A Comparative Analysis of MAPK and Akt Phosphorylation in Prostate Cancer Tissues

Background: Prostate cancer is a common male urogenital system malignant tumor which is increasing worldwide. Molecular markers for early diagnosis and target therapy of it are not yet clinically available. Methods: A total of 71 prostate cancer and 10 benign prostatic hyperplasia tissues were collected for immunohistochemistry and Western blot assay of phosphorylated MAPK (Thr202) and Akt (Ser473) levels. Results: Gleason grading resulted in classifying 15 prostate cancer tissues as well-differentiated, 25 as moderately-differentiated, and 31 as poorly-differentiated. Immunohistochemical staining showed that levels of phosphorylated Akt level were higher, and phosphorylated MAPK were lower, in prostate cancer tissues compared to benign prostatic hyperplasia tissues. Elevated p-Akt/Akt, and reduced p-MAPK/MAPK ratios correlated with poor differentiation of prostate cancer. Conclusion: In prostate cancer tissues, p-Akt levels were elevated and p-MAPK protein levels were lowered. Low p-MAPK protein levels may be caused by higher p-Akt levels. p-Akt/p-MAPK ratio increases may provide a diagnostic marker for early prostate cancer diagnosis