Linking Estrogens, Prostatitis and Prostate Cancer
Abstract
This study aims to examine the role that estrogens and inflammation may play in the development and progression of prostate cancer. In order to demonstrate this, we have sought to characterise the inflammation and potential development of pre-malignancy in the aromatase over-expressing (AROM+) mouse as well as examine the impact of inflammation on aromatase expression and estrogen metabolism in human tissue. Significant progress has been made towards the aims. We have demonstrated that the AROM+ mouse develops chronic inflammation from 30 weeks of age and this inflammation has been extensively and thoroughly characterised; these data have also indicated a novel and significant role for mast cells in this process. We have also demonstrated that the AROM+ mice also develop pre-malignant lesions by 52 weeks of age, which is after the emergence of inflammation. These lesions have also been thoroughly characterised. Taken together, these data demonstrate that exposure to elevated physiological levels of estrogens are associated with the development of prostatic inflammation, and, subsequently, pre-malignancy. Additionally, these early data show that the AROM+ mouse is a novel, nonbacterial model for the study of prostate inflammation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA506437
Entities
People
- Stuart J. Ellem
Organizations
- Monash University