The Relationship Between Expression of Bcl-2 and Cell Apoptosis in Eutopic and Ectopic Human Endometrium

Objective: To study the relationship between bcl-2 and apoptosis in endometrium and endometriosis. Methods: Eutopic and ectopic human endometrium during the menstrual cycle were obtained from 61 patients. Bcl-2 was examined by immunohistochemical techique. Apoptotic cells were detected by TUNEL technique in 34 patients. Results: Apoptotic cells appeared as scatted grandular in secretory phase. The staining of Bcl-2 protein in cytoplasm of glandular cells was mainly seen in proliferative phase. It rarely appeared in secretory phase and absent during menstruation. It appeared highly in endometriosis. Conclusion: Apoptosis of endometrial cell is a cyclic event, which is closely correlated with expression of Bcl-2 during menstruation. The resistance of endometriotic cells to apoptosis may be fundamental in the etiology and pathophysiology of endometriosis.