Characterization of LC3 and p62 on Rat Prostate Lobe in Benign Prostate Hyperplasia Animal Model

Abstract

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is disease characterized by abnormal prostate cell proliferation. Rat models of testosterone propionate (TP)-induced BPH are the most popular experimental models for studying BPH. In rats, the prostate is located below the base of the urinary bladder and comprises four distinct lobes ventral, lateral, dorsal, and anterior. Autophagy associated with cellular homeostasis has been studied in relation to BPH. Microtubule-associated proteins 1A/1B-light chain 3 (LC3B) and sequestosome 1 (p62) are key markers of autophagy flux. However, the expression and localization of LC3B and p62 have not been elucidated in rats with testosterone-induced BPH. This study investigated the expression and specific localization of the two autophagy markers mentioned. Fifteen Sprague-Dawley rats were classified into three groups: normal control (N.C.), BPH (TP 5 mg/kg), and Fina (TP + finasteride 10 mg/kg). To evaluate the expression of the autophagy markers in BPH, hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemistry were performed for LC3B and p62. Both LC3B expression and p62 expression were higher in the anterior lobe than other areas. In addition, there was no significant difference in the dorsal lobe LC3B expression among the N.C., BPH, and Fina groups. In the lateral lobe, LC3B expression was decreased in the BPH group and increased in the Fina group. p62 expression in the BPH and Fina groups increased compared to that in the N.C. group. In the ventral lobe of the prostate, LC3B expression was lower in the BPH group, whereas it was higher in the Fina group. On the other hand, p62 expression increased in the BPH group, whereas it was lower in the Fina group similar to those observed in the N.C. group. Autophagy was suppressed in the BPH group, whereas it was induced in the ventral lobe in the Fina group. Based on our finding, we suggest that autophagy is a critical process in BPH. In particular, the ventral lobe of the rat prostate could be a potential target site for evaluating the therapeutic effects of BPH treatment in animal models.