PubMed Health⌕ Search

SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “Prostatic Neoplasms”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 757 records · Page 42Linked to original sources

The TES gene at 7q31.1 is methylated in tumours and encodes a novel growth-suppressing LIM domain protein.

Many studies suggest that a multi-tissue tumour suppressor gene is located at human chromosome 7q31.1. We have cloned and characterized a novel gene at this locus. The TES gene lies within the minimal region of overlap of several LOH studies and appears to possess the properties of a tumour suppressor. TES is widely expressed and is predicted to encode a protein of 421 amino acids, with three C-terminal LIM domains. Mutation analysis of the coding TES exons in 21 human tumour-derived cell lines revealed the presence of a frameshift mutation in one allele in the breast cancer cell line ZR-75. Methylation of the CpG island at the 5' end of TES appears to be a remarkably frequent finding, occurring in seven out of 10 ovarian carcinomas and in each of the 30 tumour-derived cell lines tested. Moreover, forced expression of TES in HeLa or OVCAR5 cells, resulted in a profound reduction in growth potential, as determined by the colony formation assay. We believe that TES is a tumour suppressor gene that is inactivated primarily by transcriptional silencing resulting from CpG island methylation.

Base Sequence↗

Evidence of a novel biomarker, alphas1-Casein, a milk protein, in benign prostate hyperplasia.

Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) is a common disease in elderly men. Although it is a non-malignant disease, it has a significant detrimental impact on the quality of life in patients with late-stage disease. Owing to the lack of specific markers, diagnosis of early-stage BPH has been proven unsuccessful. Recently, using two-dimensional electrophoresis, we identified a group of prostatic secretory proteins that are specifically produced by BPH cells (Xu et al., Electrophoresis 2003; 24: 1311). In this study, we investigated the potential diagnostic value of one of the secretory proteins, alphas1-Casein, in BPH by inmmunohistological staining of normal, BPH and prostate cancer tissues. We found that 90% (20 out of 22) of BPH tissues showed moderate to strong alphas1-Casein protein expression whereas none of the normal tissues (0 out of 10) and less than 10% of the prostate cancer tissues (3 out of 30) showed similar staining intensity. Our results suggest that alphas1-Casein may be a potential biomarker for early identification of BPH patients.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Effects of antibacterial therapy on PSA change in the presence and absence of prostatic inflammation in patients with PSA levels between 4 and 10 ng/ml.

We investigated the effect of prostatic inflammation on prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and per cent-free PSA levels changing after antibacterial therapy. We evaluated 48 patients whose PSA levels were between 4 and 10 ng/ml, without any suspicious findings on digital rectal examination, with no infection findings in urine analysis. Prostatic inflammation was assessed with prostatic massage. All the patients were given antibiotic therapy for 3 weeks. Patients were re-evaluated 3 weeks after antibacterial therapy with PSA (free/total) and urinalysis. Ten core biopsies were taken with transrectal ultrasound. No differences were found in terms of age, pre- and post-treatment PSA, and PSA varying between patients with and without inflammation in the prostatic massage. In 18 patients, PSA decreased below 4 ng/ml. Prostate cancer was found in 10.8% of the patients with PSA between 4 and 10 ng/ml and none of the patients with PSA values below 4 ng/ml. We suggest an antibiotic therapy for 3 weeks without regarding inflammation findings when PSA is in the gray zone, for biopsy decision.

Aged↗

Identification, purification and characterization of a novel human blood protein with binding affinity for prostate secretory protein of 94 amino acids.

