Medicus, Vol. 15 No. 2_UG infekcije, 2006.
Review article
The Role of Inflammation in Prostate Cancer Pathogenesis
Goran Štimac
Ognjen Kraus
Abstract
Prostate cancer continues to be a source of
considerable morbidity and mortality for aging men. In recent
publications there is emerging evidence that prostate inflammation
and/or infection may contribute to prostatic carcinogenesis.
Chronic subclinical inflammation is thought to incite carcinogenesis
by causing oxidative cell and genome damage, promoting
cellular turnover, and creating a tissue microenvironment that
can enhance cell replication, angiogenesis and tissue repair.
The molecular pathogenesis of prostate cancer has been characterized by somatic alterations of genes involved in defences
against inflammatory damage and in tissue recovery. In support
of this hypothesis, epidemiological data and population studies
have found an increased relative risk of prostate cancer in men
with a prior history of certain sexually transmitted infections or
prostatitis. Evidence from genetic and molecular studies also
support the hypothesis that prostate inflammation and/or infection
may be a cause of prostate cancer. These emerging insights
into chronic inflammation in the aetiology of prostate carcinogenesis
hold the promise of spawning new preventive strategies
for prostate cancer. The novel strategies in prostate cancer
chemoprevention include: 1/ antioxidants; 2/dietary antioxidants;
3/ anti-inflammatory drugs; 4/ prevention, detection and
therapy of sexually transmitted diseases. Recent literature on
the topic is reviewed and discussed.
Keywords
prostate cancer; inflammation; prostatitis; sexually transmitted diseases; carcinogenesis; free radicals; antioxidants; prevention
Hrčak ID:
18148
URI
Publication date:
29.12.2006.
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