Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most frequently diagnosed malignancies in men.
Androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) is the first-line treatment and fundamental management for men with advanced PCa to suppress functions of androgen/androgen receptor (AR) signaling. ADT is effective at improving cancer symptoms and prolonging survival. However, epidemiological and clinical studies support the notion that testosterone deficiency in men leads to the development of metabolic syndrome that increases cardiovascular disease risk. The underlying mechanisms by which androgen/AR signaling regulates metabolic homeostasis in men are complex, and in this review, we discuss molecular mechanisms mediated by AR signaling that link ADT to metabolic syndrome. Results derived from various AR knockout mouse models reveal tissue-specific AR signaling that is involved in regulation of metabolism. These data suggest that steps be taken early to manage metabolic complications associated with PCa patients receiving ADT, which could be accomplished using tissue-selective modulation of AR signaling and by treatment with insulin-sensitizing agents.
Written by:
Yu IC, Lin HY, Sparks JD, Yeh S, Chang C. Are you the author?
Department of Pathology, George Whipple Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY; Department of Urology, George Whipple Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY; Wilmot Cancer Center, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY; Sex Hormone Research Center, China Medical University/Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.
Reference: Diabetes. 2014 Oct;63(10):3180-3188.
doi: 10.2337/db13-1505
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 25249645