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Meng L, Yang Y, Mortazavi A, Zhang J. Emerging Immunotherapy Approaches for Treating Prostate Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14347. [PMID: 37762648 PMCID: PMC10531627 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has emerged as an important approach for cancer treatment, but its clinical efficacy has been limited in prostate cancer compared to other malignancies. This review summarizes key immunotherapy strategies under evaluation for prostate cancer, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, bispecific T cell-engaging antibodies, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, therapeutic vaccines, and cytokines. For each modality, the rationale stemming from preclinical studies is discussed along with outcomes from completed clinical trials and strategies to improve clinical efficacy that are being tested in ongoing clinical trials. Imperative endeavors include biomarker discovery for patient selection, deciphering resistance mechanisms, refining cellular therapies such as CAR T cells, and early-stage intervention were reviewed. These ongoing efforts instill optimism that immunotherapy may eventually deliver significant clinical benefits and expand treatment options for patients with advanced prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingbin Meng
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (L.M.); (Y.Y.); (A.M.)
| | - Yuanquan Yang
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (L.M.); (Y.Y.); (A.M.)
| | - Amir Mortazavi
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (L.M.); (Y.Y.); (A.M.)
| | - Jingsong Zhang
- Department of Genitourinary Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, University of South Florida, 12902 USF Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
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Wu ZH, Tang Y, Niu X, Pu FF, Xiao XY, Kong W. Prostatic-specific antigen (PSA) levels in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): a meta-analysis. J Ovarian Res 2019; 12:94. [PMID: 31615559 PMCID: PMC6792233 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-019-0569-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a reproductive endocrine disorder, clinically characterized by oligo-ovulation/chronic anovulation, menstrual irregularities, hyperandrogenism (such as hirsutism, acne), hyperinsulinemia, and obesity. Prostatic-specific antigen (PSA) has been identified as a potential new marker in PCOS women. Although the precise role of PSA in PCOS patients still remains undetermined, PSA might serve as a useful clinical marker and might even represent a new diagnostic criterion of hyperandrogenemia in females of PCOS. Methods A meta-analysis was performed in the study to identify the association between the polycystic ovary syndrome and prostatic-specific antigen. To identify eligible original articles, we searched a range of computerized databases, including Medline via PubMed, EMBASE, CNKI and Web of Science with a systematic searching strategy. The characteristics of each study and standard mean differences (SMD) with corresponding confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated and subgroup analysis was performed to analyze heterogeneity. Results A total of 532 patients from seven articles were included in the meta-analysis. We identified a significant relationship between polycystic ovary syndrome and prostatic-specific antigen, with a pooled SMD of 0.81 (95% CI: 0.58 to 1.04; P < 0.01). The pooled data were calculated with the random-effects model as a moderate significant heterogeneity was found among the studies. Conclusions The meta-analysis suggested that there was a significant association between the polycystic ovary syndrome and prostatic-specific antigen and we should not ignore the role of PSA in the PCOS patients in clinical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeng-Hong Wu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Yun Tang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Xun Niu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Fei-Fei Pu
- Department of Orthopedics, Wuhan No.1 Hospital, Wuhan Integrated TCM & Western Medicine Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430022, People's Republic of China
| | - Xi-Yue Xiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Wen Kong
- Department of Endocrinology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
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Karakas SE, Surampudi P. New Biomarkers to Evaluate Hyperandrogenemic Women and Hypogonadal Men. Adv Clin Chem 2018; 86:71-125. [PMID: 30144842 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acc.2018.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Androgens can have variable effects on men and women. Women may be evaluated for androgen excess for several reasons. Typically, young premenopausal women present with clinical symptoms of hirsutism, alopecia, irregular menses, and/or infertility. The most common cause of these symptoms is polycystic ovary syndrome. After menopause, even though ovaries stop producing estrogen, they continue to produce androgen, and women can have new onset of hirsutism and alopecia. Laboratory evaluation involves measurement of the major ovarian and adrenal androgens. In women, age, phase of the menstrual cycle, menopausal status, obesity, metabolic health, and sex hormone-binding proteins significantly affect total-androgen levels and complicate interpretation. This review will summarize the clinically relevant evaluation of hyperandrogenemia at different life stages in women and highlight pitfalls associated with interpretation of commonly used hormone measurements. Hypogonadism in men is a clinical syndrome characterized by low testosterone and/or low sperm count. Symptoms of hypogonadism include decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, decreased vitality, decreased muscle mass, increased adiposity, depressed mood, osteopenia, and osteoporosis. Hypogonadism is a common disorder