Objectives: The present study has tried to
analyze the individual and combined expression of the three markers—p53, Ki-67
and bel-2-in HPV associated pre-malignant lesions of the cervix. Methods: Thirty-four cases of
high-grade lesions, 21 low-grade cases and 18 normal cases were histologically
assessed. HPV-DNA presence and the viral types were determined through PCR and
RFLP, respectively. Marker expression was performed by immuno-histochemistry.Results:
With regards to viral types, HPV with high oncogenic potential represented the
majority, with just one case reporting the low oncogenic potential for viral
infection (HPV 6). HPV was the most frequent and could be associated with the
high-grade lesion group, however, no significant associations were found
between the viral ones and the marker expression. When the expression location,
beyond the basal layer, was taken into account, the three markers proved to be
good indicators of the lesion grade. The markers’ combined expression: p53(-),
Ki-67(+), bcl-2(-) and p53(-), Ki-67(+), bcl-2(-) was statistically significant
when associated with the lesion grade.Conclusions: The results suggest
that the p53, Ki-67 and bel-2 markers can contribute to differentiate the
lesion grades, whether in its isolate form or in combined form.