DETECTION OF P16/KI-67 MARKERS IN THE DETECTION OF CERVICAL INTRAEPITHELIAL NEOPLASIA

Abstract

B a c k g r o u n d . In recent years, Ukraine has experienced an unfavorable epidemiological situation concerning sexually transmitted diseases. One rapidly spreading infection is genital human papillomavirus (HPV). Convincing research has identified human papillomavirus (HPV) as a significant factor in the development of malignant transformations in the cervix. The study of the molecular pathogenesis associated with HPV-related neoplasms has led to the discovery of biomarkers aiding in the diagnosis of High-grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion (HSIL) of the cervix. Including the biomarkers p16/Ki-67 in the investigation enhances sensitivity in detecting HSIL in women. Additionally, it is pertinent to further analyze the effectiveness of using an additional semi-quantitative scale to assess the results of immunocytochemical detection of p16/Ki-67. M e t h o d s . The research was conducted on biological material from cervical smears using liquid-based cytology. Techniques included Papanicolaou staining, HPV detection, and immunocytochemical staining against p16/Ki-67. The sample comprised 90 women divided into three age groups, each categorized based on criteria such as HPV presence/absence, Bethesda classification of dysplasia, and negative/positive p16/Ki-67 results. Intensity of staining was further scored on a scale in the corresponding location of positive reactions in the nucleus or cytoplasm. R e s u l t s . The study revealed that immunocytochemical markers p16 and Ki-67 identified women with intraepithelial lesions, especially in cases with positive HPV results and no dysplastic changes in the Pap test. The intensity of immunocytochemical staining for p16 and Ki-67 varied directly with the detected degree of dysplasia. C o n c l u s i o n s . A direct correlation was observed between the severity of dysplasia established by Bethesda classification and the intensity of immunocytochemical staining for p16 and Ki-67. These findings provide an opportunity for further exploration of staining intensity in the presence of immunocytochemical markers p16 and Ki-67 for their potential use in the comprehensive interpretation of Pap test results and the precise identification of dysplasia in ambiguous diagnostic samples.