in aging men. Hypogonadism is observed rarely in young boys and adolescent men. Based on the defects in testes, hypothalamus, and/or pituitary glands, hypogonadism can be broadly classified as primary, secondary, and mixed hypogonadism. Diagnosis of hypogonadism in men is based on symptoms and laboratory measurement. Biomarkers in use/development for hypogonadism are classified as hormonal, Leydig and Sertoli cell function, semen, genetic/RNA, metabolic, microbiome, and muscle mass-related. These biomarkers are useful for diagnosis of hypogonadism, determination of the type of hypogonadism, identification of the underlying causes, and therapeutic assessment. Measurement of serum testosterone is usually the most important single diagnostic test for male hypogonadism. Patients with primary hypogonadism have low testosterone and increased luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Patients with secondary hypogonadism have low testosterone and low or inappropriately normal LH and FSH. This review provides an overview of hypogonadism in men and a detailed discussion of biomarkers currently in use and in development for diagnosis thereof.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sidika E Karakas
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, The University of California at Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Prasanth Surampudi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, The University of California at Davis, Davis, CA, United States
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Tokmak A, Bodur S, Erkilinc S, Ozel S, Engin-Ustun Y. The Value of Prostate-Specific Antigen in Diagnosis of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in Adolescent Girls. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol 2018; 31:263-269. [PMID: 29162532 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpag.2017.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Revised: 10/15/2017] [Accepted: 11/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE This study was designed to evaluate and compare the serum total prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in adolescent girls in with and without polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) to show whether evaluation of PSA levels have a diagnostic benefit over existing diagnostic criteria. DESIGN Case-control study. SETTING A territory referral center. PARTICIPANTS A total of 89 (15-19 years) nonobese (body mass index, 18-24.9) adolescents with PCOS (n = 42) and controls without PCOS (n = 47) were enrolled in the study. INTERVENTIONS Pathophysiological features of PCOS and serum total PSA levels were determined at the time of study enrollment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Determination, comparison, and diagnostic performance of serum total PSA levels in diagnosis of PCOS in adolescent girls were the main outcome measures of the study. RESULTS The serum total PSA levels of adolescents with PCOS were detected to be higher than for control participants (0.63 ± 1.38 ng/mL vs 0.48 ± 0.95 ng/mL) without meeting statistical significance (P = .923). There was a correlation between total PSA levels and indices of insulin resistance like the homeostasis insulin resistance model (r = 0.414; P = .010). The serum total PSA level was not a discriminative parameter for diagnosis of PCOS in adolescent girls (area under the curve, 0.559; P = .476). CONCLUSION The serum total PSA level was not a predictor of PCOS in adolescent girls. This finding might be related to the extemporal nature of tissues capable of PSA production and lack of sufficient exposure interval to hyperandrogenemia, rather than lack of stimulatory relationship between serum androgens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aytekin Tokmak
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zekai Tahir Burak Women's Health Education and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Serkan Bodur
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gulhane Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Selcuk Erkilinc
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zekai Tahir Burak Women's Health Education and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Sule Ozel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zekai Tahir Burak Women's Health Education and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Yaprak Engin-Ustun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zekai Tahir Burak Women's Health Education and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Ankara, Turkey
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Anithasri A, Ananthanarayanan PH, Veena P. A Study on Omentin-1 and Prostate Specific Antigen in Women on Treatment for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Indian J Clin Biochem 2017; 34:108-114. [PMID: 30728681 DOI: 10.1007/s12291-017-0723-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Omentin-1 and prostate specific antigen (PSA) are known to be markers of insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism respectively in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This study aimed to assess the changes in serum omentin-1 and PSA levels in PCOS patients while on treatment. Serum omentin-1, PSA, BMI and Ferriman gallwey score (FG score) were measured in 80 women with PCOS. The subjects were treated depending on their presenting complaints. The parameters were analysed at baseline and after 3 months of treatment viz. lifestyle modification (Group I), oral contraceptive pills (OCP) (Group II), clomiphene citrate (Group III), medroxy progesterone acetate (Group IV) or metformin (Group V) and was compared using paired-t test. Group II showed significant increase in serum omentin-1 (271.7 ± 112.2 vs 378.1 ± 242 ng/ml; P = 0.025) and decrease in serum PSA (0.014 ± 0.02 vs 0.005 ± 0.008 ng/ml; P = 0.027) after 3 cycles of OCP. Group I and IV also showed a decrease in serum PSA while FG score decreased in group II and group III. There was a negative correlation observed between serum omentin-1 and BMI. To conclude, PCOS women showed increase in serum omentin-1 levels after 3 cycles of OCP while serum PSA decreased after 3 months of lifestyle modification or on treatment with OCP or medroxy progesterone acetate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anbalagan Anithasri
