Expression of apoptosis related genes bax, bcl-2 and bcl-X in human gastric cancer: early results of an investigation

Authors

  • Domenico D’Ugo Division of Surgical Oncology, Hi-Tech Centre for Education and Research in Biomedical Sciences, Catholic University Medical School, Campobasso, Italy
  • Riccardo Ricci Institute of Pathology
  • Stefania Boccia Institute of Hygiene University
  • Roberto Persiani Department of Surgery, Catholic University Medical School, Rome, Italy
  • Dario Arzani Institute of Hygiene University
  • Nicola Giuseppe Maggiano Institute of Pathology
  • Nunzio Molino Institute of Hygiene University
  • Gualtiero Ricciardi Institute of Hygiene University
  • Vincenzo Romano-Spica Institute for Movement Sciences- Hygiene Laboratory, Department of Human Movement and Sport Sciences, Rome; Italy

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2427/5991

Keywords:

gastric cancer, apoptosis, bax, bcl-2, bcl-X

Abstract

Background. Evidences indicate an involvement of apoptosis related genes in gastric carcinogenesis. We
studied the gene and protein expression patterns of bcl-2, bax and bcl-X in samples of gastric
adenocarcinoma. The apoptotic index values, histological type, differentiation grade, cancer stage and
lymph node status were statistically analysed for possible correlations with expressional data.
Methods. Thirty specimens of gastric cancer and respective normal control gastric mucosa were collected
from patients with the diagnosis of gastric adenocarcinoma who underwent a curative gastrectomy. bcl-2,
bax and bcl-XL mRNA and protein levels were respectively determined by reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR)
and western blot using monoclonal antibodies for immunodetection.
Results and conclusions. We observed a significant suppression of bax with an increase of bcl-XL at protein
and mRNA levels. The presence of lymph node metastases was statistically related to the loss of bax
overexpression. Bcl-XL was mostly up-regulated in intestinal/mixed types of gastric carcinoma. The
expression patterns described confirm the role for these apoptosis genes in gastric adenocarcinoma.

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Published

2005-01-01

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 1 (2005)

Section

Long Paper