Apoptosis and expression of its related genes in human atherosclerotic plaques

Objective:To study apoptosis and expressions of protooncogenes bcl-2, p53 and C-myc of cells in human atherosclerotic (AS) plaques.Method:Arterial specimens were derived from 20 patients operated as arteriosclerosis and 10 victims. Cell apoptosis was in site detected with the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) and transmission electron microscope. The expressions of protooncogenes bcl-2, p53 and C-myc was detected with immunohistochemistry.Result:Compared with normal arteries, more cells were found to be positively stained with TUNEL in AS plaques (P 0.01). Lots of smooth muscle cells in AS plaques were found to be apoptosis with electron microscope. The expression of protooncogene bcl-2 was markedly decreased in AS plaques, but the expressions of p53 and c-myc was markedly increased (P 0.01).Conclusion:Apoptosis is a main type of cell death in human AS plaques. The expressions of protooncogenes bcl-2, p53 and C-myc may play an important role in regulating the apoptosis.