- 1Department of Biochemistry, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, India.,Present Address: Government Villupuram Medical College, Villupuram, Tamil Nadu India
| | | | - P Veena
- 2Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, India
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Diamandis EP, Stanczyk FZ, Wheeler S, Mathew A, Stengelin M, Nikolenko G, Glezer EN, Brown MD, Zheng Y, Chen YH, Wu HL, Azziz R. Serum complexed and free prostate-specific antigen (PSA) for the diagnosis of the polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Clin Chem Lab Med 2017; 55:1789-1797. [PMID: 28361781 DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2016-1124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 02/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common cause of reproductive and metabolic dysfunction. We hypothesized that serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) may constitute a new biomarker for hyperandrogenism in PCOS. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study of 45 women with PCOS and 40 controls. Serum from these women was analyzed for androgenic steroids and for complexed PSA (cPSA) and free PSA (fPSA) with a novel fifth- generation assay with a sensitivity of ~10 fg/mL for cPSA and 140 fg/mL for fPSA. RESULTS cPSA and fPSA levels were about three times higher in PCOS compared to controls. However, in PCOS, cPSA and fPSA did not differ according to waist-to-hip ratio, Ferriman-Gallwey score, or degree of hyperandrogenemia or oligo-ovulation. In PCOS and control women, serum cPSA and fPSA levels were highly correlated with each other, and with free and total testosterone levels, but not with other hormones. Adjusting for age, body mass index (BMI) and race, cPSA was significantly associated with PCOS, with an odds ratio (OR) of 5.67 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.86, 22.0). The OR of PCOS for fPSA was 7.04 (95% CI: 1.65, 40.4). A multivariate model that included age, BMI, race and cPSA yielded an area-under-the-receiver-operating-characteristic curve of 0.89. CONCLUSIONS Serum cPSA and fPSA are novel biomarkers for hyperandrogenism in PCOS and may have value for disease diagnosis.
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Eklund E, Diamandis EP, Muytjens C, Wheeler S, Mathew A, Stengelin M, Glezer E, Nikolenko G, Brown MD, Zheng Y, Hirschberg AL. Serum complexed and free prostate specific antigen levels are lower in female elite athletes in comparison to control women. F1000Res 2017; 6:1131. [PMID: 28815018 PMCID: PMC5539849 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.11821.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We hypothesize that prostate specific antigen (PSA), a protein that it is under regulation by androgens, may be differentially expressed in female elite athletes in comparison to control women. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study of 106 female athletes and 114 sedentary age-matched controls. Serum from these women was analyzed for complexed prostate specific antigen (cPSA) and free prostate specific antigen (fPSA), by fifth generation assays with limits of detection of around 6 and 140 fg/mL, respectively. A panel of estrogens, androgens and progesterone in the same serum was also quantified by tandem mass spectrometry. Results: Both components of serum PSA (cPSA and fPSA) were lower in the elite athletes vs the control group (P=0.033 and 0.013, respectively). Furthermore, estrone (p=0.003) and estradiol (p=0.004) were significantly lower, and dehydroepiandrosterone (p=0.095) and 5-androstene-3β, 17β-diol (p=0.084) tended to be higher in the athletes vs controls. Oral contraceptive use was similar between groups and significantly associated with increased cPSA and fPSA in athletes (p= 0.046 and 0.009, respectively). PSA fractions were not significantly associated with progesterone changes. The Spearman correlation between cPSA and fPSA in both athletes and controls was 0.75 (P < 0.0001) and 0.64 (P < 0.0001), respectively. Conclusions: Elite athletes have lower complexed and free PSA, higher levels of androgen precursors and lower levels of estrogen in their serum than sedentary control women. ABBREVIATIONS cPSA, complexed PSA; fPSA, free PSA; PCOS, polycystic ovarian syndrome; E1, estrone; E2, estradiol; DHEA, dehydroepiandrosterone, Testo, testosterone; DHT, dihydrotestosterone; PROG, progesterone; Delta 4, androstenedione; Delta 5, androst-5-ene-3β, 17β-diol; BMD, body mineral density; LLOQ, lower limit of quantification; ULOQ, upper limit of quantification; LOD, limit of detection; ACT, α 1-antichymotrypsin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Eklund
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eleftherios P Diamandis
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Carla Muytjens
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Anu Mathew
- Meso Scale Diagnostics, LLC. , Rockville, MD, USA
| | | | - Eli Glezer
- Meso Scale Diagnostics, LLC. , Rockville, MD, USA
| | | | - Marshall D Brown
- Department of Biostatistics, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Yingye Zheng
- Department of Biostatistics, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Angelica Lindén Hirschberg
