[Human papillomavirus, human cytomegalovirus and p53 gene in cervical carcinoma]

To investigate the role of human papillomavirus (HPV) human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infections and p53 gene mutations in the oncogenesis of cervical cancer and to clarify the association between p53 inactivation and the presence of HPV DNA.

We examined 38 primary cervical carcinomas and 21 normal cervical specimens for the presence of HPV and HCMV DNA sequences by multiple primers PCR and nest primers PCR. The structure of p53 gene (exons 6-8) was also analyzed by PCR-SSCP silver staining method.

Mutations of p53 gene (exon 7) were detected in 2 of 38 tumors. One of the cases with p53 mutation was positive for HPV 16 and two positive for HCMV. HPV 16 and 18 infections were noted in 63.2% (24/38) of the tumors, the positive rate of HCMV was 84.2% (32/38). However, HPV 16,18 and HCMV infection occurred in 4.8% and 38.1% respectively in 21 normal cervical specimens. 21 of the 24 HPV 16,18 positive tumors were also HCMV positive, but none of the normal cervical tissues was infected with both HPV and HCMV.

Detection of p53 mutations in cervical carcinoma is infrequent and apparently independent of HPV infection. Cervical carcinoma is strongly associated with HPV 16 and 18 infection. A synergistic interaction may occur between HPV and HCMV infections in the oncogenesis of cervical cancer.