p53 at codon 72 polymorphism, human papillomavirus infection and cervical lesions: a cross-sectional study from northeastern Italy

Objective: To test the hypothesis that p53 homozygous Arg/Arg genotype at codon 72 is a significant risk factor for the development of HPV induced cervical cancer. Study design: A cross-sectional survey on p53 allelotypes distribution in women with different grade of cervical lesions and with or without HPV infection, in comparison to the distribution on a control group of women cytologically normal and HPV negative. Results: No statistically significant difference in the p53 polymorphism distribution was found in relation to the infection with HPV, the cytological pattern and both conditions. A modest but constant over-representation of Pro-allelotypes was found in all groups in comparison to the control group. Conclusion: Searching for p53 polymorphism in a clinical setting does not seem to support secondary prevention procedures, at least for women in this area.