On the other hand, although the antiapoptotic factor Bcl-2 in antral mucosa was absent in 67.9% (36/53) of GERD patients, an overexpression (score 5) was detected in 15% (8/53) of them, without any association with the BRI levels (equal expression in both groups). Here, BCL2 is linked to gastroesophageal reflux disease.