Study of p53 expression in patients with hepatocellular carcinomafrom the high risk area of HCC in Guangxi

Objective:To examine p53 protein expression in HCCs patients from a high incidence area of HCC in Guangxi.Method:Immunohistochemical staining of p53 protein was carried out by using a polyclonal rabbit antibody.Serial sections were also stained for hepatitis B surface antigen and core antigen.Results:p53 protein expression was detected in 13(43.3%) of the 30 HCCs cases and was found in 25.0%(1/4) of HCCs size≤5.0cm diameter, 71.4%(5/7) of that10.0cm diameter.p53 expression was higher in moderately and poorly differentiated HCCs than those in the well differentiated HCCs and more frequently seen in HCCs from younger patients.Conclusion:These data indicate that there is a close relation among p53 protein expression and tumor size,histological grade and age of patients.27 of 30 cases (90.0%) were positive for HBV.No significant association between p53 expression and sex,HBV infection,cirrhosis or AFP had been found.