Received July 21, 2022
Accepted December 12, 2022

Objective:This study evaluated and compared spontaneus apoptosis and Bcl-2 expression in eutopic endometrium from women without endometriosis and ectopic endometrium of women with the disease. Methods: Between March 2007 and December 2008, 16 women who underwent to a ginecology surgery in HC UFMG participated in this study:8 with endometriosis and 8 controls. The specimens collected were analysed for apoptosis and expression of Bcl-2. Apoptotic cells were detected with the use of dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Bcl-2 expression was assessed with the use of the immunohistochemical technique. Results: Spontaneous apoptosis was significantly lower in ectopic endometrium from patients with endometriosis, compared with eutopic endometrium of controls and was independent of the cycle phase. The expression of Bcl-2 was increased in ectopic endometrium of women with endometriosis, mainly in secretory phase. Conclusion:In conclusion, the present study indicates that ectopic endometrium from patients with endometriosis is less susceptible to apoptosis than endometrium from controls due to a higher expression of Bcl-2. So, these cells present increased survival ability that results in continuous growth into ectopic locations. This factor would be fundamental to the pathogenesis of the disease.