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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Rudnicka E, Radowicki S, Suchta K. Prostate specific antigen (PSA) in diagnosis of polycystic ovarian syndrome - a new insight. Gynecol Endocrinol 2016; 32:931-935. [PMID: 27426018 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2016.1200552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the commonest endocrine disorder and cause of androgen excess in women. Prostate specific antigen (PSA) could be a new marker of hyperandrogenism in PCOS. OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to assess the concentration PSA (total PSA - TPSA and free PSA - fPSA) in 165 patients with PCOS and 40 healthy female controls, the relationship between PSA (TPSA and fPSA) and hormonal parameters and to determine the performance of PSA in diagnosis of PCOS. RESULTS Total PSA was higher in PCOS group versus controls. The fPSA was below the lower detection levels among all patients. The median value of FAI was 4.31 in PCOS patients versus 1.79 in controls, p < 0.001. There was a correlation of TPSA and tT (r= 0.173, p = 0.027) and TPSA and FAI (r = 0.2603, p = 0.001). AUC for FAI was 82.1%, threshold 2.56 nmol/l, for tT AUC 80.5%, threshold 0.54 ng/ml, for TPSA AUC 66.3%, threshold 0.005 ng/ml. The ROC analysis for A AUC 62.7%, threshold 3.95 ng/ml. CONCLUSION PCOS women have higher serum concentration of TPSA than controls. TPSA positively correlate with T and FAI, which is the best marker for hyperandrogenic states and has better accuracy for tT and total PSA serum levels in diagnostic of PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Rudnicka
- a Department of Gynecological Endocrinology , Medical University of Warsaw , Warsaw , Poland and
| | - Stanislaw Radowicki
- b Duchess Anna Mazowiecka Public Teaching Hospital in Warsaw , Warsaw , Poland
| | - Katarzyna Suchta
- a Department of Gynecological Endocrinology , Medical University of Warsaw , Warsaw , Poland and
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Musrap N, Diamandis EP. Prostate-Specific Antigen as a Marker of Hyperandrogenism in Women and Its Implications for Antidoping. Clin Chem 2016; 62:1066-74. [DOI: 10.1373/clinchem.2016.256198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2016] [Accepted: 04/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Since its discovery in the 1970s, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) has become widely known as a biomarker of prostate cancer in males but has often been overlooked in female malignancies. Although the serum concentration of PSA differs between men and women by about 1000-fold, studies have suggested that PSA concentrations drastically differ among healthy females and those who exhibit increased androgen production.
CONTENT
There have been reports of increased PSA expression in women exhibiting hyperandrogenic states, including polycystic ovary syndrome and hirsutism, as well as marked increases in a subset of breast cancer patients. These findings have not only revealed the remarkable diagnostic potential of PSA in a diverse range of clinical conditions but also point to its potential of becoming a useful biomarker of steroid hormone doping among female athletes. Recently, highly sensitive assays that can measure PSA at low limits of detection have been developed, which will aid in the discrimination of PSA between these different conditions.
SUMMARY
The overall aim of this review is to revisit the expression of PSA in hormonally-regulated tissues and in female malignancies, and to demonstrate how the regulation of PSA permits its use in antidoping initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Musrap
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Eleftherios P Diamandis
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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The combination of ovarian volume and outline has better diagnostic accuracy than prostate-specific antigen (PSA) concentrations in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOs). Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2014; 179:32-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2014.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2013] [Revised: 05/07/2014] [Accepted: 05/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Dash P. Reconnoitring the status of prostate specific antigen and its role in women. Indian J Clin Biochem 2014; 30:124-33. [PMID: 25883418 DOI: 10.1007/s12291-014-0451-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2013] [Accepted: 05/23/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Prostate specific antigen is considered to be a tumour marker having maximum utility and specificity for prostate cancer since decades. After the discovery of methods to quantify different molecular fractions of prostate specific antigen (PSA), its usefulness in diagnosing early prostate cancer cases has increased tremendously. The "specificity" of PSA, is now challenged by many studies which proved that PSA, once believed to be secreted exclusively by prostatic epithelium, is also present in females. The exact biological role of extraprostatic PSA is still debatable though many theories substantiated by in vitro evidence has been put forward. With the advent of ultrasensitive analytical techniques, PSA is now quantifiable in female serum in its various molecular forms and this has led to many assumptions of it being useful as a marker in female breast cancers. In a similar scenario to prostate cancer, the ratio of free to total PSA is shown to be useful in detecting early breast cancer cases. It is also shown to be a good prognostic indicator and a predictor of response to therapy and recurrence. Apart from its role in breast cancer, it has been advocated to be a marker of hyper androgenic states in women like hirsutism and polycystic ovarian syndrome. Conflicting reports regarding the role of extra prostatic PSA is accumulating but it has been proven beyond doubt that PSA is no longer specific and confined to prostate gland. Various studies have registered that PSA is an ubiquitous molecule, secreted by hormone responsive organs and its synthesis is stimulated by androgens and progesterone but not oestrogens. In this article, a review of various literatures is done about the presence of extra prostatic PSA, its probable role in those sites as well as its utility as a tumour marker in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prakruti Dash
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar-19, Odisha India
