Changes in biochemical markers of hyperplastic and malignant prostatic tissues.

Some biochemical markers were evaluated in human prostatic tissue obtained from patients with benign hyperplasia. There was an almost threefold increase in the activity of acid phosphatase of these patients as compared to that of normal men. The changes in the acid phosphatase activity were directly correlated with citric acid concentration. Significant (p < 0.001) increases in the content of citric acid, zinc, and calcium in benign hyperplastic prostates was found. There was no change in the activity of amino-peptidase. The activities of both enzymes were lower in malignant prostatic tissues.