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OBJECTIVE:
To measure expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and
microvessel density (MVD) in the prostates of men after transurethral
resection of the prostate (TURP) following 2 weeks of treatment with
finasteride.
PATIENTS AND METHODS:
Sixty-four men scheduled to undergo TURP were randomized to receive 5 mg of
finasteride or placebo daily for 2 weeks before surgery. Sections of
prostatic urothelium were stained for VEGF expression and for CD31 to assess
MVD. Ten consecutive, non-overlapping high-power fields were analysed in a
blinded fashion.
RESULTS:
In all, 31 men received finasteride and 33 placebo; the groups were similar
in patient age, resected prostate weight, preoperative catheterization,
prostate-specific antigen level, aspirin use, spinal anaesthesia and
postoperative diagnosis of prostate cancer. The mean (95% confidence
interval) MVD was significantly lower in the finasteride group (60, 55-65)
than in the placebo group (71, 64-78; P < 0.01). Similarly, the mean
expression of VEGF was significantly lower in the finasteride group (47,
43-52 vs 61, 54-67; P < 0.001)
CONCLUSION:
Finasteride inhibits angiogenic growth factors leading to reduced
vascularity, and this is the basis of its action in reducing haematuria of
prostatic origin. The present study shows that finasteride influences the
prostatic microvasculature after only 2 weeks exposure.
Reference:
BJU Int. 2005 Dec;96(9):1319-22. |