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Brito MV, de Oliveira C, Salu BR, Andrade SA, Malloy PMD, Sato AC, Vicente CP, Sampaio MU, Maffei FHA, Oliva MLV. The Kallikrein Inhibitor from Bauhinia bauhinioides (BbKI) shows antithrombotic properties in venous and arterial thrombosis models. Thromb Res 2014; 133:945-51. [PMID: 24642009 DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2014.02.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2013] [Revised: 01/31/2014] [Accepted: 02/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The Bauhinia bauhinioides Kallikrein Inhibitor (BbKI) is a Kunitz-type serine peptidase inhibitor of plant origin that has been shown to impair the viability of some tumor cells and to feature a potent inhibitory activity against human and rat plasma kallikrein (Kiapp 2.4 nmol/L and 5.2 nmol/L, respectively). This inhibitory activity is possibly responsible for an effect on hemostasis by prolonging activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). Because the association between cancer and thrombosis is well established, we evaluated the possible antithrombotic activity of this protein in venous and arterial thrombosis models. Vein thrombosis was studied in the vena cava ligature model in Wistar rats, and arterial thrombosis in the photochemical induced endothelium lesion model in the carotid artery of C57 black 6 mice. BbKI at a concentration of 2.0 mg/kg reduced the venous thrombus weight by 65% in treated rats in comparison to rats in the control group. The inhibitor prolonged the time for total artery occlusion in the carotid artery model mice indicating that this potent plasma kallikrein inhibitor prevented thrombosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlon V Brito
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua três de Maio, 100, 04044-020 São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cleide de Oliveira
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua três de Maio, 100, 04044-020 São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bruno R Salu
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua três de Maio, 100, 04044-020 São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sonia A Andrade
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Biofísica, Instituto Butantan, Av Vital Brazil, 1500, 05503-900 São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paula M D Malloy
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua três de Maio, 100, 04044-020 São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana C Sato
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua três de Maio, 100, 04044-020 São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cristina P Vicente
- Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Biologia, Rua Charles Darwin, s/n, 13083-863 Campinas, Brazil
| | - Misako U Sampaio
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua três de Maio, 100, 04044-020 São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Francisco H A Maffei
- Departamento de Cirurgia e Ortopedia, Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu, UNESP, 18618-970, Botucatu, Brazil.
| | - Maria Luiza V Oliva
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua três de Maio, 100, 04044-020 São Paulo, Brazil.
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Jacot TA, Zalenskaya I, Mauck C, Archer DF, Doncel GF. TSPY4 is a novel sperm-specific biomarker of semen exposure in human cervicovaginal fluids; potential use in HIV prevention and contraception studies. Contraception 2012; 88:387-95. [PMID: 23312930 DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2012.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2012] [Revised: 11/29/2012] [Accepted: 11/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Developing an objective, reliable method to determine semen exposure in cervicovaginal fluids is important for accurately studying the efficacy of vaginal microbicides and contraceptives. Y-chromosome biomarkers offer better stability, sensitivity, and specificity than protein biomarkers. TSPY4 belongs to the TSPY (testis-specific protein Y-encoded) family of homologous genes on the Y-chromosome. Using a multiplex PCR amplifying TSPY4, amelogenin, and Sex-determining region in the Y chromosome (SRY), our objective was to determine whether a gene in the TSPY family was a more sensitive marker of semen exposure in cervicovaginal fluids than SRY. STUDY DESIGN The multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was developed using sperm and vaginal epithelial (female) DNA. Diluted sperm DNA and mixed male/female DNA was used to determine the sensitivity of the multiplex PCR. Potential interference of TSPY4 amplification by components in cervicovaginal and seminal fluids was determined. TSPY4 and SRY amplification was also investigated in women participating in a separate IRB-approved clinical study in which cervicovaginal swab DNA was collected before semen exposure and at various time points after exposure. RESULTS TSPY4, SRY, and amelogenin were amplified in sperm DNA, but only amelogenin in female DNA. The limit of sperm DNA from which TSPY4 could be amplified was lower than SRY (4 pg vs 80 pg). TSPY4 could also be amplified from mixed male/female DNA. Amplification was not affected by cervicovaginal and seminal components. Using cervicovaginal swab DNA from three women before and after semen exposure, TSPY4 was detected up to 72 h post exposure while SRY detection was observed up to 24-48 h. TSPY4 was detected up to 7 days post exposure in one out of three women. CONCLUSIONS We have demonstrated that TSPY4 is a new sensitive, and sperm-specific biomarker. The multiplex PCR incorporating this new biomarker has potential to be an objective measure for determining semen exposure in clinical trials of vaginal products such as contraceptives and HIV pre/post-exposure prophylaxis agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terry A Jacot
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA 23507, USA.
