Objective: To discuss the effect of adjuvant levosimendan therapy on neuroendocrine hormones and cytokines in elderly patients with chronic heart failure. Methods: A total of 100 elderly patients with chronic heart fa...Objective: To discuss the effect of adjuvant levosimendan therapy on neuroendocrine hormones and cytokines in elderly patients with chronic heart failure. Methods: A total of 100 elderly patients with chronic heart failure who were treated in the hospital between March 2014 and March 2017 were divided into control group and levosimendan group by random number table, each with 50 cases. Control group received clinical routine therapy for chronic heart failure, and levosimendan group received routine therapy combined with adjuvant levosimendan therapy. The differences in serum levels of RAAS indexes, thyroid hormones, myocardial damage indexes and endothelial function indexes were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. Results: At T0, there was no statistically significant difference in serum levels of RAAS indexes, thyroid hormones, myocardial damage indexes and endothelial function indexes between the two groups. At T1, serum RAAS indexes PRA, AngⅡ and ALD levels of levosimendan group were lower than those of control group;serum thyroid hormones TT3, TT4, FT3 and FT4 levels of levosimendan group were higher than those of control group;serum myocardial damage indexes cTnⅠ, H-FABP and NT-proBNP levels of levosimendan group were lower than those of control group;serum endothelial function index NO level of levosimendan group was higher than that of control group while ET-1 level was lower than that of control group. Conclusion: Adjuvant levosimendan therapy for elderly patients with chronic heart failure can effectively adjust the secretion of neuroendocrine hormones and reduce the myocardial and vascular endothelial damage.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the effect of recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) on inflammatory factors, neuroendocrine hormones and cardiac function indexes in patients with acute myocardial infarction compl...Objective:To investigate the effect of recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) on inflammatory factors, neuroendocrine hormones and cardiac function indexes in patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated with heart failure.Methods:A total of91 cases of acute myocardial infarction with heart failure patients were divided into the control group (n=44) and observation group (n=47) according to the random data table, two groups of patients were given conventional treatment, based on this, the control group was given intravenous infusion of Nitroglycerin Injection treatment, the observation group received intravenous injection of recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide treatment, compared serum inflammatory factors, neuroendocrine hormone and cardiac function and other indexes of two groups before and after treatment.Results: there was no significant difference between the two groups before treatment. After treatment, the levels of TNF-α, hs-CRP, IL-6, MCP-1, LVESD and LVEDD in the two groups were significantly lower than those within the group before treatment, and the observation group was significantly lower than the control group;The two groups after treatment LVEF levels were significantly higher than those in the group before treatment, and the observation group was significantly higher than that of control group;the observation group after treatment PRA, Ang II and ALD and NE levels were significantly lower than those before treatment, and was significantly lower than the control group after treatment, the difference was significant, PRA, Ang, ALD and NE levels of control group before and after the treatment was no significant difference.Conclusion:recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction with heart failure can effectively reduce the serum inflammatory factors and neuroendocrine hormone levels, improve heart function, and have a certain clinical value.展开更多
The neuroendocrine hormone amylin, also known as islet amyloid polypeptide, is co-localized, co-packaged and cosecreted with insulin from adult pancreatic islet β cells to maintain glucose homeostasis. Specifically, ...The neuroendocrine hormone amylin, also known as islet amyloid polypeptide, is co-localized, co-packaged and cosecreted with insulin from adult pancreatic islet β cells to maintain glucose homeostasis. Specifically, amylin reduces secretion of nutrient-stimulated glucagon, regulates blood pressure with an effect on renin-angiotensin system, and delays gastric emptying. The physiological actions of human amylin attribute to the conformational α-helix monomers whereas the misfolding instable oligomers may be detrimental to the islet β cells and further transform to β-sheet fibrils as amyloid deposits. No direct evidence proves that the amylin fibrils in amyloid deposits cause diabetes. Here we also have performed a systematic review of human amylin gene changes and reported the S20 G mutation is minor in the development of diabetes. In addition to the metabolic effects, human amylin may modulate autoimmunity and innate inflammation through regulatory T cells to impact on both human type 1 and type 2 diabetes.展开更多
