Procoagulant properties of benign and malignant prostatic tissue.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the factor-X activating procoagulant activity (FXAA) of prostatic tissue removed at transurethral resection in a specific chromogenic assay.


METHODS
FXAA was extracted from transurethrally resected prostatic tissue using a cryofragmentation technique. Tissue from 50 patients with prostate cancer was analysed and compared with that from 36 control patients with benign prostatic-hypertrophy. Enzyme activities were assayed in a two stage chromogenic assay and correlated with conventional markers of tumour aggressiveness.


RESULTS
FXAA was found to be significantly lower (P < 0.001) in tissue from malignant prostates compared with benign prostatic hypertrophy tissue. Loss of FXAA was also related to Gleason grade (P < 0.03), percentage of chips involved by tumour (P < 0.04) and bone scan status (P < 0.02). Using antibody inhibition tests this procoagulant was characterized as being a factor VII/tissue factor complex.


CONCLUSIONS
Malignant change in the prostate is associated with a reduction in FXAA and this may be an important factor in prostatic tumour growth and dissemination.
Adamson
A S
AS
Department of Urology, St Mary's Hospital, London, UK.
Francis
J L
JL
Witherow
R O
RO
Snell
M E
ME
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000378:metabolism; D001777:Blood Coagulation; D015951:Factor Xa / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011467:Prostate / Q000378:metabolism; D011470:Prostatic Hyperplasia / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D013997:Time Factors
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D015951:Factor Xa