Expression Of Bcl-2 And Caspase-3 In Human Uterine Leiomyoma And Its Significance

Objective: To study the expression of Bcl-2 and caspase-3 in uterineleiomyoma.Methods: Bcl-2 protein and caspase-3 were determined by immuno--chemical SP method on uterine leiomyoma and myometrium in 30 patients. Results: (1) Bcl-2 level in leiomyoma was significantly higher thanthat in myometrium. (P<0.01). (2) caspase-3 level was significantly lower in leiomyoma than in myometrium (P<0.01). (3) The changes of Bcl-2 in leiomyoma was cyclical,the higher level in secretory phase and lower level in proliferative phase.Conclusion: (1) Bcl-2 and caspase-3 gene all expressed in uterineleiomyoma and myometrium. They played important roles in promoting the development of uterine leiomyoma.(2) The higher expression of Bcl-2 and lower expression of caspase-3 demonstrate that the apoptosis of leiomyoma cells was resisted,the cells'life was prolonged. (3) Bcl-2 level in leiomyoma may be affected by sexual hormone.