Proliferation profile of endometrial polyps in post-menopausal women.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether or not the presence of c-erbB2 over-expression in endometrial polyps affects the percentage of cells positive for Ki-67 proliferation marker.

METHODS

Thirty-five patients with endometrial polyps were submitted to polypectomy by hysteroscopy. Ki-67 and c-erbB2 over-expression were investigated in the polyps by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

The presence of c-erbB2 over-expression by immunohistochemistry was observed in 80% of endometrial polyps and was associated with higher proliferation rates as determined by the number of positive Ki-67 cell nuclei. In c-erbB2-negative polyps, the proliferation rates were low.

CONCLUSION

Ki-67 and c-erbB2 over-expression are frequent in endometrial polyps in post-menopausal women.