Abstract :
[en] PURPOSE: To search for a possible role of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor alpha (PPARalpha), a molecular partner of the Aryl hydrocarbon receptor Interacting Protein (AIP), in somatotropinomas. METHODS: Tumours from 51 acromegalic patients were characterized for PPARalpha and AIP expression by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and/or Real Time RT-PCR. Data were analysed according to tumour characteristics and pre-operative treatment with somatostatin analogues (SSA). The effects of fenofibrate were studied in GH3 cells in vitro. RESULTS: PPARalpha was expressed in most somatotropinomas. A modest relationship was found between PPARalpha and AIP expression, both being significantly higher in the presence of pre-operative SSA. However, only AIP expression was influenced by the response to treatment. Dual effects of fenofibrate were observed in GH3 cells, consisting of cell growth inhibition and an increase in GH secretion inhibited by octreotide. CONCLUSIONS: PPARalpha is a new player in somatotropinomas. Potential interactions between PPARalpha agonists and SSA may deserve further investigation.
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