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Published on: November 28, 2012
Caspase-3, p53 and Bcl-2 expression in basal cell carcinoma of the eyelid
Efe Koyun1, Remzi Karadag2, Seyma Ozkanli3
1Department of Ophthalmology, Kastamonu State Hospital, Kastamonu, Turkey.
Introduction:
Eyelid tumours mostly originated from skin and its appendeges. External carcinogens like UV radiation causes cell damages in the eyelid skin and contributes to carcinogenesis. Apoptosis is a very important mechanism to prevent these damage and probable neoplatic change.
Aim:
To compare caspase-3, p53 and Bcl-2 levels between patients with basal cell carcinoma (BCC) of the eyelid and healthy individuals.
Material And Methods:
Pathology archives from October 2012 to April 2015 were scanned for BCC biopsies of the eyelid and tissue removed during blepharoplasty and entropion procedures. A total of 36 specimens were found. The specimens were divided into two groups: BCC group and controls (consisting of eyelid tissue removed during routine blepharoplasty). The pathology specimens were then stained using p53, Bcl-2 and caspase-3 stains and the intensity of staining was graded on a 0-3 scale.
Results:
Samples from a total of 36 patients were included in the study. Eighteen (50.0%) patients were female. There were 13 patients in the BCC group and 23 patients in the control group. The mean age was 66.0 ±10.8 years in the BCC group, and 65.61 ±11.22 years in the control group. The caspase-3 staining was lower in the BCC group than in the control group. No significant differences were found between the BCC group and the control group in terms of p53 levels or Bcl-2 levels (both of them, p = 1.000).
Conclusions:
The caspase-3 level was lower in the BCC group. This result suggests that these enzymes can play a significant role in carcinogenesis of eyelid BCC.
Insights
Reduced caspase-3 levels in eyelid basal cell carcinoma (BCC) suggest its role in cancer development. This study compared BCC patients to healthy controls, finding lower apoptosis markers in tumors.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Eyelid tumors, primarily skin-derived, are influenced by external factors like UV radiation.
- Apoptosis is a crucial cellular mechanism for preventing damage and potential neoplastic changes in the eyelid skin.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare the levels of caspase-3, p53, and Bcl-2 in patients with eyelid basal cell carcinoma (BCC) against healthy individuals.
- To assess the potential role of these apoptosis-related proteins in the carcinogenesis of eyelid BCC.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective analysis of 36 eyelid tissue specimens (13 BCC, 23 control) from October 2012 to April 2015.
- Immunohistochemical staining for p53, Bcl-2, and caspase-3, with staining intensity graded on a 0-3 scale.
Main Results:
- Caspase-3 staining intensity was significantly lower in the BCC group compared to the control group.
- No statistically significant differences were observed in p53 or Bcl-2 levels between the BCC and control groups (p = 1.000).
Conclusions:
- Lower caspase-3 levels in eyelid BCC suggest a potential role for this apoptosis-regulating enzyme in the development of this cancer.
- Further research into the specific mechanisms of apoptosis dysregulation in eyelid BCC is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
The Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway
Caspases
Abnormal Proliferation

