Background/aim: Prostaglandin (PG) E2 mediates malignant aggressiveness by binding to four specific E-type prostanoid receptors (EP1R - 4R). This study aimed to clarify the pathological significance of EPRs in hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (HSPC) and castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC).
Materials and methods: EP1R - 4R expression was examined in 102 HSPC and 27 CRPC specimens. The relationships between their expression and proliferation index (PI), apoptotic index (AI), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A expression were analyzed.
Results: EP4R expression in CRPC was significantly higher compared to that in HSPC, even in advanced disease (T3/4, N1, and/or M1). EP4R expression was significantly correlated with PI, AI, and VEGF-A expression in CRPC. Such significant relationships were not detected between EP1R - 3R and CRPC.
Conclusion: EP4R expression in CRPC was significantly higher than that in HSPC and was associated with cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, and pro-angiogenetic potential.
Keywords: E-type prostanoid receptors EPRs); apoptosis; castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC); proliferation; vascular endothelial growth factor-A.
Copyright © 2021 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.