ABSTRACT
Despite many studies, the base of formation of hyperplasia and malignancy is unknown. Prostate cancer is the second most common malignancy in men all over the world. The extracellular matrix [ECM] contains a number of macromolecules that may influence normal and neoplastic growth of tissues. The pericellular glycosaminoglycan chondroitin sulfate [GAG/Ch.s] has been ascribed roles in cell-cell adhesion, cellular matrix adhesion, cellular migration and embryological morphogenesis. In this research changes of concentration of ch.s in BPH and prostate adenocarcinoma studied. Formalin-fixed samples of BPH and adenocarcinoma were taken from patients by surgery [prostatectomy]. According to their histological characteristics [with H-E staining], samples were confirmed as BPH or prostate cancer by a pathologist. All samples were fixed in PBS-formalin, processed in standard laboratory protocols, and embedded in paraffin wax. Samples were sectioned in each 5 mm. Then critical electrolyte concentration [CEC] alcian blue staining [ph=5.8] was performed. The concentration of GAG/chondroitin sulfate in ECM was significantly higher in adenocarcinoma as compared to BPH especially in the stromal-epithelial interface. In BPH, luminal surfaces were moderately stained of ch.s but poorly stained of the adjacent fibromuscular stromal tissues or were not stained at all. In adenocarcinoma chs revealed an intense pricellular-staining pattern, the most intense staining was observed in the base membrane. The changes of concentration of GAG/ ch.s between BPH and adenocarcinoma were totally different [and specific]. The increased ch.s may be a response or requirement for epithelial growth or cell division. Therefore, the intensity of GAG/Ch.s in prostate stroma may be a useful biomarker of disease progression in prostate cancer