BACKGROUND Ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone(ACTH)-secreting neuroendocrine tumors are rare diseases.Patients with ACTH-secreting pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinomas have a poor prognosis.Infections and coagulopath...BACKGROUND Ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone(ACTH)-secreting neuroendocrine tumors are rare diseases.Patients with ACTH-secreting pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinomas have a poor prognosis.Infections and coagulopathies have been reported as the cause of death.However,detailed clinical descriptions of the morbid complications of ACTH-secreting neuroendocrine carcinomas have not been reported.CASE SUMMARY A 78-year-old Japanese woman consulted a medical center due to systemic edema and epigastric discomfort.Laboratory analysis revealed hypercortisolemia with increased ACTH secretion without diurnal variation in serum cortisol level.An enhanced computed tomography(CT)scan revealed a 3-cm tumor in the pancreatic head.The cytological material from endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration was compatible with ACTHsecreting pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma.The Ki-67 index was 40%.She was transferred to Mie University Hospital for surgical treatment.The patient was diagnosed with urinary tract infection,cytomegalovirus hepatitis,esophageal candidiasis,pulmonary infiltrates suspicious for Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia,peripheral deep vein thrombosis,pulmonary embolism,and disseminated intravascular coagulation.The multiple organ infections and thromboses responded well to antimicrobial and anticoagulant therapy.Radioisotope studies disclosed a pancreatic tumor and a metastatic lesion in the liver,whereas somatostatin receptor scintigraphy showed negative findings,suggesting the primary and metastatic tumors were poorly differentiated.A CT scan before admission showed no metastatic liver lesion,suggesting that the pancreatic tumor was rapidly progressing.Instead of surgery,antitumor chemotherapy was indicated.The patient was transferred to another hospital to initiate chemotherapy.However,she died four months later due to the rapidly progressive tumor.CONCLUSION ACTH-secreting pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasm is a rare disease with a very poor prognosis.The clinical course and acute complications of the tumor remain unreported.Here we report the clinical course of a rapidly progressive case of ACTH-secreting pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor that developed infectious complications due to many types of pathogens in multiple organs,widespread thromboses,pulmonary embolism,and disseminated intravascular coagulation.展开更多
Cholangiocytes, the epithelial cells lining the biliary ducts, are the target cells in several liver diseases. Cholangiopathies and cholangiocarcinoma generate interest in many scientists since the genesis. The develo...Cholangiocytes, the epithelial cells lining the biliary ducts, are the target cells in several liver diseases. Cholangiopathies and cholangiocarcinoma generate interest in many scientists since the genesis. The developing mechanisms, and the therapeutic tools of these diseases are still undefined. Several studies demonstrate that many hormones, neuropeptides and neurotransmitters regulate malignant and non-malignant cholangiocyte pathophysiology in the course of chronic biliary diseases. The aim of this review is to present the findings of several studies published in the recent years that contributed to clarifying the role of nervous and neuroendocrine regulation of the pathophysiologic events associated with cholestasis and cholangiocarcinoma development. This manuscript is organized into two parts. The first part offers an overview of the innervation of the liver and the origin of neuroendocrine hormones, neurotransmitters and neuropeptides affecting cholangiocyte function and metabolism. The first section also reviews the effects played by several neuroendocrine hormones and nervous system on cholangiocyte growth, survival and functional activity in the course of cholestasis. In the second section, we summarize the results of some studies describing the role of nervous system and neuroendocrine hormones in the regulation of malignant cholangiocyte growth.展开更多
