p53 protein and tumorigenesis in the uterine cervix.

The relationship between molecular abnormalities of p53 tumor suppressor gene product and cancer has been well documented. That correlation may exist between immunocytochemically detectable amount of p53 protein and neoplasia is evidenced by several studies. Detection of p53 protein by immunocytochemistry varies depending on the methods and antibodies used. It has been suggested that the quantitative aspect of p53 protein expression and the proportion of cells expressing p53 may be of clinical importance in human malignancies. In the present study, we have examined the expression of p53 protein in various grades of lesions of the uterine cervix. Statistical analysis showed a good correlation between expression of p53 protein and histologic grade of lesions. Increased expression of p53 in dysplastic and malignant lesions compared to non dysplastic lesions suggests that p53 protein accumulation may be an early event in carcinogenesis.