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Growth factors in the human prostate
G Fiorelli1, A De Bellis, A Longo
1Department of Clinical Physiopathology, University of Florence, Italy.
The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Androgen withdrawal increases epidermal growth factor (EGF) and insulin-like growth factor type I (IGF-I) receptors in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) tissue. This suggests growth factors play a role in prostate tissue regression.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) may involve local growth factors.
- Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and insulin-like growth factor type I (IGF-I) receptors are present in BPH tissues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interaction between androgens and EGF/IGF-I receptors in BPH.
- To determine the effect of androgen withdrawal on EGF and IGF-I receptor concentrations.
Main Methods:
- Studied prostatic tissues from BPH patients treated with a long-acting luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analog.
- Measured EGF and IGF-I receptor binding capacities before and after androgen suppression.
Main Results:
- EGF and IGF-I receptor binding capacities significantly increased after androgen withdrawal.
- IGF-binding proteins (IGF-BP) were found in human BPH tissue.
Conclusions:
- EGF and IGF-I receptor levels in BPH may be negatively regulated by androgens.
- Growth factors and IGF-binding proteins may influence the response of androgen-dependent prostate tissue to castration.