Expression of miRNAs in the Presence of HPV Infection in Cervical Dysplasia Samples: A Pilot Study.

Background: Cervical cancer is a major health concern, with human papillomaviruses (HPV) infection being a key risk factor. However, not all HPV-infected individuals develop cancer, suggesting the additional factors may be involved. This study aims to evaluate the differences in the miR-155 and -205 expression in cervical tissue with dysplasia depending on the presence of HPV and confirmed cancer diagnosis.

Materials and methods: The expression of miR-155 and -205 in 30 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded primary cervical tissue biopsy samples was evaluated using RT-PCR.

Results: The expression levels of miRNA-155 and -205 in cervical dysplasia samples without malignant transformation was lower than these in carcinoma in situ tissues (0.74 ± 0.21 and 1.65 ± 0.42 vs. 1.37 ± 0.18 and 2.35 ± 0.32, respectively). In carcinoma in situ cases, we found higher levels of miRNA-155 and -205 (1.6 and 1.38 times, respectively) in CIN-3/ HSIL samples compared to CIN-2/HSIL samples. The expression of both miRNAs tended to increase in HPV-positive cases and in the presence of malignant transformation compared to HPV-negative dysplasia and dysplasia without signs of malignant transformation, respectively.

Conclusions: The obtained data indicate a potential relationship between the presence of HPV infection and the expression profile of miRNA-155 and -205.