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Incidence of Bcl-2 expression in bladder cancer: relation to schistosomiasis
Menha Swellam1, Nabila Abd-Elmaksoud, Mohab H Halim
1Biochemistry Department, National Research Center [corrected] Cairo, Egypt. menha_m_swellam@hotmail.com
Objectives:
Apoptosis (programmed cell death) and the genes regulating this process (e.g., Bcl-2) have recently become a focus of interest in the study of cancer development and progression. The bcl-2 gene product plays a role as an inhibitor of apoptosis; it contributes to oncogenesis by suppressing signals that induce apoptotic cell death. The aim of this study was to determine the expression of bcl-2 in schistosomal bladder cancer and to compare it with the established clinicopathological factors.
Methods:
Tumor tissues from 118 patients with bladder cancer were examined [57 with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and the remaining 61 with transitional cell carcinoma (TCC)]. Of 118 patients, 60 had schistosomiasis associated with bladder cancer. Bcl-2 expression was determined by enzyme immunoassay and the results were confirmed by Western blot and immunodot blot techniques.
Results:
Bcl-2 was significantly expressed in SCC compared to those with TCC type in the presence of schistosomiasis. Moreover, bcl-2 was associated with clinical stages and lymph node involvement but not with histological grades.
Conclusions:
These observations detect a potential role for bcl-2 expression in schistosomal carcinogenesis, and hence selecting patients for future anti-bcl-2 therapy.
Insights
Bcl-2, an apoptosis inhibitor, is significantly expressed in squamous cell carcinoma associated with schistosomiasis bladder cancer. This finding suggests a role for bcl-2 in cancer development and potential therapeutic targeting.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is crucial in cancer development.
- The Bcl-2 gene product inhibits apoptosis, potentially contributing to oncogenesis.
- Schistosomiasis is linked to an increased risk of bladder cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate Bcl-2 expression in schistosomal bladder cancer.
- To correlate Bcl-2 expression with clinicopathological factors in bladder cancer patients.
Main Methods:
- Examined tumor tissues from 118 bladder cancer patients (60 with schistosomiasis).
- Analyzed Bcl-2 expression using enzyme immunoassay, Western blot, and immunodot blot.
- Compared Bcl-2 expression between squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) subtypes.
Main Results:
- Bcl-2 expression was significantly higher in SCC compared to TCC in schistosomiasis-associated bladder cancer.
- Bcl-2 expression correlated with clinical stage and lymph node involvement.
- No significant association was found between Bcl-2 expression and histological grade.
Conclusions:
- Bcl-2 expression may play a role in the carcinogenesis of schistosomal bladder cancer.
- These findings highlight the potential for targeting Bcl-2 in future therapies for this patient group.
