PROGINS-polymorphism in the human progesterone receptor gene: a potential genetic risk factor for prostate cancer?

Abstract

Purpose: Recently, a polymorphism in the progesterone receptor gene was detected and named PROGINS. In comparison to the wildtype receptor, the receptor protein encoded by PROGINS shows increased stability. The purpose of this study was to evaluate PROGINS as a possible genetic risk marker for prostate cancer, since PROGINS has been shown to modulate the risk of ovarian and breast cancer. Materials and Methods: Genomic DNA from 94 American Caucasian prostate cancer patients and from 100 healthy male German Caucasian control individuals were tested for their genetic constitution in terms of the PROGINS polymorphism by polymerase chain reaction. Results: No association between the PROGINS polymorphism and the incidence of prostate cancer or with a variety of parameters characterizing the course of this disease was detected. Conclusion: The PROGINS polymorphism cannot be used as a genetic risk marker for prostate cancer. Due to the great complexity and multitude of biological effects of progesterone, the lack of knowledge on the exact mechanism of action of PROGINS and on the significance and function of progesterone in the prostate gland, more research is needed in these areas to comprehensively explain our data.