[The expression and implication of proliferating cell nuclear antigen and p53 protein in reflux esophagitis lesions]

To characterize expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and p53 protein in esophageal mucosa of reflux esophagitis (RE) and which returning to normal endoscopically after intervening therapy.

Esophageal biopsies were taken from 213 case of RE and 26 case returning to normal endoscopically after intervening therapy, which were examined by pathology and avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex (ABC) method.

The number of PCNA-positive cells in esophageal mucosa increased from normal to RE and to dysplasia, with the values being (192 +/- 120)/mm(2), (326 +/- 200)/mm(2), (596 +/- 208)/mm(2) respectively. There was statistically significant difference between intergroups (P < 0.01). The positive rates of p53 protein in esophageal mucosa increased from normal to RE and to dysplasia and they were 5.9%, 34.4%, 57.6%. Marked difference was found between intergroups (P < 0.01). The number of PCNA-positive cells in esophageal mucosa of RE patients which appear to be normal under endoscope after intervening therapy [(306 +/- 214)/mm(2)] and the positive rates of p53 protein (26.9%) were significantly lower than those in RE patients before intervening therapy (P < 0.01), but were significantly higher than those in normal controls (P < 0.01).

The expression of PCNA and p53 protein increased with the severity of esophageal reflux lesions. The case of reflux esophagitis who returned to normal endoscopically after intervening therapy need keeping on therapy and being followed by endoscopy, because their esophageal mucosa didn't become normal at the molecular level.