TERT expression in human prostate tissue reveals a potential molecular switch in benign prostatic hyperplasia...

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Molecular Biology
• Oncology

Background:

• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common cause of lower urinary tract symptoms in aging men.
• Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) plays a role in cellular senescence and tissue remodeling.
• Previous studies suggest TERT's involvement in genetic and sporadic BPH.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of TERT expression in human BPH.
• To examine the association between TERT expression and clinical parameters in BPH patients.
• To explore the correlation of TERT expression with smooth muscle receptors and proliferation markers.

Main Methods:

• RT-PCR analysis of prostate tissues from 100 BPH patients undergoing laser enucleation.
• Comparison of clinical parameters between TERT-positive and TERT-negative patients.
• Correlation analysis of TERT expression with contractile smooth muscle receptors (e.g., α1A-adrenoceptors, endothelin receptors) and Ki67, and comparison with prostate cancer tissues.

Main Results:

• TERT mRNA was detected in 81% of BPH samples.
• TERT-positive patients had higher symptom scores and increased post-void residual urine.
• TERT expression correlated with α1A-adrenoceptors, endothelin receptors A and B, thromboxane receptor, thromboxane synthase, and Ki67. TERT expression was significantly higher in BPH tissues compared to prostate cancer tissues.

Conclusions:

• TERT expression is associated with increased symptom severity and potential drug resistance in BPH.
• TERT may serve as a molecular marker for a more severe BPH phenotype.
• Targeted interventions for TERT-driven BPH pathology are a possibility.