Regulation of prostate 5alpha-reductase-2 gene expression and prostate weight by dietary fat and caloric intake in the rat.
BACKGROUND
High-fat diet is a major risk factor for prostate cancer. 5alpha-reductases are potential targets of dietary fat.


METHODS
Male ACI/Seg rats given either a low-fat or a high-fat diet at weaning or adulthood were sacrificed at 2, 4, and 10 weeks after dietary treatment. Prostate 5alpha-reductase mRNAs, plasma androgens, food consumption, prostate, and body weight were determined.


RESULTS
Prostate 5alpha-reductase-2 mRNA and plasma dihydrotestosterone levels were elevated at 2 weeks, and prostate weight was increased at 10 weeks in neonatal rats fed the high-fat diet. Animals fed the high-fat diet consumed more calories in the first 4 weeks. 5alpha-reductase-1 mRNA, plasma testosterone, and body weight were not different between the two dietary groups. These dietary effects were not observed in adult rats fed the same diets.


CONCLUSIONS
A high-dietary fat and caloric intake upregulates prostate 5alpha-reductase-2 gene expression, and stimulates prostate growth in neonatal, but not adult rats.
Cai
Li-Qun
LQ
Department of Medicine/ Endocrinology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York 10021, USA.
Imperato-McGinley
Julianne
J
Zhu
Yuan-Shan
YS
D013741:3-Oxo-5-alpha-Steroid 4-Dehydrogenase / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D001835:Body Weight; D004041:Dietary Fats; D002149:Energy Intake; D008297:Male; D011467:Prostate / Q000254:growth & development*; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology*; D051381:Rats; D012307:Risk Factors; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood; D015854:Up-Regulation
D004041:Dietary Fats; D013739:Testosterone; D013741:3-Oxo-5-alpha-Steroid 4-Dehydrogenase; C476567:steroid-5alpha-reductase type 2