Expression of Bcl-2 and Ki-67 in tamoxifen-associated endometrial polyps: comparison with postmenopausal polyps.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of Bcl-2 and Ki-67 in tamoxifen (TAM)-associated endometrial polyps and postmenopausal polyps.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

For this purpose, a retrospective analysis of paraffin-embedded specimens was carried out. Polyps of 20 postmenopausal and 14 TAM-treated patients, 11 simple endometrial hyperplasia, 10 atypical complex endometrial hyperplasia and 8 endometrial adenocarcinoma specimens were included in the study. Hematoxylin/eosin-stained sections were evaluated. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to investigate the expression of Bcl-2 protein and the Ki-67 proliferation index.

RESULTS:

There was no statistically significant difference between the 5 groups with regard to Bcl- 2 staining (p > 0.05). However, Bcl-2 expression in TAM-associated polyps was higher (86%) than in the postmenopausal control group (80%). Positive Ki-67 was highest in the endometrial adenocarcinoma specimens, followed by the atypical complex endometrial hyperplasia group (p < 0.0001). Compared to these 2 groups, Ki- 67 expression was lower in TAM-associated polyps, but Ki-67 indexes were significantly higher in the TAM-associated group than in the control group (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION:

Since TAM-associated polyps tend to have higher proliferation indexes and Ki-67 ratios than control groups, we suggest that they are likely to have a higher malignant potential.

• Authors: Semsi Altaner, Fatih Gucer, Fusun Tokatli, Servet Guresci, Cigdem Ozdemir, Fulya Oz Puyan, Kemal Kutlu
• Journal: Onkologie (Onkologie) Vol. 29 Issue 8-9 Pg. 376-80 (Sep 2006) ISSN: 0378-584X [Print] Switzerland
• PMID: 16974115 (Publication Type: Controlled Clinical Trial, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Ki-67 Antigen
• Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2
• Tamoxifen

Topics

• Endometrium (drug effects, metabolism)
• Female
• Humans
• Ki-67 Antigen (metabolism)
• Middle Aged
• Polyps (chemically induced, metabolism, pathology)
• Postmenopause (drug effects, metabolism)
• Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 (metabolism)
• Retrospective Studies
• Tamoxifen (adverse effects)
• Uterine Diseases (chemically induced, metabolism)