Association of TA Repeat Polymorphism of Steroid 5-AlphaReductase Type 2 Gene with Prostate Cancer in a Beninese Population

Abstract

Introduction. Genetic variants of 5-alpha-reductase type 2 (SRD5A2) have been associated with high-risk factors for prostate cancer (PCa). The purpose of this study was to determine the association between the SRD5A2 gene AT repeat polymorphism and total prostate-specific antigen (TPSA) level on one hand, and PCa grade on the other. Materials and Methods. This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study conducted from January 2018 to September 2022 at the CNHU-HKM UrologyAndrology University Clinic. TPSA levels were determined by radioimmunoassay. PCa Gleason scores and ISUP 2016 classification were defined by pathological examination of biopsies. PCR was used to determine the different genotypes of the SRD5A2 gene AT repeat polymorphism. The association between genotypes and clinical data was studied using the proportion and Student's t-tests. Results. The inclusion criteria were met by 140 cancer patients. The average age was 59.62 years, with 9.16 years as a standard deviation. The TPSA levels averaged 104.87 ng/ml, with 160.96 ng/ml as a standard deviation. Histologically, 58.57% of cases had a Gleason score ≥ 8, with 50.71% classified as ISUP 4 and 7.86% as ISUP 5. In the study population, the genotypes SRD5A2-L/SRD5A2-L and SRD5A2-L/SRD5A2-S were respectively 58.57% and 41.43%. Statistical analyses revealed highly significant differences between SRD5A2 genotypes when considering respectively TPSA levels and the ISUP 2016 groups. Conclusion. Very high levels of TPSA and a high-risk of PCa were associated with the SRD5A2-L/SRD5A2-L genotype. It has the potential to be used as a genetic marker for screening and early diagnosis of PCa.