Androgen-dependent expression of c-jun and c-fos in human non-transformed epithelial prostatic cells:: Association with cell proliferation

Objective: To assess the effect of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) on the gene expression of c-fos and c-jun and on the proliferation of human non-transformed epithelial prostatic (HNTEP) cells. Methods: Cell proliferation (MTT) and c-fos and c-jun mRNA expression (RT-PCR) were determined in cells treated with DHT (10(-8), 10(-10), and 10(-13) M) or with control medium. Results: DHT 10(-13) M had a significant stimulatory effect on cell proliferation (p<0.05) and c-fos and c-jun gene expression when compared to cells treated with higher concentrations of this hormone (10(-10) and 10(-8) M) or with the control group. Conclusions: Our data demonstrate that the increase in c-fos and c-jun expression and cell growth in HNTEP cells is maximal with the lowest DHT concentration (10(-13) M). These proto-oncogenes may play a role in the control of hormone responsiveness and cell proliferation in HNTEP cells. Copyright (C) 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel.