Could GSTP1, PTEN and NKX3.1 gene expression be novel markers in the relationship between prostate cancer and epigenetics?

Background: Although numerous treatment modalities exist for Prostate Cancer (PCa) with a complex pathophysiology, a significant worldwide health concern for males, early identification remains the paramount factor influencing disease prognosis. Proposed new biomarkers, including GSTP1, PTEN, and NKX3.1, may provide predictive and prognostic functions, hence enhancing the efficacy of PSA in diagnosing prostate cancer. Epigenetic variables associated with nutrition influence the blood gene expression levels of the new biomarkers GSTP1, PTEN, and NKX3.1. This study aimed to elucidate the correlation between nutrition-related epigenetic variables and the expression of the tumor suppressor genes GSTP1, PTEN, and NKX3.1 in benign prostate and prostate cancer patients. Methods: This study was conducted with 41 newly diagnosed prostate cancer and 42 benign prostate patients, all aged 40 years and older. Participants had specific anthropometric measurements taken, and seven-day food records were kept. Serum levels of novel biochemical markers GSTP1, PTEN, and NKX3.1 were measured using an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method. Expression analyses of tumor-protective GSTP1, PTEN, and NKX3.1 genes were performed on prostate tissues obtained from fresh prostate biopsies taken from the groups and were associated with nutritional status. Results: A significant relationship was found between the serum levels of GSTP1, PTEN, and NKX3.1, which are important in the formation and treatment of prostate cancer, and Gleason grade, tumor stage, and surgical margin status (p < 0.05). However, significant relationships were found between many macro and micronutrients obtained from the dietary pattern and effective in epigenetic pathways and GSTP1, PTEN, and NKX3.1 gene expressions (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The findings of this investigation corroborated the notion that prospective novel markers, including GSTP1, PTEN, and NKX3.1, may serve predictive and prognostic functions in prostate cancer, hence enhancing the efficacy of PSA in its diagnosis. Dietary trends may influence the optimization of many epigenetic processes. Targeted therapeutic nutritional interventions designed to enhance gene expression will facilitate the formulation of prostate cancer prevention methods.