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Regulation of prostate 5α‐reductase‐2 gene expression and prostate weight by dietary fat and caloric intake in the rat
Author(s) -
Cai LiQun,
ImperatoMcGinley Julianne,
Zhu YuanShan
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
the prostate
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.295
H-Index - 123
eISSN - 1097-0045
pISSN - 0270-4137
DOI - 10.1002/pros.20397
Subject(s) - prostate , endocrinology , medicine , gene expression , caloric theory , prostate cancer , gene , biology , biochemistry , cancer
Background High‐fat diet is a major risk factor for prostate cancer. 5α‐reductases are potential targets of dietary fat. Methods Male ACI/Seg rats given either a low‐fat or a high‐fat diet at weaning or adulthood were sacrificed at 2, 4, and 10 weeks after dietary treatment. Prostate 5α‐reductase mRNAs, plasma androgens, food consumption, prostate, and body weight were determined. Results Prostate 5α‐reductase‐2 mRNA and plasma dihydrotestosterone levels were elevated at 2 weeks, and prostate weight was increased at 10 weeks in neonatal rats fed the high‐fat diet. Animals fed the high‐fat diet consumed more calories in the first 4 weeks. 5α‐reductase‐1 mRNA, plasma testosterone, and body weight were not different between the two dietary groups. These dietary effects were not observed in adult rats fed the same diets. Conclusion A high‐dietary fat and caloric intake upregulates prostate 5α‐reductase‐2 gene expression, and stimulates prostate growth in neonatal, but not adult rats. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.