Objective: To investigate the role of Bcl-2 gene in oncogenesis and progression of non-small cell lung carcinoma(NSCLC).
Methods: The mRNA expressions of Bcl-2 gene in a series of 137 pulmonary tissues collected at various sites and with different properties were studied with Northern hybridization and non-radioactive digoxigenin labeling and detection system.
Results: According to the observations on benign lesions, non-cancer tissues distant from tumour, para-tumour tissues and cancer tissues, there was a tendency of mRNA expression increasing of Bcl-2 gene. Among them, Bcl-2 mRNA expression in lung cancer tissues was significantly increased, compared with that in benign lesions and tissues distant from tumour (P<0.01). The Bcl-2 mRNA expression in lymph node with cancer metastasis was significantly higher than that in lymph node without cancer metastasis(P<0.05). The Bcl-2 mRNA expression was relative to cell differentiation of the cancer, but not to the histological classification.
Conclusion: Over expression of Bcl-2 gene might be involved in the oncogenesis and metastasis of NSCLC.