Expression of HSD3B1 and HSD3B2 Genes in Adenocarcinoma and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Abstract

Background: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate adenocarcinoma (PCa) are 2 prostatic lesions affecting most men over 60 years old. It was shown that there is a significant relationship between BPH and PCa. BPH could lead to escalating risks of PCa. Functional androgen signaling is involved in the maintenance and development of the normal prostate. Defects in this signaling pathway are also involved in the development of prostate cancer and BPH. Due to the importance of the HSD3B gene family in steroid hormone biosynthesis, it plays an important role in hormone-dependent tumors such as prostate cancer. Objectives: In this study, we evaluated the expression of HSD3B1 and HSD3B2 genes in BPH and PCa by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Methods: A total of 40 BPH and 40 PCa samples were evaluated. After RNA extraction and complementary DNA (cDNA) synthesis, real-time PCR was performed with specific primers, and the results were compared with age, pathology stage, Gleason score, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) range parameters. Results: The results showed that both genes were downregulated in PCa compared to BPH. This reduction was more noticeable in the HSD3B1 gene than in the HSD3B2 gene, but it was not statistically significant. No significant relationship was observed between age, disease stage, Gleason score, and PSA level with changes in the expression of these 2 genes in the 2 groups. Conclusions: Increased expression of these 2 genes does not play a significant role in PCa but can play a role in the development of BPH.