The results show that polymorphisms in the Bcl 2, Bax, Fas, and Fas Ligand genes involved in the apoptotic pathways may not play a role in the pathogenesis of PV and ET.
By real time PCR assay, we observed that A1, MCL1, BIK and BID, as well as A1, BCLW and BAK gene expression were increased in ET and PMF CD34+ cells respectively, while pro-apoptotic BAX and anti-apoptotic BCL2 mRNA levels were found to be lower in ET and PMF CD34+ cells respectively, in relation to controls.
Patients treated with HU showed slightly higher pro-apoptotic Bax/Bcl-2 index than patients on ANA therapy, which may influence the better efficacy of HU therapy in ET.