Expression of Bcl-2, Bax, and p53 proteins in carcinogenesis of squamous cell lung cancer

Background: Apoptosis is regulated by many genes, including bcl-2, p53, and bcl-2 family genes. The expression of Bcl-2 p53, and Bar in very early lun g cancers or precancer lesions is not been fully understood Materials and M ethods: The expression of these proteins was examined immunohistochemically in II normal bronchial epithelia, 23 dysplasias, and 40 roentgenographical ly occult squamous cell lung cancers (ROCs). Results: The expression of the Bcl-2 and p53 protein increased along with the advance of the morphologica l atypia in bronchial epithelial cells, whereas no difference in the Bar ex pression. The patients with Bcl-2 positive ROCs had a better prognosis than those with Bcl-2 negative ROCs. Conclusions: Bcl-2 and p53 proteins play i mportant roles in early steps of carcinogenesis in squamous cell lung cance r of central type. The Bcl-2 protein could be a prognostic marker in ROCs.