Tissue plasminogen activator activity in prostatic cancer.

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Biochemistry
• Urology

Background:

• Fibrinolytic activity is crucial in tumor progression and metastasis.
• Prostatic diseases, including benign hyperplasia and carcinoma, involve complex cellular processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between tumor fibrinolytic activity and prostate cancer malignancy, stage, and metastatic spread.
• To identify the specific plasminogen activator involved in prostate carcinoma and hyperplasia.

Main Methods:

• Assessed tissue plasminogen activator activity in 19 prostate carcinoma patients and 6 controls with hyperplasia.
• Utilized antibodies against human urokinase to inhibit plasminogen activator activity.
• Performed physicochemical characterization of the plasminogen activator.

Main Results:

• Significantly higher tissue plasminogen activator activities were observed in metastatic prostate carcinoma compared to nonmetastatic carcinoma and benign prostatic hyperplasia (p < 0.001).
• Antibodies against human urokinase effectively inhibited the plasminogen activator activity in both carcinoma and hyperplasia tissues.
• Physicochemical properties indicated the plasminogen activator is identical or similar to urokinase.

Conclusions:

• Elevated tissue plasminogen activator activity, likely urokinase, is associated with metastatic prostate carcinoma.
• Urokinase may play a significant role in the progression and metastatic potential of prostate cancer.