ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha (HIF-1alpha) protein expression in normal prostates (NP), benign prostatic glandular hyperplasia (BPH), and prostate adenocarcinoma (Pca).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>HIF-1alpha protein expression was determined by immunohistochemistry in formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded specimens obtained from 13 cases of NP, 28 cases of BPH, and 34 cases of Pca. In cases of Pca, the relationship between HIF-1alpha protein expression and certain clinicopathological factors, such as clinicopathologic stage and Gleason score, was evaluated.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>NP manifested no immunoreactivity, whereas Pca and BPH showed significantly increased HIF-1alpha protein expression. A significantly higher expression was observed in Pca specimens compared with BPH samples. In Pca, no significant relationship between HIF-1alpha protein expression and clinicopathological factors was found.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Our findings of increased HIF-1alpha protein expression in BPH and Pca specimens suggests the potential role of this protein in BPH and Pca.</p>