Detection of oncogenic HPV and identification of 72Arg polymorphic p53 by in situ PCR for clinical routine purposes.

BACKGROUND Ano-genital carcinoma is a polyfactorial and polygenic disease. Certain strains of human papillomavirus (HPV) have been detected in a high percentage of patients. It has been suggested that p53 polymorphisms may be relevant for the interaction with viral proteins that inactivates p53. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients were selected on the basis of HPV infection, clinical history, positive PAP test and type of lesion. In situ PCR was performed on smear samples, in four steps: a) preparation on clean biobond-treated slides, b) permeabilisation and digestion; c) in situ PCR amplification; d) in situ hybridisation with a fluorescent probe. RESULTS In situ PCR analysis of the smears confirmed the results obtained by classic PCR and by in situ PCR of frozen sections. CONCLUSION In situ PCR on smears could be used in targeted-screening for young and post-menopausal women, as well as in the development of large scale studies to establish the connection among the presence of HPV, p53 polymorphisms and the risk of cervical cancer. ABBREVIATIONS PCR, polymerase chain reaction; OsO4, osmium tetroxide; HPV, human papilloma virus; PBS, phosphate-buffered saline; SDS, sodium dodecyl sulphate.