Expression of Bcl-2 Oncoprotein as an Apoptosis Inhibitor in Uterine Leiomyomata

Background: Bcl-2 oncoprotein has an important role in cell development, maturation and acts as an anti-apoptotic factor in various neoplastic processes. Aims: With the hypothesis that an increased expression of Bcl-2 oncoprotein in smooth muscle cells of uterine leiomyoma relative to that of normal myometrium may be one of the molecular bases for the enhanced growth of the neoplasm, its levels in uterine leiomyoma and adjacent normal myometrium were measured through enzyme linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA). Methods: Tissue homogenates extracted from the surgical specimens of uterine leiomyomata and adjacent normal myometria of 32 female patients presenting with symptomatic single or multiple fibroids. Bcl-2 oncoprotein and total protein concentrations were measured utilizing a double sandwich ELISA technique. Results: It was observed that the concentration of Bcl-2 protein (p=0.399) and the total proteins (p= 0.049) was higher in leiomyomata than in the adjacent normal myometria. Conclusion: Bcl-2 protein is credibly expressed in uterine leiomyomatous cells in our female patients. Therefore, it may be exploited for an antibody-based targeted therapy in selected cases to avoid uncontrolled growth and surgical treatment of small sized leiomyomata, particularly if they are multiple and in patients desiring to conserve fertility.