ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the expressions of neurotrophic factors (NTFs) and their receptors in prostate cancer.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We detected the expressions of the nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and their receptors TrkA, TrkB and p75 in 35 specimens of prostate cancer by Western blotting, and included 10 specimens of normal prostate tissue from young males that died accidentally.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the control group, the expressions of NGF and p75 were significantly decreased (P < 0.01), while those of BDNF, TrkA and TrkB significantly increased in prostate cancer (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The changes in the expressions of NTFs and their receptors were related with the pathogenesis and progression of prostate cancer, which may be considered as reference indexes for the diagnosis of the disease.</p>