Malignancies of the gallbladder, including neuroendocrine tumors, are uncommon, mostly found incidentally after cholecystectomy and are frequently asymptomatic in the early stages, but highly fatal. Limited data is av...Malignancies of the gallbladder, including neuroendocrine tumors, are uncommon, mostly found incidentally after cholecystectomy and are frequently asymptomatic in the early stages, but highly fatal. Limited data is available on adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) producing neuroendocrine tumors specifically originating from the gallbladder. We report the clinical and radiographic findings, which included positron emission tomography and computed tomography, of a patient with a gallbladder mass who presented with Cushing’s syndrome. Subsequently, a diagnosis of ACTH-producing large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the gallbladder was made. Despite being rare and having a poor prognosis, hormone-producing neuroendocrine tumors should be part of the differential diagnosis in the approach of patients with Cushing’s syndrome.展开更多
BACKGROUND:Leptin regulates neuroendocrine function of the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary axis in humans. OBJECTIVE: To verify effects of intracerebroventricular leptin injection on neuroendocrine function of the hypo...BACKGROUND:Leptin regulates neuroendocrine function of the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary axis in humans. OBJECTIVE: To verify effects of intracerebroventricular leptin injection on neuroendocrine function of the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary axis in ovariectomized rats. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: A randomized, controlled experiment was performed at the Basic Medical Institute, Chengde Medical College between June and October 2007. MATERIALS: Thirty healthy, female, Wistar rats were included in this study. The following compounds were used: leptin; gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. METHODS: Rats were randomly divided into 3 groups at 1, 2, and 4 hours after injection. Each group was subdivided into control and experimental groups (n = 5 animals per group and time point). All rats were subjected to bilateral ovariectomy and, beginning on day 7 after surgery, animals received daily subcutaneous injections of estradiol benzoate (2 μg) for 7 consecutive days. The experimental groups were injected with 5 μL leptin (1 g/L) into the lateral cerebral ventricle, and control groups received an equal volume of physiological saline. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: GnRH and LH secretion were examined 1, 2, and 4 hours after injection using GnRH and LH ELISA kits, respectively. RESULTS: In the experimental groups, GnRH secretion significantly increased (P 〈 0.01), followed by LH secretion (P 〈 0.01), compared with the control groups. GnRH secretion significantly increased 1 hour after leptin injection (P 〈 0.01). The LH increase was less pronounced, but still significant (P 〈 0.01); however, the most prominent LH increase occurred between 1 and 2 hours. Both GnRH and LH secretion reached peak levels at 2 hours after leptin injection. Thereafter, both GnRH and LH secretion decreased, but still maintained very high levels, compared with the control group (P 〈 0.01). CONCLUSION: Intracerebroventricular leptin injection produced similar effects on GnRH and LH secretion in ovariectomized rats, indicating regulatory effects of leptin on GnRH and LH secretion.展开更多
Neuroendocrine neoplasms(NENs)are a highly heterogeneous class of tumors arising from neuroendocrine cells and peptidergic neurons.After failure of first-line treatment,patients have poor prognosis and limited treatme...Neuroendocrine neoplasms(NENs)are a highly heterogeneous class of tumors arising from neuroendocrine cells and peptidergic neurons.After failure of first-line treatment,patients have poor prognosis and limited treatment options.Immune checkpoint inhibitors(ICIs)may be a powerful means of increasing therapeutic efficacy for such patients,but ICIs alone have low response rates and short disease control durations in most NENs and may be effective for only a portion of the population.ICIs combined with other immunotherapies,targeted therapies,or cytotoxic drugs have achieved some efficacy in patients with NENs and are worthy of further exploration to assess their benefits to the population.In addition,accumulating experimental and clinical evidence supports that the interaction between neuroendocrine and immune systems is essential to maintain homeostasis,and assessment of this broad neuroendocrine-immune correlation is essential for NEN treatment.In this review,we summarize the immune microenvironment characteristics,advances in immunotherapy,predictive biomarkers of ICI efficacy for NENs,and the effects of common endocrine hormones on the immune system,highlighting possible new application areas for this promising treatment in neglected NENs.展开更多
