Association Between the Aromatase rs2414096 Polymorphism and Prostate Cancer

Abstract Objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate association between the aromatase ( CYP19A1 ) rs2414096 polymorphism and the risk of prostate cancer development, progression and aggressiveness in the Slovak population. Background Aromatase catalyses the final reaction of androgens aromatization to estrogens, irreversible conversion of androstenedione to estrone and testosterone to estradiol. Methods The study population consisted of 721 prostate cancer patients and 660 men in the control group. Genotyping was performed via restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. The expression levels of CYP19A1 in prostate cancer tissues were compared with those in benign prostatic hyperplasia tissues. Results The CYP19A1 rs2414096 AA genotype and A allele were significantly associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer development. The significant association between this genotype and PSA level ≥ 10 ng/ml, Gleason score ≥ 7 and with the presence of metastases was observed. Significantly decreased relative expression of CYP19A1 was detected in prostate cancer tissues. Patients with the AA genotype presented higher relative CYP19A1 expression than did those with the GG genotype. Significantly lower circulating testosterone levels and higher serum PSA levels were detected in patients with the AA genotype. Conclusion The CYP19A1 rs2414096 polymorphism was significantly associated with prostate cancer development and aggressiveness in Slovak patients.