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Changes in keratin expression during the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia
European Urology
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with intermediate cell phenotypes may precede prostate cancer (PCa). These intermediate cells are more common in BPH adjacent to PCa, suggesting a link between BPH and PCa development.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Cell Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- The cellular mechanisms driving benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and its association with prostate carcinoma (PCa) remain unclear.
- A stem cell model proposes basal cells differentiate into intermediate cells, then luminal cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of different prostate epithelial cell types in BPH development.
- To explore the association between BPH and PCa using keratin immunophenotyping.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical staining of 64 human prostatic tissues using monoclonal antibodies against keratins 14, 18, and RCK103.
- Keratin markers were used to identify putative stem, transit, and intermediate/amplifying cells.
Main Results:
- Intermediate cell keratins were frequently detected in basal cell hyperplasia, an atypical BPH form.
- Cells with intermediate cell keratin phenotypes were found in the luminal compartment of BPH, more so in BPH adjacent to PCa.
- This keratin expression pattern in BPH resembled that of PCa.
Conclusions:
- BPH associated with PCa showed a higher prevalence of intermediate cells compared to isolated BPH.
- The presence of intermediate cells in BPH suggests a potential premalignant role.
- Findings indicate a possible etiologic relationship between BPH and PCa.