The androgen receptor signaling pathway is a key factor in the development and progression of prostate cancer. Aldo-keto reductases AKR1C1-AKR1C4 play an important role in the synthesis and metabolism of androgens in the body, and their expressions influence the androgen receptor signaling pathway and consequently the development and progression of prostate cancer. For the treatment of androgen-resistant prostate cancer, which cannot be cured currently, Chinese medicine and phytotherapy are receiving more and more attention for the mild, long-lasting and multi-target advantages of the small molecules of traditional Chinese medicine. This review summarizes the roles of aldo-keto reductases in the progression of prostate cancer and compares the anti-tumor activities of small molecules in Chinese medicine targeting aldo-keto reductases, hoping to provide a basis for the discovery of new targets for prostate cancer and the development of anti-tumor drugs.
Keywords: androgen; prostate cancer; traditional Chinese medicine; aldo-keto reductase.