Transforming growth factor-beta2 and beta3 expression in carcinoma of the prostate.

Objectives: The present study reports the clinical and histological features of 14 cases of prostate adenocarcinoma coupled with their expression of the TGF isoforms beta2 and beta3, as well as their receptor endogline (CD105).

Methods: Fourteen (14) cases of adenocarcinoma (ADC) of the prostate were examined. Relevant clinical data were gathered From the histological point of view, the tumor's grade and the evidence of perineural, vascular and/or lymphatic invasion were the key elements taken into account. Immunohistochemical analyses were carried out to assess the expression of TGFbeta-2, TGFbeta-3 and CD105 in tumoral tissue samples.

Results: Patient's age ranged between 57 and 74 years. Thirteen (13) had prostatic specific antigen (PSA) values above the 4 ng/dL threshold Eleven (11) ADCs were moderately differentiated. The predominant grade in relation to the nucleus was II/III (7 cases). In two (2) of the 14 cases, no grading classification was applicable as the tumors exhibited changes related to the effect of hormonal therapy. In eleven cases, expression of TGFbeta-2 was detected in the cytoplasm of tumoral cells. Two cases also showed focal expression of TGFbeta-3, as well as in prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia areas of a third case. The areas with the highest intensity of expression were those occupied by basal cells and regions of glandular atrophy. These were also the areas of CD105 expression.

Conclusions: Our results allow us to conclude that the TGF-beta3 family of cytokines, particularly the isoforms beta-2 and beta-3, seem to play a key role in the initiation, progression and transformation of tumoral cells inprostatic ADC. Future studies should be directed to the full understanding of the impact that these factors exert on tumoral behaviour, with an emphasis on those steps susceptible to therapeutic manipulation.