THE ROLE OF BCL-2 EXPRESSION IN THE PROGRESSION OF CERVICAL NEOPLASIA

Abstract

Cellular proliferation and apoptosis need to be in equilibrium for the healthy existence of an organism. In cancer, cellular proliferation outweighs apoptosis. Becauseof the complex regulation of apoptosis, it is clear that much more research studying the different known oncoproteins. involved (specially the bcl-2 family) is necessary for a better understanding of programmed cell death. The uncovering of the enhanced survival capacity of tumor cells at the molecular level is fundamental to gaining improved knowledge of tumor• development, metastasis formation, and response to therapy.

The regulation of apoptosis is of great importance for neoplastic transformation• not only in the cervix but also in many organs and the bcl-2•is one of the most important genes in this process.

In the preinvasive state (ClN) and since the bcl-2 protein inhibits apoptosis, its expression grade increased with increasing the CIN grade reflecting the atypical cellular changes during the early stage of neoplastic transformation. However, when the malignant process sets in, bcl-2 expression is downregulated.