An aim of the study was to determine the
protein expression of the FAS-related apoptosis signaling pathway (
FADD-FAS Associating Protein with Death Domain,
PRO-CASPASE-8 and
CASPASE-8), which are responsible for signal transduction to trigger programmed cell death (apoptosis) in
cancer and Prostatic Intraepitelial
Neoplasia (PIN). 20 specimens from
prostate cancer patients treated with radical
prostatectomy were inwestigated. 8
cancers were diagnosed as G-2 and 12 as G-3. 14 samples were described as poorly differentiated, high Gleason score (> or = 7). Control group consisted of prostate specimens from autopsy of 3 young men. Specimens were fixed in 10% buffered
formaldehyde and immersed in
paraffin. Haematoxylin and
eosin staining was done.
Monoclonal antibodies to FADD &
CASPASE-8 (Novocastra, UK) were used to immunohistochemical study, according to streptavidine-
biotin method. Semiquantitive method described
protein expression. Expression index (EI) was calculated as a percent of positive FADD or
CASPASE-8 cells to total cells in the specimen. Statistical analysis was performed with the Student t-test (p < 0.05). Normal prostate tissue was negative in both, FADD and
CASPASE-8 immunohistochemistry staining. PIN &
prostate cancer lesions were found to strongly express of FADD &
CASPASE-8 proteins. Expression of FADD in
cancer lesions was 66,5+/-27,8% and 59,8+/-19,0% vs. 56,8114,8% HGPIN and LGPIN, respectively. Expression of
CASPASE-8 in
cancer lesions was 64,1 + 23,4% and 61,5+/-15,0% vs. 48,0+/-17,6% HGPIN and LGPIN, respectively. PIN &
prostate cancer lesions are characterized by similar high expression of
proteins responsible for signal transduction to induce apoptosis. The mediators of apoptotic signal can be very important in
prostate cancer prophylaxis and management.