HPV 16/18 DNA and E6/E7 mRNA detection in cervical samples with abnormal histology in Qazvin, Iran

Introduction and Objectives: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, especially with type 16 or 18, is associated with cervical cancer. Two HPV proteins, E6 and E7, are essential factors in carcinogenesis of HPV. The purpose of this study was to evaluate HPV 16/18 DNA and E6/E7 expression in samples with abnormal histology.Materials and Methods: A total of 99 formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) cervical biopsy blocks with pathologically-diagnosed benign, CIN1, CIN2,3 or cervical carcinoma were included. Identification of HPV 16/18 DNA and E6/E7 RNA transcripts was performed using real-time PCR method.Results: HPV 16/18 DNA was detected in 60 (60.6%) samples. E6/E7 was observed in 42 (42.4%) samples. The frequency of positive E6/E7 results increased with severity of the injury, rising from 20.4% for patients with benign lesions to 37.5% for women with CIN1 lesions, 55.6% for those with CIN2,3 lesions, and 84% for patients with cervical carcinoma (p=0.001). The presence of E6/E7 transcripts showed higher specificity (79%) compared to HPV16/18 DNA (57.14%) for detecting ≥CIN2,3 (p=0.001).Conclusion: HPV E6/E7 mRNA detection is a useful screening method for cervical cancer management and providing more accurate predictions of risk than those obtained by DNA testing.