate tumor architecture, AR expression, and nuclear morphology consistent with a more differentiated and less aggressive phenotype.
