DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2016.v04i07.070

Pages: 2630-2635

The CYP17 gene encodes for the Cytochrome P450c17ɑ enzymes 17ɑ hydroxylase, 17-20 lyase in testosterone synthesis. There is a polymorphism (T to C substitution) in the 5’ untranslated region of CYP17 gene, providing an increased rate of transcription of CYP17 mRNA, which in turn increases enzyme cytochrome P-450c17 synthesis, increases androgen production and increase cell division in the prostate, thereby increases the risk of BPH. Genotype analysis was done on 50 patients with proven BPH and 50 healthy controls by polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction digestion. Men with A2/A2 CYP17 genotype had an increased risk of BPH with an odds ratio (OR), of 2.88; 95% confidence interval (CI) =1.1-3.8] compared with those with the A1/A1 genotype. The trend of an increasing risk of BPH with an increasing number of A2 allele was statistically significant. The A2 allele of the CYP17 polymorphism is associated with an increased risk of BPH.