EXPRESSION OF Bcl-2, Bcl-X, Bax AND p53 PROTEINS IN EPSTEIN BARR VIRUS POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE HODGKIN'S LYMPHOMA

Introduction: Reed-Sternberg cells are typical for Hodgkin’s lymphoma. They are transformed post-germinative B cells that not achieve successful immunoglobulin gene rearrangement, and therefore predetermined to apoptosis. Several mechanisms, including latent Epstein Barr virus infection (EBV), enable survival of Hodgkin’s lymphoma neoplastic cells. Goal of this study is correlation of Hodgkin’s lymphoma EBV status with expression of apoptosis associated proteins in neoplastic cells. Association of Hodgkin’s lymphoma with EBV was determined by chromogenic hybridization in situ detection of EBER1 and EBER2. Material and Methods: Presence of apoptosis associated proteins: bcl-2, bcl-X, bax and p53, were determined immunohistochemicaly in neoplastic cells of 39 EBV positive, and 42 EBV negative Hodgkin’s lymphomas. Results: Bcl-2 protein was detected in neoplastic cells in 22.2%, Bcl-X in 87.7%, Bax in 80.2% and p53 in 67.8% of cases. In 44.4% cases simultaneous presence of Bcl-X, Bax and p53 protein was detected. Bcl-X is significantly more produced in mixed cellularity, and Bcl-X and Bax in nodular sclerosis. No significant difference was found in production of all four proteins between EBV positive and negative Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Median intensity of p53, Bcl-2, Bcl-X and Bax staining of complete examined group, EBV positive and EBV negative group show significant difference, except between Bcl-X and Bax. Discussion: Survival capacity of Hodgkin’s lymphoma neoplastic cells depends on activity of numerous regulators of programmed cell death. Expression of bcl-2, bcl-X, bax and p53 proteins is not different in neoplastic cells of EBV positive and EBV negative Hodgkin’s lymphoma.