PSP94 (prostate secretory protein of 94 amino acids), an abundant protein within semen, has reported local functions within the reproductive tract and reported systemic functions. Mechanisms of action remain poorly understood, but binding to undefined molecules within the prostate, pituitary, testis and blood may initiate some of these actions. PSP94 serum measurements, especially of bound and free forms, have potential clinical utility in prostate cancer management. Identification of the binding molecules will help in the understanding of PSP94's action, and enable further development of PSP94 serum assays. PSPBP (PSP94-binding protein) was purified from human serum by ammonium sulphate fractionation, ion-exchange and affinity chromatography. The glycosylated protein ran as two bands on SDS/PAGE (70 and 95 kDa). N-terminal sequencing yielded a 30-amino-acid sequence, identical with the translated N-terminal region of a previously published cDNA (GenBank accession number AX136261). Reverse transcriptase PCR and plaque hybridization demonstrated PSPBP mRNA in peripheral blood leucocytes and in a prostate cDNA library. Northern blotting showed 2 kb mRNA species in prostate, testis, ovary and intestine. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated PSPBP in tissues, including pituitary and Leydig cells, supporting a role for PSP94 in hormonal control at the pituitary gonadal axis. ELISA demonstrated that PSPBP levels were significantly lower (P=0.0014) in the serum of a prostate cancer population (n=65) compared with a control population (n=70). PSPBP identification will help the understanding of PSP94's functions and facilitate ELISA development to address the clinical value of PSP94 serum assays.

Aged↗

Human 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 and type 2 isoenzymes have opposite activities in cultured cells and characteristic cell- and tissue-specific expression.

17 beta-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17HSD) isoenzymes catalyse the interconversion between highly active 17 beta-hydroxy- and low-activity 17-keto-steroids and thereby regulate the biological activity of sex steroids. The present study was carried out to characterize 17HSD activity and the expression of 17HSD type 1 and 2 isoenzymes in several human cell types and tissues. The data indicate that in cultured cells the direction of 17HSD activity is exclusively determined by the expression of these distinct isoenzymes. The intracellular environment could not modulate the direction of the enzyme activities in any of the cell types analysed. 17HSD type 1 acts as a reductase converting oestrone into oestradiol, whereas 17HSD type 2 possesses oxidative activity inactivating oestradiol by converting it into oestrone. The data, furthermore, suggest that of the two 17HSD type 1 mRNAs (1.3 and 2.3 kb), expression of the 1.3 kb mRNA is related to enzyme concentration in all the cell types studied. This mRNA is principally expressed in cells of placental and ovarian origin, but is also present in malignant breast epithelial cells. In contrast, 17HSD type 2 is more widely expressed. It is present in several oestradiol-metabolizing tissues as well as in some target cells of sex steroid action. The opposite reaction directions observed in the cultured cells, together with differences in the distribution of the isoenzymes, suggest that type 1 is involved in oestradiol production in females while type 2 plays a role in the inactivation of this sex steroid in peripheral tissues, both in females and in males. However, some examples exist of simultaneous expression of both enzymes in the same cell type or tissue.

17-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗

Intraoperative magnetic resonance: the future of surgery.

Intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI) is a new development in medicine that bridges the specialties of surgery and radiology. Deficiencies in the visualization of anatomical architecture and the perception of tumour boundaries in conventional open surgery have led to the integration of imaging within surgery. The superior soft tissue and multiplanar imaging features of magnetic resonance (MR) make this imaging modality superior to that of alternatives. The unique properties of MR to detect heat change and perfusion, and diffusion characteristics of tissue enhance the usefulness of this medium. Concurrent developments in computer aided image guidance and thermoablative technology, herald the era of minimally invasive tumour ablation. Applications have been developed for areas such as neurosurgery, general surgery, gynaecology and urology.

Australia↗

Estramustine-binding protein to dihydrotestosterone ratio in human prostatic carcinoma: a new marker for predicting disease progression.

OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the clinical significance of estramustine-binding protein (EMBP) in human prostatic carcinoma (PC) as an indicator for predicting disease progression. PATIENTS AND METHODS: EMBP concentrations in prostate tissue samples taken from 35 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), 33 patients with prostatic carcinoma (PC) taken before treatment, and from nine patients with hormone-refractory PC (hr-PC) were measured by radioimmunoassay using an antibody raised against rat EMBP. The dihydrotestosterone (DHT), prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP), prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and zinc levels in the tissue were also measured. RESULTS: The EMBP concentration in well differentiated PC (W-PC) samples was no higher than in samples of BPH tissue, whereas concentrations in moderately differentiated PC (M-PC) and poorly differentiated PC (P-PC) were significantly higher (P < 0.01 and P < 0.005, respectively); the highest levels were those in tissue from hr-PC (P < 0.001). Levels of PAP, PSA and zinc were significantly lower in tissue from PC than from BPH, while the differences in levels between W-PC, M-PC and P-PC were not significant. The EMBP to DHT ratio in the tissue increased significantly from W-PC through M-PC to P-PC and was greatest in hr-PC tissue. Conversely, the PAP:DHT, PSA:DHT and zinc:DHT ratios did not correlate with the progress of histological grade. In addition, the pre-treatment EMBP:DHT and zinc:DHT ratios in 14 patients who developed hr-PC within 3 years after the administration of estramustine phosphate were significantly higher when compared with the remaining 19 patients (P < 0.001 and P = 0.0184, respectively), whereas the PAP:DHT and PSA:DHT ratios showed no significant difference between the groups. Moreover, patients with a high EMBP:DHT ratio (> or = 82) had a low progression-free probability compared to those with a lower ratio. CONCLUSION: The androgen-dependent property of EMBP tends to decline with the transformation of prostatic tissue into biologically more malignant disease. The tissue EMBP:DHT ratio before treatment may be a good indicator of the individual malignant potential of PCs.

Aged↗

Metallic ureteric stents: early experience.

OBJECTIVE: To report our experience with metallic self-expanding stents in the palliative care of patients with ureteric obstruction caused by advanced pelvic malignancy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seven patients (five men and two women, mean age 72.8 years, range 58-88) with ureteric obstruction caused by advanced pelvic malignancy were evaluated. Self-expanding metallic Memotherm stents (Angiomed, Karlsruhe, Germany) were deployed using an antegrade approach in all patients. Patients were followed for a mean (range) of 9 (4-13) months to assess renal function and survival. RESULTS: All seven patients had good palliation; their quality of life was improved and symptom such as loin pain were ameliorated. Renal function was preserved; the mean serum creatinine level before and after stenting was 636 and 263 mumol/L, respectively). The mean duration of stent patency was 9 months. Of the five patients who subsequently died, only two had recurrent renal failure, presumably caused by stent occlusion. CONCLUSIONS: The use of metallic stents in the palliative care of ureteric obstruction caused by advanced pelvic malignancy is a safe and effective treatment.

Adenocarcinoma↗

High serum prostate-specific antigen levels in the absence of prostate cancer in Middle-Eastern men: the clinician's dilemma.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the common causes of total serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) values of> 10 ng/mL in an Arab population, as in the USA and Europe the risk of prostate cancer is considered high in men with such PSA levels. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Serum total PSA was measured in men presenting to our hospital as part of the investigation for prostate cancer screening and/or in elderly men with prostatism. Men with a serum PSA level of> 10 ng/mL were further investigated by transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) of the prostate and biopsy of suspicious lesions for histological diagnosis. In addition, the percentage of free PSA, PSA velocity and PSA density were determined. All the patients included in this study were men of Arab origin residing in Kuwait. RESULTS: In all, 1700 men (mean age 55.6 years, range 35-94) were assessed; of these, 161 had a serum PSA of> 10 ng/mL, attributable to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in 110 (68%), BPH with histological features of prostatitis in 33 (21%) and prostate cancer in 18 (11%). TRUS of the prostate in 143 of the 161 men with either BPH or BPH with prostatitis showed varying grades of intraprostatic calcifications in 22 (15%). Both PSA density and percentage free PSA did not contribute to determining the causes of total PSA levels of> 10 ng/mL. There was a progressive decline in PSA in all patients with BPH and prostatitis, except one who at re-biopsy had prostate cancer (T1N0M0, G1). CONCLUSION: Total PSA values of> 10 ng/mL in Arab men may be a result of BPH, BPH with prostatitis or prostate cancer, in that order. A gradual decline in total PSA (decreased PSA velocity) with time to < 4 ng/mL often confirms the diagnosis of BPH with prostatitis. The percentage of free PSA and PSA density may not be helpful in diagnosing prostate cancer with certainty in these patients. Compared with Caucasians in the USA and Europe, BPH and BPH with prostatitis appear to be more frequent causes of serum PSA levels of> 10 ng/mL in Arab men.

