OBJECTIVETo detect the expressions of HDAC1 and HDAC2 proteins in prostate cancer and to explore their clinical significance.

METHODSWe detected the expressions of HDAC1 and HDAC2 proteins in the tissue samples of prostate cancer from 82 patients with complete clinical data by immunohistochemistry, and analyzed the correlation of the expressions of HDAC1 and HDAC2 with other clinicopathological parameters, such as Gleason scores, preoperative PSA levels, and postoperative survival time.

RESULTSHDAC1 and HDAC2 were expressed in 59.7 and 70.7% of the patients, respectively, located in the nuclei of cancer cells, more highly in those with higher than in those with lower Gleason scores (P < 0.05). No statistically significant differences were found in the expressions of HDAC1 and HDAC2 among those with different preoperative PSA levels and those of different ages (P > 0.05). Univariate analysis demonstrated that the HDAC2 expression, pre-operative PSA levels, Gleason scores and clinical stages of prostate cancer were important factors affecting the patients'survival (P < 0.05). Cox analysis indicated that the expression of HDAC2 was an independent index for the prognosis of prostate cancer (P = 0.017, HR = 2.265, 95% CI: 1.145 - 4.775).

CONCLUSIONThe increased expression of HDAC2 in prostate cancer can serve as an independent prognostic indicator, which has provided a theoretical base for the clinical application of HDACs in the diagnosis and prognosis of prostate cancer.