Neuroendocrine (NE) differentiation, either benign or malignant, is the hallmark of prostate cancer (PCa). Clusters of malignant NE cells are found in most prostate cancer cases. NE differentiation is among the non-mu...Neuroendocrine (NE) differentiation, either benign or malignant, is the hallmark of prostate cancer (PCa). Clusters of malignant NE cells are found in most prostate cancer cases. NE differentiation is among the non-mutually exclusive theories proposed to explain the progression to androgen independence of PCa. NE differentiation is usually associated with an increased aggressivity and invasiveness of prostate tumors and a poor prognosis. This review aims to present an overview of current knowledge on neuroendocrine differentiation in PCa to improve our understanding of tumour progression and androgen independence. The NE component represents an important therapeutic axis. Development of new generation of drugs that selectively target NE-like cells may lead to the development of new therapeutic modalities for advanced and hormone-refractory PCa.展开更多
文摘Objective: To discuss the effect of adjuvant levosimendan therapy on neuroendocrine hormones and cytokines in elderly patients with chronic heart failure. Methods: A total of 100 elderly patients with chronic heart failure who were treated in the hospital between March 2014 and March 2017 were divided into control group and levosimendan group by random number table, each with 50 cases. Control group received clinical routine therapy for chronic heart failure, and levosimendan group received routine therapy combined with adjuvant levosimendan therapy. The differences in serum levels of RAAS indexes, thyroid hormones, myocardial damage indexes and endothelial function indexes were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. Results: At T0, there was no statistically significant difference in serum levels of RAAS indexes, thyroid hormones, myocardial damage indexes and endothelial function indexes between the two groups. At T1, serum RAAS indexes PRA, AngⅡ and ALD levels of levosimendan group were lower than those of control group;serum thyroid hormones TT3, TT4, FT3 and FT4 levels of levosimendan group were higher than those of control group;serum myocardial damage indexes cTnⅠ, H-FABP and NT-proBNP levels of levosimendan group were lower than those of control group;serum endothelial function index NO level of levosimendan group was higher than that of control group while ET-1 level was lower than that of control group. Conclusion: Adjuvant levosimendan therapy for elderly patients with chronic heart failure can effectively adjust the secretion of neuroendocrine hormones and reduce the myocardial and vascular endothelial damage.
基金Basic Research Program of Jiangsu Province(Natural Science Foundation of China)(BK2015125).
文摘Objective:To investigate the effect of recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) on inflammatory factors, neuroendocrine hormones and cardiac function indexes in patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated with heart failure.Methods:A total of91 cases of acute myocardial infarction with heart failure patients were divided into the control group (n=44) and observation group (n=47) according to the random data table, two groups of patients were given conventional treatment, based on this, the control group was given intravenous infusion of Nitroglycerin Injection treatment, the observation group received intravenous injection of recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide treatment, compared serum inflammatory factors, neuroendocrine hormone and cardiac function and other indexes of two groups before and after treatment.Results: there was no significant difference between the two groups before treatment. After treatment, the levels of TNF-α, hs-CRP, IL-6, MCP-1, LVESD and LVEDD in the two groups were significantly lower than those within the group before treatment, and the observation group was significantly lower than the control group;The two groups after treatment LVEF levels were significantly higher than those in the group before treatment, and the observation group was significantly higher than that of control group;the observation group after treatment PRA, Ang II and ALD and NE levels were significantly lower than those before treatment, and was significantly lower than the control group after treatment, the difference was significant, PRA, Ang, ALD and NE levels of control group before and after the treatment was no significant difference.Conclusion:recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction with heart failure can effectively reduce the serum inflammatory factors and neuroendocrine hormone levels, improve heart function, and have a certain clinical value.