Adult↗

Nonspecific (idiopathic) granulomatous prostatitis associated with low-grade prostatic adenocarcinoma.

Nonspecific granulomatous prostatitis (NSGP) is uncommon and may simulate carcinoma both clinically and microscopically. Concurrent NSGP and prostatic adenocarcinoma is rare. To our knowledge this association has been documented once and it was only rarely mentioned in two large series of NSGP. We describe a 67-year-old man who presented with a history of prostatism of 1 month's duration. Suprapubic prostatectomy revealed NSGP associated with nodular hyperplasia and low-grade prostatic adenocarcinoma. The pathologist should be aware of the rare association of NSGP and prostatic adenocarcinoma. Wide sampling of the prostatectomy specimens with NSGP is mandatory to exclude an occult prostatic adenocarcinoma.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Whipsaw cancer treatments: the role of hormesis in endocrine and immune therapies.

In this report, we propose a philosophy of treatment that few physicians may be bold enough to actually embrace, but which we believe may eventually find a place in the oncologist's armamentarium. The proposal is based on two assumptions: (1) that many hormones and other biologicals have reverse effects in biologic systems depending on their dosage or concentration, a phenomenon called hormesis; and (2) that most malignant tumors have a large but slow-moving capacity to adapt to adverse conditions, probably by the selection of cellular variants. We suggest that the phenomenon of hormesis might be used to keep a tumor under hormonal and/or immunologic environments that are inimical to its growth and well-being.

Adaptation, Biological↗

Ultrasonographic estimation of prostatic size in canine cadavers.

The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of transabdominal ultrasound in estimating the volume and weight of the canine prostate gland, to derive a simple formula from actual and ultrasonographic prostate measurements for estimating prostate volume and weight, and to evaluate the reproducibility of ultrasonographic measurements of linear prostate dimensions. The prostate volume and weight were measured and also calculated in 77 male canine cadavers (60 entire and 17 neutered) with the aid of statistical computer programmes using actual linear dimensions of the prostate ('actual') and those measured ultrasonographically before ('in vivo') and after ('in vitro') removal of the prostate gland. Therefore, 'in vivo', 'in vitro' and 'actual' estimations of prostate size were obtained and compared with prostatic volume and weight. The evaluation of the reproducibility of the ultrasonographic measurements made was performed in 59 of the dogs in which the prostate was imaged three times in longitudinal and three times in transverse sections. This study demonstrated that prostatic weight and volume are related to body weight and age in entire dogs but not in neutered dogs. Formulae were derived to estimate prostate weight and volume from physical and ultrasonographic measurements. There were good correlations between the ultrasonographic and physical measurements and prostate size derived from these measurements provided a good estimate of actual prostate size. 'Best subsets' analyses indicated that prostate width and length (measured physically or ultrasonographically) were the best predictors of prostatic volume and weight, both when all dogs were considered together and in entire dogs only. Statistical analyses indicated that there were no significant differences between the repeated measurements of length and depth (P>0.05). However, there was a significant difference between repeated measurements of width (P= 0.0357).

Animals↗

Does winter darkness in the Artic protect against cancer? The melatonin hypothesis revisited.

The melatonin hypothesis states that excess exposure to environmental light may contribute to breast cancer risks via impaired pineal secretion of melatonin. A corollary, not considered previously, is that a net annual increase in oncostatic melatonin would be expected in persons who experience a light deficit during extended winter darkness periods; thus, hormone-dependent cancers should occur less frequently in people who reside north, rather than south, of the Arctic circle. Consistent with our prediction, epidemiological data indicate uniformly low risks for hormone-dependent cancers in the Arctic. The available literature on genetic, reproductive, nutritional, life-style, and environmental risk factors provides no obvious clues to the observed cancer patterns. Moreover, diurnal and 24-hour melatonin concentrations in humans living in Arctic regions were reported as high in November-January, when light intensity is low. Since these observations are consistent with our corollary and the associated prediction, we suggest that research on a melatonin-inhibited carcinogenesis in the low-risk populations of the Arctic should be pursued.

Alaska↗