Stereological analysis of androgen receptors in prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia

Introduction. Through androgen receptors, androgens regulate prostate cellular growth and function, proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, lipid metabolism and secretory activity, as well as development and progression of prostate cancer. Prostate cancer, and its primary glandular tissue are influenced by hormones, and it is used for therapeutic purposes. Anti-androgen treatment is carried out in patients with metastatic prostatic cancer, in order to block effects of androgens. Immunohistochemical analysis of androgen receptors in the prostate cancer tissue may help us to assume how the tumors will react to the anti-androgen therapy, if they are androgen-positive, -negative, or hormone resistant tumors. Knowledge of the presence of androgen receptors in the tumor tissue may be a prognostic indicator in histopathological analysis. The aim of this study was stereological evaluation of androgen receptor expression in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia and in patients with prostatic cancer, before therapy. Material and Methods. Immunohistochemical analysis was carried out using anti-human androgen receptor monoclonal antibody 441. The presence and intensity of the androgen receptors were evaluated in 195 patients: 165 with benign prostatic hyperplasia and 30 with prostatic cancer using Weibel?s multi-purpose M 42 stereological test system. Material was obtained by needle biopsy or transurethral resection of the prostate. Results. All secretory cells in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia were androgen positive, while in patients with prostatic cancer, all tumors were mostly androgen positive, some with foci of negativity. The resulting negative correlation with Gleason score and International Society of Urological Pathology grade was not statistically significant. Conclusion. Study results of stereological analysis of androgen receptors indicate that prior the therapy prostate cancer is androgendependent, with a high level of androgen receptor expression, although slightly lower compared to benign prostatic hyperplasia.