1. p53 Abnormalities in Primary Prostate Cancer: Single-Strand Conformation Polymorphism Analysis of Complementary DNA in Comparison With Genomic DNA

The reported frequency of mutation of the p53 tumor suppressor gene (also known as TP53) in human carcinomas of the prostate has varied widely, ranging from 3% to 42%. Some primary carcinomas of the prostate contain more than one altered p53 gene, consistent with the possibility of intratumoral heterogeneity of mutation of this gene. For comprehensive analysis of p53 mutations in carcinomas of the prostate, and perhaps in other tumor tissues, SSCP analysis of cDNA should be used in combination with SSCP analysis of genomic DNA.

2. Deletion Polymorphism of UDP-Glucuronosyltransferase 2B17 and Risk of Prostate Cancer in African American and Caucasian Men

A deletion polymorphism in theUGT2B17 gene was recently described that was associated with a reduced rate of glucuronidation in vivo. So the study was made to determine if the deletion polymorphism is associated with susceptibility to prostate cancer. These results suggest that the UGT2B17 enzyme may play a role in the metabolism of androgens in prostate tissue and that the UGT2B17 deletion polymorphism is associated with prostate cancer risk. There was an increase in prostate cancer risk among individuals with UGT2B17 deletion polymorphism.

3. Arg462Gln and Asp541Glu polymorphisms in ribonuclease L and prostate cancer risk: a meta-analysis

The association between ribonuclease L (RNASEL) gene polymorphisms and prostate cancer risk has been widely reported. A significantly increased prostate cancer risk was found for the Arg462Gln polymorphism in Africans, but not in Europeans and Asians. In the stratified analysis for the As-p541Glu polymorphism, there was a significantly increased prostate cancer risk in Africans and Europeans, and in hospital-based prostate cancer cases. The meta-analysis results showed evidence that RNASEL Arg462Gln and Asp541Glu polymorphisms are associated with prostate cancer risk and could be low-penetrance prostate cancer susceptibility biomarkers.

4. Association of a Novel Long Non-coding RNA in 8q24 with Prostate Cancer Susceptibility

Recent genome wide association studies reported strong and reproducible associations of multiple genetic variants in a large "gene desert" region of chromosome 8q24 with susceptibility to prostate cancer.

5. Transforming growth factor-beta 1 gene polymorphisms and expression in the blood of prostate cancer patients.

It was evaluated that the influence of the TGFB1 polymorphisms by ARMS-PCR, Leu10Pro, and Arg25Pro, on prostate cancer (PCa) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). These alleles were associated with a higher risk of developing PCa and BPH. The C allele of the Leu10Pro polymorphism may predispose men to a more rapid cancer progression. Additionally, higher mRNA levels in the peripheral blood of PCa patients suggest that tumor cells may be disseminated in the circulation and could be used as a biomarker for extra-capsular invasion.

6. The endothelial nitric oxide synthase Glu-298-Asp polymorphism and its mRNA expression in the peripheral blood of patients with prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia

The endothelial nitric oxide synthase (ecNOS) has an important role in vascular development and in the carcinogenesis process of prostate cancer (PCa). The GG and GT Glu-298-Asp genotypes were associated with positive Prostate Cancer Antigen (DD3) expression in the peripheral blood, presenting a 3.32-fold higher risk of PCa occurrence. The higher G allele frequency among pT3 and pT4 staged PCa patients suggests that this would be associated with advanced phenotypes of the disease and may also be contributing to higher NO levels, causing cancer progression.

7. CYP3A43 Pro340Ala Polymorphism and Prostate Cancer Risk in African Americans and Caucasians

The human cytochrome P450 3A subfamily of enzymes is involved in the metabolism of steroid hormones, carcinogens, and many drugs. A cytosine-to-guanine polymorphism inCYP3A43 results in a proline-to-alanine substitution at codon 340. When all subjects were considered, there was a 3-fold increase in risk of prostate cancer among individuals with the CYP3A43-Ala/Ala genotype (odds ratio, 3.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-7.2) compared with those with the CYP3A43-Pro/Pro genotype after adjusting for age, race, and smoking. The prevalence of the polymorphism was significantly higher in African Americans than Caucasians.