[Expression and significance of activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule in prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia and adenocarcinoma].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the expression of activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule(ALCAM) protein in prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia and adenocarcinoma, and the relationship between ALCAM expression and clinicopathological features of prostatic carcinoma.

METHODS

ALCAM protein expression was evaluated in the tissues of 41 human prostatic carcinomas by using immunohistochemistry (EnVision method).

RESULTS

ALCAM was widely expressed in prostatic epithelia. Overexpression of ALCAM was found in most prostatic intraepithelial neoplasias and low-grade cancers, whereas a decreased expression shown in some high-grade cancers. The ALCAM protein expression in prostatic carcinoma was correlated with pathological grading. However, no correlation of ALCAM expression was found with preoperative serum prostate-specific antigen levels or clinical stages.

CONCLUSION

Expression of ALCAM is disturbed in prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia and adenocarcinoma, indicating its involvement in the development of human prostatic carcinoma.