Apoptose e expressão de proteína BCL-2 nos implantes de endométrio ectópico de pacientes portadoras de endometriose

Abstract

This study evaluated and compared spontaneus apoptosis and Bcl-2 expression in eutopic endometrium from women without endometriosis and ectopic endometrium of women with the disease. Between March 2007 and December 2008, 16 women who underwent to a ginecology surgery in HC UFMG participated in this study: 8 with endometriosis and 8 controls. The specimens collected were analysed for apoptosis and expression of Bcl-2. Apoptotic cells were detected with the use of dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Bcl-2 expression was assessed with the use of the immunohistochemical technique. Spontaneous apoptosis was significantly lower in ectopic endometrium from patients with endometriosis, compared with eutopic endometrium of controls and was independent of the cycle phase. The expression of Bcl-2 was increased in ectopic endometrium of women with endometriosis, mainly in secretory phase. In conclusion, the present study indicates that ectopic endometrium from patients with endometriosis is less susceptible to apoptosis than endometrium from controls due to a higher expression of Bcl-2. So, these cells present increased survival ability that results in continuous growth into ectopic locations. This factor would be fundamental to the pathogenesis of the disease.