Objective To study the expression of leukemia-related protein 16 (LRP16) in human pituitary prolactin adenomas (PRL adenomas), and the relationship between LRP16 and estrogen receptor α (ERα). Methods From October 2009 to September 2014, thirty-one adult patients diagnosed and pathologically confirmed as pituitary prolactin (PRL) adenomas (observation group) and 22 pituitary non-PRL adenomas (control group) in the Chinese PLA General Hospital were verified by the pathological examination.

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... histochemical method was used to detect the expression levels of LRP16, PRL and ERα. Results Of the patients in observation group, those aged under 30 were predominantly females, while male patients were more common in those aged over 30. LRP16 positively existed in 26 cases (83.9%, 26/31), and ERα was positive in 28 cases (90.3%, 28/31), the both ratios were significantly higher than those in control group. ERα and LRP16 increased synchronously both in expressive content and intensity, showing a certain positive correlation between them. Conclusions Higher body mass index may be a high-risk factor badly affected the occurrence, development and prognosis in male patients with pituitary PRL; LRP16 may take part in the proliferation and formation of pituitary PRL adenomas through ERα. DOI: 10.11855/j.issn.0577-7402.2017.07.05