ABSTRACT
Purpose To study the expression of HPV L1 protein and p16 in various cervical lesions and to explore the value of HPV L1 protein and p16 immunostaining in predicting the progression from CIN1 to CIN3 and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).Methods Expression of HPV L1 protein and p16 in 18 cases of CIN1, 9 cases of CIN2, 8 cases of CIN3 and 6 cases of SCC was detected by immunohistochemistry.Results The average positive rates of HPV L1 protein in cervical lesions were 26.8%, and HPV L1 protein was positive in 38.9% of CIN1 and 44.4% of CIN2, but in 0 of CIN3 and SCC. In contrast, the average positive rate of p16 protein in cervical lesions was 68.3%, p16 protein was positive in 38.9% of CIN1and 77.8% of CIN2, but in 100% of CIN3 and SCC. p16-/HPV L1+ and p16-/HPV L1- cases represented 61.1% of CIN1, but 0 of CIN3 and SCCs, whereas p16+/HPV L1- cases represented 100% of CIN3 and SCC.Conclusions Expression of HPV L1 protein decreases whereas p16 protein increases with lesion progression. p16+/HPV L1- cases have the potential for progression, whereas p16-/HPV L1+ and p16-/HPV L1- cases may not be progressive lesions or potentially in remission.