Analysis of alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase (P504S) expression in high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia

Hum Pathol. 2004 Aug;35(8):1008-13. doi: 10.1016/j.humpath.2004.03.019.

Abstract

Alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase (AMACR), also known as P504S, is a recently identified molecular marker for prostate cancer. The expression of AMACR/P504S has also been observed in high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN), a precursor lesion of prostate cancer. However, a detailed study focusing on the analysis of AMACR/P504S expression in high-grade PIN has not been performed. In this study, we analyzed AMACR/P504S expression by immunohistochemistry in 3954 prostatic ducts and acini with high-grade PIN from 140 prostatectomy specimens. AMACR/P504S immunoreactivity was measured as negative (0), weakly positive (+1), moderately positive (+2), and strongly positive (+3). AMACR/P504S immunoreactivity was detected in 90.0% (126/140) of high-grade PIN cases, although only 41.5% (1642/3954) of prostatic glands involved by PIN showed AMACR/P504S immunoreactivity. A significantly higher AMACR/P504S-positive rate (56.0%) was found in isolated high-grade PIN glands adjacent to cancer (distance less than 5 mm) compared with those away from cancer (distance more than 5 mm; 14%, P < 0.0001). High-grade PIN glands adjacent to cancer also showed a higher (P < 0.0004) AMACR/P504S intensity (1.62) than did those away from cancer (1.11). Our results suggest that PIN strongly positive for AMACR/P504S might be more closely associated with cancer than PIN negative or weakly positive for AMACR/P504S. This study provides additional evidence to link high-grade PIN as a precursor lesion to prostatic adenocarcinoma.

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / enzymology*
  • Adenocarcinoma / pathology
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Immunoenzyme Techniques
  • Male
  • Prostatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia / enzymology*
  • Prostatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia / pathology
  • Prostatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia / surgery
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / enzymology*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / pathology
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / surgery
  • Racemases and Epimerases / metabolism*

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Racemases and Epimerases
  • alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase