Clinical Significance of the Expression of Tubulin α and βII in Prostate Cancer

Abstract

Purpose: This study examined the significance of tubulin α and βII expression in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer. Materials and Methods: A total 103 cases diagnosed with either BPH or prostate cancer were divided into 4 groups: BPH (n=25), localized prostate cancer (n=41), locally advanced prostate cancer (n=18), metastatic prostate cancer (n=18). The tissues were taken through a transurethral resection of the prostate, suprapubic prostatectomy, prostatic needle biopsy or radical retropubic prostatectomy. The expression was measured by immunohistochemical staining. The degree of expression was graded on a 4-point scale. The data was compared in terms of stage, the serum prostatic specific antigen (PSA) level and Gleason score. The statistical comparisons were made using one-way ANOVA test and a Fisher's exact test. Results: The levels of tubulin α and βII expression were stronger in the patients with prostate cancer than those with BPH (p 0.05). The level of tubulin α expression was stronger in the patients with a Gleason score ≥8 than in those of Gleason score ≤7 (p<0.05), but there was no such difference in tubulin βII expression. The level of tubulin α and βII expression was stronger in the patients with a serum PSA level ≥4ng/ml than in those with the serum PSA level <4ng/ml (p<0.001). Conclusions: The expression of tubulin α and βII may be associated with the development of prostate cancer. These might be used as useful markers for the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment response. (Korean J Urol 2008; 49:709-714) 󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