RESUMO
Objective: To identify the differential expression of human leukocyte antigen I (HLA-I) between patients of Uighur and Han ethnic groups with cervical diseases. Methods: The expression levels of HLA-I protein in chronic cervicitis, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) tissues from female patients of Uighur and Han ethnic groups were examined by immunohistochemistry method. Results: The expressions of HLA-I protein in chronic cervicitis, CIN and CSCC tissues were normal, partial-lost and negative, respectively. The total loss rates of HLA-I protein expression were 2% (1/49), 26% (29/113) and 49% (34/70) in chronic cervicitis, CIN and CSCC tissues, respectively (P<0.05). The increasing tendency of total loss rate of HLA-I protein expression accompanied by the enhancement of cervical disease severity in the Uighur ethnic group was similar to that of the Han ethnic group. The total loss rates of HLA-I protein expression in CIN and CSCC tissues were both higher in Uighur women (27% and 53%, respectively) than those in Han women (18% and 37%, respectively). Conclusion: The loss of HLA-I protein expression may predict the progression of cervical cancer. The differential expression of HLA I between Uighur and Han ethnic groups may reflect the different genetic pathways of carcinogenesis.