Molecular profiling of apoptotic, inflammatory, and angiogenic markers in prostate cancer: Focus on p53, IL-6, IL-8, Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and VEGF.
TL;DR
Prostate cancer patients exhibited decreased p53 and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, indicating impaired apoptosis, and IL-6 and IL-8 were significantly elevated and positively correlated, reflecting a pro-inflammatory environment.
Abstract
Objective
Aim: To perform a comprehensive molecular profiling of key apoptotic, inflammatory, and angiogenic markers - p53, IL-6, IL-8, Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and VEGF -in peripheral blood samples of patients with prostate cancer. PATIENTS AND
Methods
Materials and Methods: A total of 60 male participants were enrolled in the study, comprising 40 patients with histologically confirmed prostate cancer and 20 age-matched healthy controls. The median age in both groups was 68 years (range: 55-78). Patients were stratified according to Gleason score, PSA levels, and tumor stage from the begging of August 2024 to the end May 2025. Blood samples from patients suffering Prostate cancer (PCa). ELISA Human-specific ELISA kits (e.g., from R&D Systems, BioLegend, or Abcam) (from Serum) for IL-6, IL-8, VEGF. As well as Bax/Bcl-2 Ratio. RNA Quality Check: The concentration and integrity of RNA will be evaluated using a NanoDrop agarose gel. cDNA Synthesis: A reverse transcription kit (such as Thermo Fisher's High-Capacity cDNA Reverse Transcription Kit) will be used to create cDNA from 1 μg of RNA. Target Genes p53, Primers, and Probes for Quantitative Real-Time PCR (qRT-PCR).
Results
Results: p53 Expression, qPCR analysis revealed significantly decreased expression of p53 mRNA in prostate cancer patients compared to controls (mean ΔCt = 6.1 ± 0.8 vs. 4.3 ± 0.6; p < 0.001. Serum IL-6 levels (by ELISA) were elevated in prostate cancer patients (mean = 18.4 ± 6.2 pg/mL) compared to controls (7.1 ± 2.3 pg/mL); p < 0.001. Similarly, IL-8 levels were significantly higher in patients (27.5 ± 9.8 pg/mL) than in controls (10.2 ± 3.5 pg/mL); p < 0.001. Serum VEGF concentrations were significantly increased in prostate cancer patients (median = 296 pg/mL; IQR = 230-360 pg/mL) compared to controls (median = 122 pg/mL; IQR = 90-160 pg/mL); p < 0.0001.
Conclusion
Conclusions: Prostate cancer patients exhibited decreased p53 and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, indicating impaired apoptosis. IL-6 and IL-8 were significantly elevated and positively correlated, reflecting a pro-inflammatory environment.