Transforming growth factor-alpha expression in benign and malignant human prostatic disease.
Investigation of biological variables in prostatic disease may not only prevent patients with a good prognosis being overtreated, but allow better selection of appropriate therapy, and may identify potential targets for novel therapies. This study investigates the growth factor transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF alpha) expression in benign and malignant prostatic biopsies using both radioimmunoassay and immunohistochemistry, considering its role in malignant epithelial transformation and as a prognostic indicator. Biochemical methods were less satisfactory than the more selective immunohistochemical methods, due to the heterogeneity of prostatic tissue. Seventy-one percent of benign biopsies (range 0-18.62ng/mg DNA) and 69% of malignant biopsies (range 0-11.1ng/mg DNA) had detectable levels of TGF alpha using radioimmunoassay. Immunohistochemical staining for TGF alpha identified expression in 15% of benign (4 out of 27) and 53% malignant biopsies (18 out of 34). Positive staining was also identified in premalignant lesions and within stromal elements, thus implying the factor's role in autocrine/paracrine growth and/or malignant transformation. Immunostaining for TGF alpha may enhance detection of premalignant lesions and small foci of malignant glands which are otherwise difficult to identify using standard histopathological techniques.
Lloyd
S N
SN
Department of Urology, Western Infirmary, Glasgow, Scotland, UK.
Brown
I L
IL
Leake
R E
RE
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D011379:Prognosis; D011470:Prostatic Hyperplasia / Q000378:metabolism*; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism*; D011863:Radioimmunoassay; D016211:Transforming Growth Factor alpha / Q000378:metabolism*
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D016211:Transforming Growth Factor alpha