Expression of Epstein-Barr virus latent membrane protein 1 and B-cell leukemia-lymphoma 2 gene in nasopharyngeal carcinoma tissues

Co-expression of B-cell leukemia-lymphoma 2 gene (Bcl-2) and Epstein-Barr virus latent membrane protein 1 (LMP-1) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma tissues were tested using immunohistochemical methods. Results showed that there were 32% (14/44) and 68% (30/44) LMP-1 and Bcl-2-positive cases, respectively. Among the LMP-1-positive tissues, 8 (57%) of 14 specimens were also Bcl-2-positive. The level of LMP-1 and Bcl-2 expression was associated with the clinical stages of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Furthermore, when LMP-1- and Bcl-2-positive cases were combined, the highest positive score was found in clinical stage II as well as in the early stage (stages I and II) of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. While further studies with more cases are needed, this study suggests that co-expression of Bcl-2 and LMP-1 may be involved in the process of nasopharyngeal carcinoma aggravation.