Energy balance alters dunning R3327-H prostate tumor architecture, androgen receptor expression, and nuclear morphometry in rats.
BACKGROUND
We hypothesize that diet or energy restriction may alter prostate tumor architecture and nuclear morphometry in a manner predictive of indolent biology.


METHODS
Adult male rats bearing the Dunning R3327-H tumor were provided free-access to the AIN76 diet or 30% diet/energy restriction for 16 weeks. Tumor tissue was harvested and stained for biomarker evaluation by quantitative digital image analysis.


RESULTS
Compared to controls, tumors from restricted rats showed a contracted stromal compartment with an increased epithelial/glandular area, and a greater number of smaller and more homogeneous glands. In parallel, the nuclei in tumors harvested from diet-restricted rats were smaller in size, showed a lower proportion with androgen receptor (AR) staining, and reduced intensity of AR staining.


CONCLUSIONS
Our observations support the hypothesis that diet/energy restriction alters prostate tumor architecture, AR expression, and nuclear morphology consistent with a more differentiated and less aggressive phenotype.
Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA.
Zhiming
Z
Liao
Shihua
S
Wang
Brandy S
BS
Wiegers
Steven K
SK
Clinton
D000818:Animals; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000737:chemistry / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D048429:Cell Size; D004032:Diet; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D004848:Epithelium / Q000737:chemistry / Q000473:pathology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D006657:Histones / Q000032:analysis; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D010641:Phenotype; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology*; D051381:Rats; D011944:Receptors, Androgen / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics*
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D006657:Histones; D011944:Receptors, Androgen