Comparative Expression of RAGE and SOX2 in Benign and Malignant Prostatic Lesions

Abstract

Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) is a common health problem in elderly. RAGE (Receptor for advanced glycation<br />end products) is overexpressed in multiple human cancers. SOX2 (Sex-determining region Y box 2) also functions as an<br />oncoprotein and promotes cancer progression but the mechanisms involved remain largely unknown. Aim: The current<br />study investigated the expression patterns of RAGE and SOX2 in benign and malignant prostate samples in correlation<br />with the histopathological findings in order to evaluate their role as prognostic markers or therapeutic targets. Methods:<br />Immunohistochemical staining for RAGE and SOX2 antibodies was applied on 87 prostatic biopsies [16 of prostatitis, 20<br />of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and 51 of PCa]. Results: Expression of RAGE and SOX2 (percentage of positive<br />cells) was significantly higher in PCa lesions compared with prostatitis (p<0.01) and BPH (p<0.0001) and was also<br />significantly higher in prostatitis compared with BPH lesions (p<0.01). Also, percentage of positive RAGE and SOX2<br />cells showed a significant stepwise increase from Gleason Grade 3 to Grade 5 and were significantly higher in high<br />Gleason Scores (≥8) compared to lower Scores (≤7) with statistical significance (p=0.001). Conclusion: RAGE and<br />SOX2 were up-regulated in prostate cancer lesions, mainly in advanced grades, suggesting an active role of both antigens<br />in the development and progression of prostate cancer and expecting the possibility of their use as therapeutic targets.