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UKINC K, Ersoz HO, Erem C, Hacihasanoglu AB. Diagnostic value of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and free prostate specific antigen (fPSA) in women with ovulatory and anovulatory polycystic ovary syndrome. Endocrine 2009; 35:123-9. [PMID: 19009369 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-008-9130-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2008] [Revised: 10/15/2008] [Accepted: 10/21/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is very difficult in women with ovulatory cycles. We assessed the diagnostic value of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and free prostate-specific antigen (fPSA) in women with ovulatory or anovulatory PCOS. Study group consisted of 62 women with PCOS and 35 healthy female controls. PCOS group was divided into two subgroups as anovulatory (n = 42; 68%, Group A) and ovulatory group (n = 20; 32%, Group B). A cut-off level of PSA and fPSA was established for the sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, area under curve, diagnostic accuracy, and positive and negative predictive values of diagnosis of PCOS. In group A, a PSA level of greater than 10 pg/ml yielded a sensitivity of 73.2%, a specificity of 80%, and a diagnostic accuracy of 73%, with a positive predictive value of 88.2% and a negative predictive value of 59.3%. An fPSA level of greater than 2.1 pg/ml yielded a sensitivity of 71.2%, a specificity of 80.4%, and a diagnostic accuracy of 87%, with a positive predictive value of 87.2% and a negative predictive value of 58.4%. In group B, a PSA level of greater than 10 pg/ml yielded a sensitivity of 65%, a specificity of 80%, and a diagnostic accuracy of 73%, with a positive predictive value of 76.5% and a negative predictive value of 69.6%. An fPSA level of greater than 2.1 pg/ml yielded a sensitivity of 65.4%, a specificity of 80.4%, and a diagnostic accuracy of 87%, with a positive predictive value of 75.5% and a negative predictive value of 68.4%. Circulating androgens and hirsutism are independently associated with the degrees of PSA and fPSA in PCOS women. Increased plasma levels of PSA (>10 pg/ml) and fPSA (>2.1 pg/ml) could be helpful as a diagnostic tool for women with ovulatory or anovulatory PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kubilay UKINC
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, TURKEY.
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15
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Romanholi DJPC, Salgado LR. [Pseudo-Cushing states]. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 51:1303-13. [PMID: 18209868 DOI: 10.1590/s0004-27302007000800016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2007] [Accepted: 08/14/2007] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Pseudo-Cushing syndromes are a heterogeneous group of disorders, including alcoholism, anorexia nervosa, visceral obesity, and depression, which share many of the clinical and biochemical features of Cushing's syndrome. The mechanisms responsible for the genesis of pseudo-Cushing's syndrome are poorly understood. It has been suggested that hypercortisolism of pseudo-Cushing syndrome may be the result of increased hypothalamic corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) secretion in the context of a hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis that is otherwise normally constituted. The substantial overlap in clinical and biochemical features among several patients with Cushing syndrome and those with pseudo-Cushing syndromes can make the differential diagnosis difficult. Distinguishing between pseudo-Cushing's syndrome and true Cushing's syndrome is critical for preventing the unnecessary and potentially harmful treatment of such patients. This brief review summarizes the main pathophysiological events of pseudo-Cushing syndromes and provides a useful strategy for differential diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniella J P C Romanholi
- Unidade de Neuroendocrinologia da Disciplina de Endocrinologia, Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP
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16
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Clements JA, Willemsen NM, Myers SA, Dong Y. The Tissue Kallikrein Family of Serine Proteases: Functional Roles in Human Disease and Potential as Clinical Biomarkers. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci 2008; 41:265-312. [PMID: 15307634 DOI: 10.1080/10408360490471931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Prostate specific antigen (PSA) or human kallikrein 3 (hK3) has long been an effective biomarker for prostate cancer. Now, other members of the tissue kallikrein (KLK) gene family are fast becoming of clinical interest due to their potential as prognostic biomarkers. particularly for hormone dependent cancers. The tissue kallikreins are serine proteases that are encoded by highly conserved multi-gene family clusters in rodents and humans. The rat and mouse loci contain 10 and 25 functional genes, respectively, while the human locus at 19q 13.4 contains 15 genes. The structural organization and size of these genes are similar across species; all genes have 5 coding exons that encode a prepro-enzyme. Although the physiological activators of these zymogens have not been described, in vitro biochemical studies show that some kallikreins can auto-activate and others can activate each other, suggesting that the kallikreins may participate in an enzymatic cascade similar to that of the coagulation cascade. These genes are expressed, to varying degrees, in a wide range of tissues suggesting a functional involvement in a diverse range of physiological and pathophysiological processes. These include roles in normal skin desquamation and psoriatic lesions, tooth development, neural plasticity, and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Of particular interest is the expression of many kallikreins in prostate, ovarian, and breast cancers where they are emerging as useful prognostic indicators of disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith A Clements
- Hormone Dependent Cancer Program, Cluster for Molecular Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences & Science Research Centre, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia.
