Expression of p53 Protein in Gastric Precancerous Lesions and Gastric Carcinoma

Background/Aims: To assess the clinical significance of the expression of p53 protein in gastric precancerous lesions and gastric carcinoma, and the relation of p53 protein expression to various stages of gastric carcinoma. Methods: Accumulation of p53 protein was detected by immunohisto- chemical method. Biopsies from patients with intestinal metaplasia (n=33) and dysplasia (n=26) were obtained endoscopically, gastric carcinoma specimens (n=26) were obtained by operation. Results: The highest expression rate of p53 protein was in the gastric carcinoma tissues (61.5%). The positivity rates of p53 protein in dysplasia and intestinal metaplasia were 34.6% and 12.1%, respectively, the statistical difference was significant. There was no significant difference in p53 staining among different clinical stages of gastric carcinoma. Conclusions: The positive expression of p53 protein was found in gastric precancerous lesions. Accumulation of p53 protein occurred mainly at the advanced precancerous le- sions and early gastric carcinoma, its expression was in the increasing order of intestinal metaplasia, dysplasia and early gastric carcinoma.