Nedd4L expression is downregulated in prostate cancer compared to benign prostatic hyperplasia

Abstract

Aims: To characterize aspects of Nedd4L in prostate cancer (PC) by assessing its expression in hyperplastic and malignant prostate tissue, and to correlate findings with PC histologic grade.

Materials and methods: Radical prostatectomy (RP) specimens from 56 patients with clinically localized PC, and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) transurethral resection specimens from 31 patients, were assessed for Nedd4L expression using immunohistochemistry.

Results: Nedd4L (P<0.001) expressions were significantly decreased in PC compared to benign prostate tissue. Furthermore, downregulation of Nedd4L (P<0.05) expression correlated with increasing Gleason score.

Conclusions: These data suggest that prostate cancer cells in vivo may need Nedd4L expression to regulate TGF-beta1 signaling, and that Nedd4L expression might be involved in prostate cancer development.