[Bax gene expression in endometrial carcinoma].
OBJECTIVE
To study the relationship between bax gene expression and endometrial carcinoma.


METHODS
Bax mRNA expression was evaluated by RT-PCR in a series of 8 normal proliferative endometrium (NPE), 6 simple and complex hyperplasia (SCH), 6 atypical hyperplasia (AH) and 42 endometrial carcinoma (EC).


RESULTS
All of the 8 NPE showed moderate bax mRNA expression. In 1 of 6 SCH, 2 of 6 AH and 27 of the 42 EC (64.3%), there was overexpression of bax mRNA. In endometrial carcinoma, with the progression of clinical stage, increase in histologic grade and in depth of invasion to muscle layer, and lymph node metastasis, the positive rate of bax overexpression was correspondingly increased.


CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest that bax expression affects the balance between the endometrial cell proliferation and apoptosis. Bax might play an important role in carcinogenesis and tumor progression of endometrial carcinoma. As a high risk factor it can be used to evaluate the biological behavior of endometrial carcinoma.
Chao
H
H
Cancer Institute (Hospital), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China.
Sun
J
J
Lu
S
S
D018450:Disease Progression; D016889:Endometrial Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D015870:Gene Expression; D006801:Humans; D006965:Hyperplasia / Q000235:genetics; D011518:Proto-Oncogene Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D019253:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000096:biosynthesis; D051028:bcl-2-Associated X Protein
C494826:BAX protein, human; D011518:Proto-Oncogene Proteins; D019253:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D051028:bcl-2-Associated X Protein