文摘The neuroendocrine hormone amylin, also known as islet amyloid polypeptide, is co-localized, co-packaged and cosecreted with insulin from adult pancreatic islet β cells to maintain glucose homeostasis. Specifically, amylin reduces secretion of nutrient-stimulated glucagon, regulates blood pressure with an effect on renin-angiotensin system, and delays gastric emptying. The physiological actions of human amylin attribute to the conformational α-helix monomers whereas the misfolding instable oligomers may be detrimental to the islet β cells and further transform to β-sheet fibrils as amyloid deposits. No direct evidence proves that the amylin fibrils in amyloid deposits cause diabetes. Here we also have performed a systematic review of human amylin gene changes and reported the S20 G mutation is minor in the development of diabetes. In addition to the metabolic effects, human amylin may modulate autoimmunity and innate inflammation through regulatory T cells to impact on both human type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
文摘BACKGROUND Ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone(ACTH)-secreting neuroendocrine tumors are rare diseases.Patients with ACTH-secreting pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinomas have a poor prognosis.Infections and coagulopathies have been reported as the cause of death.However,detailed clinical descriptions of the morbid complications of ACTH-secreting neuroendocrine carcinomas have not been reported.CASE SUMMARY A 78-year-old Japanese woman consulted a medical center due to systemic edema and epigastric discomfort.Laboratory analysis revealed hypercortisolemia with increased ACTH secretion without diurnal variation in serum cortisol level.An enhanced computed tomography(CT)scan revealed a 3-cm tumor in the pancreatic head.The cytological material from endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration was compatible with ACTHsecreting pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma.The Ki-67 index was 40%.She was transferred to Mie University Hospital for surgical treatment.The patient was diagnosed with urinary tract infection,cytomegalovirus hepatitis,esophageal candidiasis,pulmonary infiltrates suspicious for Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia,peripheral deep vein thrombosis,pulmonary embolism,and disseminated intravascular coagulation.The multiple organ infections and thromboses responded well to antimicrobial and anticoagulant therapy.Radioisotope studies disclosed a pancreatic tumor and a metastatic lesion in the liver,whereas somatostatin receptor scintigraphy showed negative findings,suggesting the primary and metastatic tumors were poorly differentiated.A CT scan before admission showed no metastatic liver lesion,suggesting that the pancreatic tumor was rapidly progressing.Instead of surgery,antitumor chemotherapy was indicated.The patient was transferred to another hospital to initiate chemotherapy.However,she died four months later due to the rapidly progressive tumor.CONCLUSION ACTH-secreting pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasm is a rare disease with a very poor prognosis.The clinical course and acute complications of the tumor remain unreported.Here we report the clinical course of a rapidly progressive case of ACTH-secreting pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor that developed infectious complications due to many types of pathogens in multiple organs,widespread thromboses,pulmonary embolism,and disseminated intravascular coagulation.
基金the MIUR grant, No. 2003060137_004 and by the Fondazione Cariverona 2002 grant "Ambienre e sviluppo sostenibile" to Prof. Benedetti by the "Premio S.I.G.E. 2004" to Dr. Marzioni by the Universita Politecnica delle Marche intramural grants ATBEN00205 to Professor. Benedetti and ATMAROl 105 to Dr. Marzioni, by the "Premio S.I.G.E. 2006" to Dr Fava
文摘Cholangiocytes, the epithelial cells lining the biliary ducts, are the target cells in several liver diseases. Cholangiopathies and cholangiocarcinoma generate interest in many scientists since the genesis. The developing mechanisms, and the therapeutic tools of these diseases are still undefined. Several studies demonstrate that many hormones, neuropeptides and neurotransmitters regulate malignant and non-malignant cholangiocyte pathophysiology in the course of chronic biliary diseases. The aim of this review is to present the findings of several studies published in the recent years that contributed to clarifying the role of nervous and neuroendocrine regulation of the pathophysiologic events associated with cholestasis and cholangiocarcinoma development. This manuscript is organized into two parts. The first part offers an overview of the innervation of the liver and the origin of neuroendocrine hormones, neurotransmitters and neuropeptides affecting cholangiocyte function and metabolism. The first section also reviews the effects played by several neuroendocrine hormones and nervous system on cholangiocyte growth, survival and functional activity in the course of cholestasis. In the second section, we summarize the results of some studies describing the role of nervous system and neuroendocrine hormones in the regulation of malignant cholangiocyte growth.
文摘Malignancies of the gallbladder, including neuroendocrine tumors, are uncommon, mostly found incidentally after cholecystectomy and are frequently asymptomatic in the early stages, but highly fatal. Limited data is available on adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) producing neuroendocrine tumors specifically originating from the gallbladder. We report the clinical and radiographic findings, which included positron emission tomography and computed tomography, of a patient with a gallbladder mass who presented with Cushing’s syndrome. Subsequently, a diagnosis of ACTH-producing large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the gallbladder was made. Despite being rare and having a poor prognosis, hormone-producing neuroendocrine tumors should be part of the differential diagnosis in the approach of patients with Cushing’s syndrome.