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17
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Gregorakis AK, Stefanakis S, Malovrouvas D, Petraki K, Gourgiotis D, Scorilas A. Total and free PSA kinetics in patients without prostate cancer undergoing radical cystoprostatectomy. Prostate 2008; 68:759-65. [PMID: 18213630 DOI: 10.1002/pros.20733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Radical cystoprostatectomy and radical prostatectomy are the two major operations where prostate is totally and radically removed. Radical cystoprostatectomy is usually performed in patients with invasive bladder cancer. The aim of the study was to examine Total PSA, Free PSA, and Free/Total Ratio elimination kinetics after radical cystoprostatectomy. METHODS Serum PSA, Free PSA, and Free/Total Ratio were determined preoperatively, at the time of cystoprostatectomy specimen removal and then at 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 168 hr, from seven patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer, who underwent radical cystoprostatectomy. Free and Total PSA concentrations were measured with non-competitive immunological procedures. The elimination rates and half-lives of Total, Free PSA and Free/Total Ratio were studied using a nonlinear regression analysis. RESULTS Surgical manipulations caused about 1.5-fold increase of PSA, 5-fold increase in Free PSA and 3-fold increase in Free/Total Ratio. PSA and Free PSA followed a biphasic elimination pattern of a rapid exponential (a) phase with a half-life of 4.27 and 2.14 hr and a terminal, nonexponential (b) phase with a half-life of 63 and 173.2 hr, respectively. Free/Total PSA Ratio followed, also, a biphasic kinetic pattern of a rapid exponential decline with a half-life of 3.34 and a terminal non-exponential increase with a doubling time of 43 hr. CONCLUSIONS Comparing PSA kinetics after radical cystoprostatectomy with those of radical prostatectomy, it appears that PSA follows the same elimination pattern in both models. In contrast, Free PSA and Free/Total Ratio elimination kinetics' patterns differ between the two surgical models.
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Mauck CK, Doncel GF. Biomarkers of semen in the vagina: applications in clinical trials of contraception and prevention of sexually transmitted pathogens including HIV. Contraception 2007; 75:407-19. [PMID: 17519146 DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2007.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2006] [Revised: 02/13/2007] [Accepted: 02/23/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Biomarkers of vaginal exposure to semen, long used in forensic medicine, are now becoming important in the development of vaginal microbicides to prevent HIV/STIs and the development of contraceptives. Semen biomarkers could help evaluate the safety of a new physical or chemical barrier, give preliminary indication of the effectiveness of physical barriers such as diaphragms or condoms, and provide information on unprotected intercourse among participants in a clinical trial who have been advised to use condoms. Candidate biomarkers of semen exposure fall into two broad categories: (1) biomarkers of seminal plasma, among which prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is the best characterized; and (2) biomarkers of spermatozoa and other cells present in semen. This paper, authored by a working group of investigators performing research in the field of semen biomarkers, summarizes the characteristics of an ideal semen biomarker, reviews preclinical and clinical data on existing and potential biomarkers, and outlines the steps that should be carried out to develop an improved biomarker of semen exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine K Mauck
- CONRAD, Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS), Arlington, VA 22209, USA.
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Bahceci M, Bilge M, Tuzcu A, Tuzcu S, Bahceci S. Serum prostate specific antigen levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome and the effect of flutamide+desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol combination. J Endocrinol Invest 2004; 27:353-6. [PMID: 15233555 DOI: 10.1007/bf03351061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is expressed in many female tissues and its concentrations were higher in hirsute subjects. We aimed to determine serum PSA level in hirsute women and evaluate the effect of flutamide+desogestrel/ethynil estradiol combination. SUBJECTS AND STUDY DESIGN Thirty patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and 30 healthy controls were studied. Hirsutism was defined by modified Ferriman-Gallwey score (FGS). Free androgen index (FAI) was used for hyperandrogenism. Patients received flutamide (500 mg/d) and oral contraceptive (desogestrel+ethinyl estradiol) for 9 months. RESULTS Mean FGS (p<0.0001), insulin (p<0.01), FAI (0.0001), androstenedione (p<0.0001), LH (p<0.05), and free testosterone (p<0.003) levels of patients with PCOS were higher than the control group. Mean serum total and free PSA level of PCOS patients were higher than the control group (p<0.0001 and p<0.0001). We found a positive correlation between total PSA levels and FGS (r=0.568, p<0.001), FAI and FGS (r=0.456 and p<0.01). There was also a positive correlation between FAI and total PSA (r=0.503 and p<0.005). At the end of treatment, FGS, androstenedione, free and total testosterone, FAI, serum PSA and LH levels decreased significantly [serum total PSA was 0.0208 +/- 0.0178 ng/ml at baseline and 0.0061 +/- 0.0044 ng/ml after treatment (p<0.0001)]. CONCLUSIONS 1. Serum prostate specific antigen level is higher in patients with PCOS; 2. There is a positive correlation among FGS, FAI and PSA levels; 3. Serum PSA levels decrease with antiandrogen treatment; 4. Serum PSA measurement might be a marker for hirsutism.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Bahceci
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Dicle University, School of Medicine, Diyarbakir, Turkey.
