We analyzed the expression of bcl-2 and p53 in relation to clinicopath
ological features and estrogen receptor (ER) status in breast carcinom
as from a series of 67 women who were treated surgically. Fifty and 23
cases showed positive immunostaining for bcl-2 and p53 protein, respe
ctively. Thirty-five cases were ER-positive. A positive relationship w
as observed between bcl-2 and ER (p<0.05). Furthermore, an inverse rel
ationship was observed between bcl-2 and p53 (p<0.01), which suggests
that overexpression of p53 may down-regulate bcl-2 expression in breas
t carcinoma tissue, as has been described in a breast carcinoma cell l
ine.