Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 22, 2026

A Bioluminescent and Fluorescent Orthotopic Syngeneic Murine Model of Androgen-dependent and Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer
07:25

A Bioluminescent and Fluorescent Orthotopic Syngeneic Murine Model of Androgen-dependent and Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer

Published on: March 6, 2018

The Interactions between Insulin and Androgens in Progression to Castrate-Resistant Prostate Cancer

Jennifer H Gunter1, Amy A Lubik, Ian McKenzie

  • 1Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre-Queensland, Queensland University of Technology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Level 1, Building 1, Ipswich Road, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia.

Advances in Urology
|May 2, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Metabolic syndrome is linked to lower testosterone. This study explores the relationship between insulin and androgens in prostate cancer, suggesting insulin-stabilizing agents may aid treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Oncology
  • Metabolic Research

Background:

  • Metabolic syndrome is associated with reduced testosterone levels, indicating metabolic crosstalk between insulin and androgen hormonal axes.
  • Androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer can induce metabolic syndrome features, including hyperinsulinemia.
  • Elevated insulin levels correlate with high-grade prostate cancer (PCa) and faster progression to castrate-resistant disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the intricate relationship between insulin and androgens in the context of prostate cancer progression.
  • To explore the potential of insulin-stabilizing agents as adjunct therapies for prostate cancer patients undergoing ADT or with advanced disease.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature and studies investigating the interplay between metabolic syndrome, insulin, androgens, and prostate cancer.
  • Analysis of correlations between insulin levels, prostate cancer grade, and treatment resistance.
  • Examination of the effects of ADT on metabolic parameters and their implications for prostate cancer.

Main Results:

  • A significant inverse relationship exists between insulin and testosterone levels, highlighting metabolic crosstalk.
  • ADT, a standard prostate cancer treatment, is associated with the development of metabolic syndrome and hyperinsulinemia.
  • Elevated insulin levels are linked to more aggressive prostate cancer and accelerated progression to castrate resistance.

Conclusions:

  • The reciprocal regulation between insulin and androgens is crucial in prostate cancer progression.
  • Prostate cancer patients are a key cohort for investigating insulin-stabilizing agents as potential adjunct treatments.
  • Insulin-modulating therapies may enhance the efficacy of hormone deprivation or chemosensitivity in advanced prostate cancer.

More Related Videos

Murine Prostate Micro-dissection and Surgical Castration08:49

Murine Prostate Micro-dissection and Surgical Castration

Published on: May 11, 2016

An Orthotopic Murine Model of Human Prostate Cancer Metastasis06:48

An Orthotopic Murine Model of Human Prostate Cancer Metastasis

Published on: September 18, 2013

Related Concept Videos

Insulin: The Receptor and Signaling Pathways01:28

Insulin: The Receptor and Signaling Pathways

Insulin action is mediated through a receptor tyrosine kinase, akin to the IGF-1 receptor. The number of receptors per cell varies significantly, from 40 on erythrocytes to 300,000 on adipocytes and hepatocytes. The insulin receptor consists of linked α/β subunit dimers, forming a heterotetramer glycoprotein with two extracellular α subunits and two β subunits spanning the membrane. The α subunits inhibit the inherent tyrosine kinase activity of the β subunits, but this inhibition is released...
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression03:03

mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression

The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...
Target Cell Response to Hormones01:22

Target Cell Response to Hormones

Hormones intricately bind to receptors on the surface or within target cells, initiating a cascade of cellular responses.
Notably, the cellular response can be regulated by altering the number of receptors expressed in the cell. For example, prolonged exposure to elevated hormone levels results in a gradual decline or down-regulation in the number of receptors for that specific hormone on the cell surface. Conversely, in response to low hormone levels, cells may use up-regulation, producing an...
Disorders of the Male Reproductive System01:20

Disorders of the Male Reproductive System

Men's health issues are increasingly recognized as significant, with several conditions posing common threats. Among these, testicular cancer is especially prevalent in younger men, particularly those aged 20 to 35 years. The disease often manifests as a painless mass in the testicles, sometimes accompanied by a sensation of heaviness or a dull ache.
Prostate disorders are another major concern. These conditions can impair urinary flow due to the prostate's location around the urethra. Symptoms...
PI3K/mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway01:22

PI3K/mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway

The mammalian target of rapamycin  (mTOR) is a serine/threonine kinase that regulates growth, proliferation, and cell survival in response to hormones, growth factors, or nutrient availability. This kinase exists in two structurally and functionally distinct forms: mTOR complex 1  (mTORC1) and mTOR complex 2  (mTORC2). The first form (mTORC1) is composed of a rapamycin-sensitive Raptor and proline-rich Akt substrate, PRAS40. In contrast,  mTORC2 consists of a rapamycin-insensitive companion...
Testosterone: Functions and Regulation01:26

Testosterone: Functions and Regulation

The intricate hormonal interplay essential for male reproductive health begins with the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) by the hypothalamus. This hormone prompts the pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). LH targets the Leydig cells in the testes, stimulating them to produce and release testosterone. In concert with testosterone, FSH acts on the Sertoli cells within the seminiferous tubules to facilitate the release of...