Placental growth factor gene expression in human prostate cancer and benign prostate hyperplasia.

BACKGROUND

Angiogenesis plays a crucial role in normal development and carcinogenesis of prostate glands. Placental growth factor (PlGF) belongs to the same family as the vascular endothelial growth factor. The presence of PlGF in human prostate has not been studied. In the current study, we investigated the gene expression profiles of PlGF in human prostate.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Gene expression of PlGF-1 and PlGF-2 was assessed by RT-PCR and direct sequencing. Gene expression levels were quantified by real-time PCR, and we compared the transcript levels among benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), prostate caner (CAP) and CAP after androgen deprivation therapy (CAP-Tx).

RESULTS

Human prostate cancer cells, LNCaP, PC-3 and DU-145, expressed both PlGF-1 and -2 mRNAs. Human prostate tissues, BPH, CAP and CAP-Tx, also expressed both types of PlGF mRNA. BPH and CAP-Tx expressed similar levels of PlGF, however, CAP expressed significantly lower levels of PlGF than BPH or CAP-Tx (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

PlGF mRNA was expressed in human prostate. Significantly lower levels of PlGF in CAP in comparison with those in BPH or CAP-Tx suggested that PlGF might have effects on vasculogenesis and angiogenesis in prostate disease.