AIM: To study apoptosis and the involved genes in malignant transformation of gastric carcinoma. METHODS: Apoptotic cell and apoptotic regulating gene p53,bcl-2,c-myc were detected in 46 cases with gastric carcinomas, 20 cases with precancerous lesions and 24 cases with normal mucosa in situ using TdT-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) technique and immunohistochemical stain. RESULTS: Apoptotic index in precancerous lesion(intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia) and gastric carcinoma were significantly higher than that in normal mucosa( P