[bcl-2 and p53 protein expressions in the malignant transformation of ovarian endometriosis].

OBJECTIVE: To study the impact of bcl-2 and p53 protein expressions on the malignant transformation of ovarian endometriosis. METHODS: Immunohistochemical technique was used to detect the bcl-2 and p53 protein expressions in: endometriosis (Group I, 22 patients), atypical hyperplasia of ectopic ovarian endometrial glands (Group II, 14 patients) and endometriosis with malignant change (Group III, 22 patients). RESULTS: The positive bcl-2 protein expression rate of Group III was apparently higher than that of Group I (P < 0.05); The positive bcl-2 protein expression rate of Group II was clearly higher than that of Group I(P < 0.01). The positive p53 protein expression rate of Group III was higher than that of Group II (P < 0.01) and Group I (P < 0.01); In Group III, the positive p53 protein expression rate was higher in the malignant transformation area than in the endometriosis area (P < 0.05); In Group III, the positive bcl-2 protein expression rate in the endometriosis area was higher than that of Group I (P < 0.05); In Group II, the positive bcl-2 protein expression rate in the endometriosis area was higher than that of Group I (P 0.05), nor were they related to the malignant transformation area in Group III (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: It is possible that the overexpressions of bcl-2 protein or p53 protein play an important role in the malignant transformation of ovarian endometriosis. The bcl-2 protein (+) or p53 protein (+) endometriosis may signify a precancerous lesion.