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 (PIGF) belongs to the same family as the vascular endothelial growth factor. The presence of PIGF 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 PIGF-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 PIGF mRNA. BPH and CAP-Tx expressed similar levels of PlGF, however, CAP expressed significantly lower levels of PIGF than BPH or CAP-Tx (p<0.01). Conclusion: PlGF mRNA was expressed in human prostate. Significantly lower levels of PIGF in CAP in comparison with those in BPH or CAP- Tx suggested that PlGF might have effects on vasculogenesis and angiogenesis in prostate disease.