Differential expression of 17β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase isozyme genes in prostate cancer and noncancer tissues

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Abstract
BACKGROUND: The adrenal steroids dehydroepiandrosterone and androstenediones are converted into active androgen testosterone in prostatic tissues. Different 17β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17βHSD) isozymes are characterized by either oxidation or reduction reactions. These redox reactions represent an important step in both biosynthesis and metabolism of androgens. This study presents the differential expression of 17βHSD isozyme genes in cancerous and noncancerous prostate tissues of in vivo samples.METHODS: Thirty‐four fresh specimens of transrectal prostatic needle biopsy were obtained; 11 were pathologically diagnosed as adenocarcinoma and 23 as without malignancy. The gene expression levels of five isozymes (type 1–5) of 17βHSD were evaluated. The quantification of gene expression was assessed by means of the real‐time polymerase chain reaction.RESULTS: The expression levels of the type 3 17βHSD gene with malignancy were significantly higher than those in prostatic tissues without malignancy, and those of type 2 17βHSD with malignancy were significantly lower than those in nonmalignant tissues. There were no significant differences in 17βHSD type 1, type 4, and type 5 gene expression in cancerous and noncancerous tissues.CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that 17βHSD type 2 and type 3 play an important role in the conversion of adrenal steroids into potential androgens in prostate cancer tissue. Prostate 53: 154–159, 2002.

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