Expression of STAT3 and STAT6 in Men with Large Versus Small Prostates Undergoing Transurethral Resection of the Prostate

Background and Objectives: The factors driving variations in prostate size in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) remain unclear. We evaluated the differential expression of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3 and 6 in patients with BPH and large versus small prostates. Materials and Methods: Among men who underwent transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), we defined, with reference to the mean prostate volume (PV) reported for Korean men aged 70 years or older, a small-prostate group (PV ≤ 33 mL) and a large-prostate group (PV > 60 mL). Basic demographics, serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life (QoL), PV, and preoperative uroflowmetry values were evaluated. Tissue sections were assessed by immunofluorescence staining under a confocal laser-scanning microscope and histologically classified into prostatic gland and stroma. Mean fluorescence intensities of STAT3 and STAT6 were quantified using an image analyser.