Expression of extracellular matrix proteins: tenascin-C, fibronectin and galectin-3 in prostatic adenocarcinoma

Abstract

Introduction: The interchanged stromal-epithelial relations and altered expression profiles of various extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins creates a suitable microenvironment for cancer development and growth. We support the opinion that remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) plays an important role in the cancer progression. The aim of this study was to examine the expression of ECM proteins tenascin-C, fibronectin and galectin-3 in prostatic adenocarcinoma.
Methods: Glands and surrounding stroma were analyzed in randomly selected specimens from 52 patients with prostate cancer and 28 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BHP). To evaluate the intensity of tenascin-C, fibronectin and galectin-3 expression the percentage of positively immunostained stromal cells was examined.

Results: Compared to BPH, stroma of prostatic adenocarcinoma showed statistically significant increase in tenascin-C expression (p<0.001), predominantly around neoplastic glands, while fibronectin (p=0.001) and galectin-3 (p<0.001) expression in the same area was decreased.

Conclusions: Our study confirms changes in the expression of ECM proteins of prostate cancer which may have important role in the cancer development.