Bcl-2 Expression and Its Correlation with Histopathological Features in Ovarian Surface Epithelial Tumours

Abstract

BACKGROUND Bcl-2 gene is an apoptotic protein that blocks apoptosis and thereby its over expression contributes to neoplastic transformation and decreased tumour survival. So, it is necessary to find out the relationship of Bcl-2 expression with histological types and tumour grade in ovarian surface epithelial tumours, which may predict the prognosis. METHODS The objective was to study the expression of Bcl-2 in ovarian surface epithelial tumours and to correlate Bcl-2 expression with histopathological features and tumour grade in ovarian surface epithelial tumours. Histological types and tumour differentiation for each case is determined from the routine H and E sections. Immunohistochemical stain for Bcl-2 was done. Then intensity and extent of staining for Bcl-2 was compared with the age, histological type and tumour grade. RESULTS Out of the 47 cases studied, 66% were in <55 years of age category and 34% in >55 years of age group. There was statistically significant associations of Bcl-2 expression with various histological types (P<0.001) and tumour differentiation (P<0.001). In the case of extent of Bcl-2 staining, statistically significant associations were present with various histological types (P=0.004) and tumour differentiation (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Bcl-2 expression decreases with tumour progression. Poorly differentiated tumours with decreased Bcl-2 expression may be helpful in predicting disease progression. Further studies are warranted since, Bcl-2 expression may be important for prognostic outcome or provide useful targets for therapeutic intervention in patients with surface epithelial ovarian cancers. KEY WORDS Bcl-2, Immunohistochemistry, Tumour Grade, Epithelial Tumours.