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Güllü S, Emral R, Asik M, Cesur M, Tonyukuk V. Diagnostic value of prostatic specific antigen in hirsute women. J Endocrinol Invest 2003; 26:1198-202. [PMID: 15055472 DOI: 10.1007/bf03349157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Determination of prostatic specific antigen (PSA) in female tissues has become available recently. The expression of PSA gene is under androgenic regulation. Therefore, hyperandrogenemic states, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), are expected to be presented with the higher levels of PSA. The current study aimed at evaluating PSA levels in hirsute women presumed to have PCOS or idiopatic hirsutism (IH). Thirty-three patients with PCOS, 40 patients with IH, and 20 healthy control subjects were enrolled in the study. Beside basal hormonal evaluation, total PSA (tPSA), and free PSA (fPSA) were determined in all subjects. Average level of tPSA was the highest in PCOS patients (0.099+/-0.267 ng/ml) when compared with IH and control subjects (p<0.05 and p<0.001, respectively). Besides, mean fPSA levels were found to be significantly higher in patients with PCOS than healthy controls (0.033+/-0.070 vs 0.010+/-0.001 ng/ml; p<0.05). Both total and free PSA levels were found to be higher in 73 hirsute women than in control subjects (p<0.01 and p<0.05, respectively). Women with hyperandrogenemia tended to have higher tPSA than women without hyperandrogenemia (p<0.01). PSA is likely to be used to discriminate hyperandrogenemic hirsutism. If more sensitive assays become available, PSA might be used as a diagnostic criteria for hirsutism and even for some diseases which have hirsutism as a component.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Güllü
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Ankara University, School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
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Manetti L, Lupi I, Bogazzi F, Pellegrini G, Precisi A, Grasso L, Nencetti C, Gasperi M, Martino E. Prostate-specific antigen is increased in female patients with Cushing's disease. J Endocrinol Invest 2002; 25:RC29-31. [PMID: 12398228 DOI: 10.1007/bf03345504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a serine protease with chymotripsine-like enzymatic activity, produced primarily by the prostate gland. It is widely used as a marker of androgen sensitive-prostate cancer. Likewise, women with androgen-dependent hirsutism have increased serum PSA levels. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether female patients with Cushing's disease had increased serum PSA concentrations. We studied 22 patients with active Cushing's disease. Twelve out of 22 patients were also evaluated after remission of the disease. Forty normal women with no signs of hirsutism served as controls. Mean serum PSA levels were higher in patients with active Cushing's disease than controls (p=0.005). Mean serum PSA levels decreased after remission of the disease (33.7+/-63.3 pg/ml vs 2.2+/-3.0 pg/ml, p<0.002, in active and cured patients, respectively). All patients with high serum PSA levels had a normalization of this parameter after the disease was cured. Serum T, DHEAS and delta4 concentrations decreased after the remission of Cushing's disease. A positive correlation was found between serum PSA and T values (r=0.6, p<0.05). In conclusion, elevated serum PSA values are markers of androgen activity in female with Cushing's disease and their normalization may represent an additional index of remission of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Manetti
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Pisa, Italy
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Scorilas A. Polyadenylate polymerase (PAP) and 3' end pre-mRNA processing: function, assays, and association with disease. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci 2002; 39:193-224. [PMID: 12120781 DOI: 10.1080/10408360290795510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Polyadenylate polymerase (PAP) is one of the enzymes involved in the formation of the polyadenylate tail of the 3' end of mRNA. Poly (A) tail formation is a significant component of 3' processing, a link in the chain of events, including transcription, splicing, and cleavage/polyadenylation of pre-mRNA. Transcription, capping, splicing, polyadenylation, and transport take place as coupled processes that can regulate one another. The poly(A) tail is found in almost all eukaryotic mRNA and is important in enhancing translation initiation and determining mRNA stability. Control of poly(A) tail synthesis could possibly be a key regulatory step in gene expression. PAP-specific activity values are measured by a highly sensitive assays and immunocytochemical methods. High levels of PAP activity are associated with rapidly proliferating cells, it also prevents apoptosis. Changes of PAP activity may cause a decrease in the rate of polyadenylation in the brain during epileptic seizures. Testis-specific PAP may play an important role in spermiogenesis. PAP was found to be an unfavorable prognostic factor in leukemia and breast cancer. Furthermore, measurements of PAP activity may contribute to the definition of the biological profile of tumor cells. It is crucial to know the specific target causing the elevation of serum PAP, for it to be used as a marker for disease. This review summarizes the recently accumulated knowledge on PAP including its function, assays, and association with various human diseases, and proposes future avenues for research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Scorilas
- National Center for Scientific Research Demokritos, IPC, Athens, Greece.
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