The impact of inflammation on prostate tumor dynamics: a pathological perspective on prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia

Introduction: Chronic inflammation is associated to the pathogenesis of prostate cancer (PCa) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This study evaluated the correlation between inflammatory markers fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2), interleukin (IL)-8, and IL-6 in PCa and BPH tissues to understand their involvement in disease progression.
Methods: A cross-sectional investigation was carried out, examining prostate specimens from 62 male patients diagnosed with PCA or BPH. Specimens were taken via transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and stained with hematoxylin and eosin to look for inflammatory infiltrates and aggressiveness. The levels of FGF2, IL-8, and IL-6 were evaluated using ELISA. Chi-square and logistic regression tests were used in the statistical analysis.
Results: High-grade inflammation was found in all BPH cases (100%), but not in PCa cases. In BPH tissues, elevated levels of IL-8 and IL-6 had a significant correlation with high-grade inflammation (p < 0.05). On the other hand, PCa tissues had considerably greater FGF2 levels than benign tissues (p < 0.05). Elevated FGF2 levels and the lack of high-grade inflammation in PCa tissues point to different pathogenic processes in PCa and BPH.
Conclusions: This study emphasizes the importance of chronic inflammation in BPH development, with IL-8 and IL-6 playing essential roles. The results imply that treating BPH by focusing on IL-8 and IL-6 may be beneficial. Increased levels of FGF2 in PCa tissues suggest that this protein may be used as a biomarker and therapeutic target for PCa. These findings highlight the importance of targeting both inflammatory and growth factor pathways for treating prostatic disorders.