[Expression of Bcl-2 and Bax protein in endometriosis].
OBJECTIVE
To study the pathophysiological effect of the expression of the apoptosis-regulating protein Bcl-2 and Bax in endometrosis.


METHODS
Samples were obtained from 16 patients with adenomyosis, 12 ovarian endometriosis, and 17 normal endometrum. Bcl-2 and Bax expression were examined by immunohistochemical ABC staining with specific monoclonal antibodies.


RESULTS
1. The expression of Bcl-2 or Bax in the eutopic endometrium was the same as the normal endometrium and their immunoreactivity was found predominately in the glandular epithelial cells, showing obvious cyclic changes. 2. The Bcl-2 and Bax expression in adenomyosis was not the cyclic change in ectopic glandular cells. 3. Less expression of Bcl-2 and Bax was found in the ovarian endometriosis.


CONCLUSIONS
1. The Bcl-2 and Bax cyclic change may play an important role in the proliferation and physiologic death of normal and eutopic endometrial glandular epithelial cells. 2. Bcl-2 may play an important role in forming adenomyosis. 3. Bcl-2 may be the cause of forming chocolate cyst by prompting apoptosis.
Huang
Feng-ying
FY
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Xingya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China.
Lin
Qiu-hua
QH
Fang
Xiao-ling
XL
D000328:Adult; D017209:Apoptosis; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D004717:Endometrium / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010049:Ovarian Diseases / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D011518:Proto-Oncogene Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D019253:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D051028:bcl-2-Associated X Protein
C494826:BAX protein, human; D011518:Proto-Oncogene Proteins; D019253:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2; D051028:bcl-2-Associated X Protein