Bcl - 2 Expression in Carcinoma of the Uterine Cervix and its Relationship with Prognostic Variables

Authors: SEMA ZERGEROĞLU, TAYFUN GÜNGÖR, ORHAN S. AKSAKAL, EMEL EBRU PARLAKYİĞİT, OYA GÖKMEN

Abstract: Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the importance of the apoptotic activity of squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix and Bcl-2 expression. Materials and Methods: Twenty-seven women with cervical squamous cell carcinoma, admitted to our unit between 1996 and 1998, were reviewed. Patients were classified according to staging and grading systems. Bcl-2 protein material was investigated by immunohistochemistry (streptoavidin, biotine, alkaline phosphatase technique). Results: After immunohistochemical staining, 12 of the 27 cases stained positively (44%). There was a correlation between the grade and staining percentage. We found no significant relationship with stage and staining intensity. Conclusions: Bcl-2 could be used as a marker for blocking well-programmed cell death in low grade cases.

Keywords: Cervical carcinoma, genital tract tumors, Bcl-2

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