INTRODUCTIONHuman papillomaviruses (especially types 16 and 18) are the causative agents of cervical cancer, 1 the second leading female cancer in the world; the most frequently reported cancer in most developing countries and the principal cause of mortality from cancer in general. The virus encodes for 2 oncoproteins E6 and E7 which directly contribute towards initiation and maintenance of tumour development.2 Protein products of these genes interfere with the normal function of tumour suppressor genes. E7 binds and inactivate retinoblastoma protein RB while E6 binds P 53 protein and directs its degradation leading to resistance to apoptosis, uncensored cell growth and malignant transformation. 3 E6 is of particular interest because of its multiple roles in the cell and in interacting with many other proteins. It reacts with E6-AP and form an ubiquitin-protein ligase a process leading to degradation of the P 53 gene. 4 It also targets NFX1-9 cellular protein which normally represses reduction in telomerase (a protein that make cells to divide unlimited times) and consequently keep cell growth uncheck.5 E6 acts as a translational co-factor, specifically transcription activator when interacting with cellular transcription factor E2F/DP1. The interaction of E6 with membrane associated granulocytes kinase family (MAGUK) protein ABSTRACT Background: Epidemiological, clinical and molecular studies have established the link between genital infection with high risk human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer but there is great challenge in establishing early infection by both clinicians and the laboratories. The virus cannot be grown in conventional cell cultures and serology cannot different between active and past infection. Molecular studies remain the goal standard as it detects viral nucleic acid or cellular antigens indicative of oncogenic potential in cytology or biopsy specimen. The study was aimed to molecularly determine the presence of HPV 16/18 and expression of E6 gene in squamous intraepithelial lesions. Methods: Cervical cells were collected from 18 women with positive cytology test results and 32 controls in gynaecology clinic of Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, Kano Nigeria and HPV 16/18 were detected with E6 gene specific PCR primers. Results: Overall, HPV E6 gene was found in 76% of the women, 88.3% of positive cytology specimens and 71.2% controls. Conclusions: There is very high prevalence of HPV infection. The presence of HPV 16/18 E6 genes in cervical intraepithelial lesions may serve as a useful predictor of diagnosis and possible clinical outcome of the disease.
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