RESUMO
The specific features of bronchial epithelial cell apoptosis in asthma were studied, by evaluating the activity of the apoptosis-regulating genes Bcl-2, Bax, and caspase-3. Fibrobronchoscopy with target biopsy of the bronchial mucosa was carried out in 21 asthmatic patients (the latter had given informed consent). The expression of Bcl-2, Bax, and CPP32 (caspase-3 activity) was determined in the bronchial epithelial cells by the immunohistochemical technique using the DAKO kits. Allergic asthma is characterized by higher Bcl-2 and lower Bax expression than non-allergic asthma and in patients receiving systemic glucocorticosteroids. The similar nature of changes was found in the analysis of the Bcl2/Bax ratio. Regardless of the type of asthma, the expression of caspase-3 was rather high. The specific features of impaired bronchial epithelial cell apoptosis in different types of asthma can determine the pathogenetic value of apoptotic disorders in the persistence of allergic inflammation.