[Expression of Bcl-2 and Bax protein in endometriosis].

OBJECTIVE: To study the pathophysiological effect of the expression of the apoptosis-regulating protein Bcl-2 and Bax in endometrosis. METHOD: Samples were obtained from 16 patients with adenomyosis, 12 ovarian endometriosis, and 17 normal endometrum. Bcl-2 and Bax expression were examined by immunohistochemical ABC staining with specific monoclonal antibodies. RESULTS: 1. The expression of Bcl-2 or Bax in the eutopic endometrium was the same as the normal endometrium and their immunoreactivity was found predominately in the glandular epithelial cells, showing obvious cyclic changes. 2. The Bcl-2 and Bax expression in adenomyosis was not the cyclic change in ectopic glandular cells. 3. Less expression of Bcl-2 and Bax was found in the ovarian endometriosis. CONCLUSIONS: 1. The Bcl-2 and Bax cyclic change may play an important role in the proliferation and physiologic death of normal and eutopic endometrial glandular epithelial cells. 2. Bcl-2 may play an important role in forming adenomyosis. 3. Bcl-2 may be the cause of forming chocolate cyst by prompting apoptosis.