Chemokine CXCL12 and its receptor CXCR4 expression are associated with perineural invasion of prostate cancer

Abstract Objective To identify the roles of CXCL12 and CXCR4 and the associated mechanism involved in perineural invasion of prostate cancer. Methods The distribution and expression of CXCL12, CXCR4, MMP-2 and MMP-9 in human prostate cancer and in tumor cells invading nerve tissue were studied with immunohistochemical staining. The effects of exogenous CXCL12 and CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100 on PC3 prostate cancer cells invasiveness were assessed in vitro and in vivo. Results The expression of CXCL12, CXCR4, MMP-2, and MMP-9 in human prostate cancer were higher than those in hyperplastic prostate tissues (PPPPConclusion CXCL12 and its receptor CXCR4 along with MMP-2 and MMP-9 are related with prostate cancer perineural invasion.