Expression of Kisspeptin (KISS1) and its Receptor GPR54 (KISS1R) in Prostate Cancer

Abstract

Background/aim: Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in men. In contrast to localized disease, metastatic PCa leads to increased mortality. Kisspeptin (KISS1) functions as a metastasis suppressor in various cancers. The aim of this study was to detect the expression of KISS1 and its receptor GPR54 (KISS1R) in prostate cancer.

Materials and methods: The expression of KISS1 and KISS1R was examined in prostate cancer tissue specimens after radical prostatectomy.

Results: A higher expression of KISS1 and KISS1R was shown in patients with localized tumors (Stage ≤IIb) compared to patients with advanced (Stage ≥III) tumor. High Gleason score PCa and higher prognostic groups patients showed a lower expression rate of both KISS1 and KISS1R.

Conclusion: A down-regulation of KISS1-KISS1R system was detected in advanced prostate cancer. KISS1as tumor suppressor might be useful in the future for the diagnosis, risk assessment of prostate cancer progression, as well as a therapeutic target for aggressive tumors.

Keywords: KISS1; KISS1R; metastasis suppression; prostate cancer.