Expression of Bcl-2 and Ki-67 in tamoxifen-associated endometrial polyps: comparison with postmenopausal polyps.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of Bcl-2 and Ki-67 in tamoxifen (TAM)-associated endometrial polyps and postmenopausal polyps.


METHODS
For this purpose, a retrospective analysis of paraffin-embedded specimens was carried out. Polyps of 20 postmenopausal and 14 TAM-treated patients, 11 simple endometrial hyperplasia, 10 atypical complex endometrial hyperplasia and 8 endometrial adenocarcinoma specimens were included in the study. Hematoxylin/eosin-stained sections were evaluated. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to investigate the expression of Bcl-2 protein and the Ki-67 proliferation index.


RESULTS
There was no statistically significant difference between the 5 groups with regard to Bcl- 2 staining (p > 0.05). However, Bcl-2 expression in TAM-associated polyps was higher (86%) than in the postmenopausal control group (80%). Positive Ki-67 was highest in the endometrial adenocarcinoma specimens, followed by the atypical complex endometrial hyperplasia group (p < 0.0001). Compared to these 2 groups, Ki- 67 expression was lower in TAM-associated polyps, but Ki-67 indexes were significantly higher in the TAM-associated group than in the control group (p < 0.0001).


CONCLUSIONS
Since TAM-associated polyps tend to have higher proliferation indexes and Ki-67 ratios than control groups, we suggest that they are likely to have a higher malignant potential.
Altaner
Semsi
S
Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Trakya University, Edirne, Turkey. semsialtaner@yahoo.com
Gucer
Fatih
F
Tokatli
Fusun
F
Guresci
Servet
S
Ozdemir
Cigdem
C
Puyan
Fulya Oz
FO
Kutlu
Kemal
K
D004717:Endometrium / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019394:Ki-67 Antigen / Q000378:metabolism*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011127:Polyps / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D017698:Postmenopause / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D019253:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 / Q000378:metabolism*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013629:Tamoxifen / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014591:Uterine Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000378:metabolism*
D019394:Ki-67 Antigen; D019253:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2; D013629:Tamoxifen