Polymorphic variations in the gene for osteoprotegerin do not predict prostate cancer incidence: Data from MrOS Sweden.

• Background Prostate cancer cells have been shown to produce and secrete osteoprotegerin (OPG), that inhibits tumor cell death by binding to TNF-related anti apoptotic ligand (TRAIL), and also is a key regulator of bone turnover . Bone metastases play a central role in prostate cancer spreading. However, the mechanisms underlying the interaction between bone cells and prostate cancer cells are not known.  The aim of this study was therefore to investigate whether polymorphic variations in the gene for OPG affect prostate cancer incidence, or extra prostatic disease and metastasis. Methods The study was performed in the MrOS-Sweden cohort consisting of 3,014 men aged 69-81 years. DNA was collected at the start of the study and the gene for OPG was investigated concerning SNPs previously shown to regulate bone mineral density (BMD), and therefore of biological importance. Data on prostate cancer prevalence at baseline, and incidence during a 3-year follow-up were collected from the Swedish Cancer Register. The association of six OPG polymorphisms with prostate cancer was evaluated. Results The association between six OPG polymorphisms and prostate cancer was evaluated. In these analyses there were no significant genotype differences between prostate cancer patients and controls. A tendency for an association between OPG genotypes and more severe disease (p=0.08-0.09) was found however regarding OPG genotypes. Conclusion Polymorphic variations in the gene for OPG are not associated with prostate cancer incidence. Our data on staging of prostate cancer at the diagnose according to the TNM system in regard to the variations in the OPG gene gave some tendencies to possible involvement but further studies are required to investigate the potential role of the OPG/RANK/RANKL system in the metastatic skeletal prostate cancer spreading, and growth, in bone.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Ortopedi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Orthopaedics (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

metastases

bone

prostate

cancer

osteoprotegerin

osteoporosis

RANKL

genetics

Orthopaedics

Ortopedi

Publikations- och innehållstyp

vet (ämneskategori)

ovr (ämneskategori)