TIMP-2 gene methylation in cervical precursor and invasive lesions.

Objective: To analyze the presence of HPV-DNA and TIMP-2 gene methylation in cervical precursor and invasive lesions, as well as to study the associations among the latter, the presence of HPV-DNA, and the clinical evolution of such lesions.

Methods: Cross-sectional study that includes 49 biopsy or brush smear samples from women with a normal cervix, LSIL, HSIL, microinvasive carcinoma and invasive carcinoma. The presence of HPV-DNA and specific methylation was analyzed using PCR.

HPV DNA genotyping and methylation of gene p16 INK4A in cervical LSIL.

Background: DNA methylation is the most important epigenetic change involved in the control of gene expression in human cells. Methylation of the p16(INK4a) gene occurs early in the development of cervical cancer. Low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSILs) are prevalent, and their behavior is variable.

Evaluation of DAPK gene methylation and HPV and EBV infection in cervical cells from patients with normal cytology and colposcopy.

Objective: Evaluation of promoter methylation of the death-associated protein kinase (DAPK) gene and HPV and EBV infections in cervical cells from patients with normal cytology and colposcopy.

Study Design: Twenty women, who had been patients at the Institute of Gynecology of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) for routine examinations and who showed normal cytology and colposcopy, were selected for this work. Cervical brushings were used for DNA extraction, and the analysis of methylation patterns of the DAPK gene was done through chemical modification with sodium bisulfite.