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bcl-2 expression in endometrial hyperplasia and carcinoma
T H Niemann1, T L Trgovac, V R McGaughy
1Department of Pathology, Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus 43210, USA.
Gynecologic Oncology
|December 1, 1996
Summary
The bcl-2 protein inhibits cell death. This study found bcl-2 is rarely overexpressed in endometrial hyperplasia or carcinoma, and is often decreased in endometrial cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- The BCL-2 gene encodes a protein that inhibits apoptosis (programmed cell death).
- BCL-2 overexpression is linked to follicular lymphoma and other neoplasms.
- Altered BCL-2 expression is implicated in various cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate BCL-2 protein expression in endometrial hyperplasia and carcinoma.
- To determine if BCL-2 is overexpressed in these endometrial conditions.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry was used to detect BCL-2 protein.
- Samples of endometrial hyperplasia and carcinoma were analyzed.
Main Results:
- BCL-2 protein was present in all complex hyperplasia cases.
- BCL-2 was found in 1/4 complex atypical hyperplasia cases and 10/29 carcinoma cases.
- Staining in atypical hyperplasia and carcinoma was focal and less intense than in normal endometrium.
Conclusions:
- BCL-2 protein is seldom overexpressed in complex atypical hyperplasia or endometrial carcinoma.
- Endometrial carcinoma frequently shows decreased BCL-2 expression.