基金Science Foundation of Hebei Provincial Science & Technology Department, No.08726101D-20Science Foundation of Hebei Provincial Education Department, No. 2008301
文摘BACKGROUND:Leptin regulates neuroendocrine function of the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary axis in humans. OBJECTIVE: To verify effects of intracerebroventricular leptin injection on neuroendocrine function of the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary axis in ovariectomized rats. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: A randomized, controlled experiment was performed at the Basic Medical Institute, Chengde Medical College between June and October 2007. MATERIALS: Thirty healthy, female, Wistar rats were included in this study. The following compounds were used: leptin; gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. METHODS: Rats were randomly divided into 3 groups at 1, 2, and 4 hours after injection. Each group was subdivided into control and experimental groups (n = 5 animals per group and time point). All rats were subjected to bilateral ovariectomy and, beginning on day 7 after surgery, animals received daily subcutaneous injections of estradiol benzoate (2 μg) for 7 consecutive days. The experimental groups were injected with 5 μL leptin (1 g/L) into the lateral cerebral ventricle, and control groups received an equal volume of physiological saline. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: GnRH and LH secretion were examined 1, 2, and 4 hours after injection using GnRH and LH ELISA kits, respectively. RESULTS: In the experimental groups, GnRH secretion significantly increased (P 〈 0.01), followed by LH secretion (P 〈 0.01), compared with the control groups. GnRH secretion significantly increased 1 hour after leptin injection (P 〈 0.01). The LH increase was less pronounced, but still significant (P 〈 0.01); however, the most prominent LH increase occurred between 1 and 2 hours. Both GnRH and LH secretion reached peak levels at 2 hours after leptin injection. Thereafter, both GnRH and LH secretion decreased, but still maintained very high levels, compared with the control group (P 〈 0.01). CONCLUSION: Intracerebroventricular leptin injection produced similar effects on GnRH and LH secretion in ovariectomized rats, indicating regulatory effects of leptin on GnRH and LH secretion.
基金the Jilin Provincial Science and Technology Department(Grant No.20190303146SF)Jilin Provincial Department of Finance Project(Grant No.JLSWSRCZX2020-0023)Jilin Province Biotherapeutic Science and Technology Innovation Center Project(Grant No.20200602032ZP).
文摘Neuroendocrine neoplasms(NENs)are a highly heterogeneous class of tumors arising from neuroendocrine cells and peptidergic neurons.After failure of first-line treatment,patients have poor prognosis and limited treatment options.Immune checkpoint inhibitors(ICIs)may be a powerful means of increasing therapeutic efficacy for such patients,but ICIs alone have low response rates and short disease control durations in most NENs and may be effective for only a portion of the population.ICIs combined with other immunotherapies,targeted therapies,or cytotoxic drugs have achieved some efficacy in patients with NENs and are worthy of further exploration to assess their benefits to the population.In addition,accumulating experimental and clinical evidence supports that the interaction between neuroendocrine and immune systems is essential to maintain homeostasis,and assessment of this broad neuroendocrine-immune correlation is essential for NEN treatment.In this review,we summarize the immune microenvironment characteristics,advances in immunotherapy,predictive biomarkers of ICI efficacy for NENs,and the effects of common endocrine hormones on the immune system,highlighting possible new application areas for this promising treatment in neglected NENs.
文摘Neuroendocrine (NE) differentiation, either benign or malignant, is the hallmark of prostate cancer (PCa). Clusters of malignant NE cells are found in most prostate cancer cases. NE differentiation is among the non-mutually exclusive theories proposed to explain the progression to androgen independence of PCa. NE differentiation is usually associated with an increased aggressivity and invasiveness of prostate tumors and a poor prognosis. This review aims to present an overview of current knowledge on neuroendocrine differentiation in PCa to improve our understanding of tumour progression and androgen independence. The NE component represents an important therapeutic axis. Development of new generation of drugs that selectively target NE-like cells may lead to the development of new therapeutic modalities for advanced and hormone-refractory PCa.