Expression of P63, P16 and CK17 in Atypical Squamous Metaplasia and Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) is a dysmaturation process in squamous cells in epithelial layer, which highly increases the risk of developing cervical cancer. The aim of this study was to compare the expression of three biomarkers, p16, p63, and CK17 in patients with CIN and in those with atypical squamous metaplasia (ASM). METHODS: In this study, 100 patients underwent a colposcopy-guided cervix biopsy. Immunostaining for the biomarkers was undertaken on tissue samples presented with ASM (n=50) and CIN (n=50). RESULTS: A significant increase in immunostaining for CK7, P63, and P16 in patients with CIN was found compared to ASM subjects. CONCLUSION: Expression of CK17, P63, and P16 in CIN varied from those in ASM. Those biomarkers could be reliable factors to distinguish ASM from CIN; however, all the biomarkers could differentiate CIN from its mimics due to their high degree of sensitivity and specificity.