Immunohistochemical analysis of Hedgehog signaling in prostatic adenocarcinoma

Background and aim: The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway plays an essential role in normal development of normal prostate gland. Deregulation of this pathway is responsible for carcinogenesis of prostatic adenocarcinoma. Methods: Total 176 cases of prostatic adenocarcinomas were prepared and the Hh signaling molecules including Sonic hedgehog (Shh), Patched (Ptch), Smoothened (Smo), GLIoma-associated oncogene (Gli-1) and suppressor of fused (Su[fu]) were immunohistochemically analyzed. Results: Hh signaling molecules were significantly associated with prognostic factors; High Gleason score (≥7) was significantly associated with expression of Shh, Ptch, Smo, and Gli-1; tumor, node and metastasis stages with Shh, Ptch, Smo and Gli-1; initial prostate specific antigen with Ptch and Smo; large tumor volume with Gli-1; perineural invasion with Shh, Smo and Gli-1. Su(fu) was significantly associated inversely with multiplicity of tumor. Conclusions: Hh signaling molecules including Shh, Ptch, Smo and Gli-1 were associated with high Gleason score and advanced stage even in the low Gleason score.