The present data indicate that CTS and UNE are not associated with higher plasma levels of caspase-3 or caspase-8, which is probably explained by an insufficient compression leading to no, or a too low, induction of activation and apoptosis in the Schwann cells and in the neurons, where also the timing of evaluation in relation to the nerve compression is crucial. The gene discussed is CASP3; the disease is carpal tunnel syndrome.