Possible autocrine loop of the epidermal growth factor system in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia treated with finasteride: a placebo-controlled randomized study

Objective To analyse the expression of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) system in prostate tissue and secretions obtained from patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) treated with or without finasteride (which primarily targets the androgen-sensitive secretory epithelial cells in the prostate, with little effect on basal epithelial and stromal cells). Patients and methods The expression of the EGF system was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunohistochemistry in samples of prostate tissue and secretions from patients with BPH randomized for treatment with finasteride or placebo for 3 months before surgery. Results Prostate tissue expressed the EGF receptor (HER1) and HER2, and the ligands EGF, transforming growth factor α (TGFα), heparin-binding (HB) EGF, betacellulin and amphiregulin. Treatment with finasteride produced greater concentrations of amphiregulin (P