Bcl-2 Immunostaining in Hydatidiform Moles is A Potential Diagnostic Molecule

Abstract

Background Hydatidiform moles are pathological entities characterised by abnormal growth of placental tissue leading to an abnormal or absent foetus and abnormal villous tissue. There are dual types of hydatidiform moles: complete mole and partial mole, each has distinct genetic and morphological characteristics. Bcl-2 has a significant role in the pathophysiology of hydatidiform moles by encouraging the survival of abnormal trophoblastic cells and preventing their apoptosis. The purpose of this work is to study the possibility of using Bcl-2 immunostaining to differentiate hydatidiform moles. Methods This study is retrospective study. Patients diagnosed with hydatidiform moles were obtained from archives of Pathology Department, Minia University in the period between May 2021 to May 2024. The study comprised 54 patients of hydatidiform mole including 26 (48.14%) partial hydatidiform mole, 28 (51.85%) complete hydatidiform mole, and 10 full-term normal placental specimens. Immunohistochemistry for Bcl-2 antibody was performed using the avidin biotin-peroxidase complex method. Results were assessed by appropriate statistical tests. Results Higher percentage of Bcl-2 immunostaining was noted in normal placenta (100%) than partial mole (69.2%), and complete mole (32.1%). Statistically significant association was detected between Bcl-2 immunostaining and type of hydatidiform mole cases (p=0.001). Meanwhile, no statistically significant association was found between Bcl-2 immunostaining and age, parity, gestational age and blood group of both types of hydatidiform mole (p=0.15, 0.17, 0.52, and 0.90 respectively). Conclusions Bcl-2 immunostaining was significantly higher in partial hydatidiform mole patients than complete hydatidiform mole and thus could be used as a diagnostic indicator for partial hydatidiform mole.