ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: There were abnormal changes of trace element in esophageal cancer patient's hair and serum in the high risk area. But it was still unknown that the relationship between p53 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA) expression and the trace element content in varied esophageal mucosa. This study was designed to probe the relationship of trace element content and p53 mutation, PCNA expression in esophgeal mucosa. METHODS: Esophageal biopsy specimen of 151 cases were divided into four groups (normal, esophagitis, dysplasia, and early carcinoma). The quantitative determination of trace element was performed was performed by using X-ray energy spectrometry and the detection of PCNA expression and p53 mutation was performed by using S-P immunohistochemistry method. RESULTS: The contents of Zn, Se, Mo, were 1.74 +/- 0.32, 1.53 +/- 0.64, 0.58 +/- 0.21, 0.20 +/- 0.08; 0.15 +/- 0.06, 0.10 +/- 0.03, 0.04 +/- 0.02, 0; 4.73 +/- 1.31, 3.45 +/- 1.19, 3.51 +/- 1.32, 2.51 +/- 1.04; respectively in four groups. There was a significant difference in varied histological typies(P < 0.05). The contents of Cu/Zn, Ni were 0.57 +/- 0.17, 0.89 +/- 0.18, 2.45 +/- 0.48, 2.92 +/- 1.08; 0.45 +/- 0.05, 1.27 +/- 0.11, 2.46 +/- 0.24, 2.58 +/- 0.33; respectively, which increased gradually in pace with upgrade of esophageal lesions, with significant difference (P < 0.05). The postive rates of p53 and PCNA were 0, 46.15%, 100%; 31.19%, 84.62%, 100% respectively in normal esophageal epithelium, dysplasia, and early carcinoma, with significant difference (P < 0.01), and had significant correlation to trace element. CONCLUSION: The content variation of Zn, Se, Mo, Cu, Ni could be possessed of certain effect on p53 mutation and PCNA overexpression of esophageal epithelium in the high risk area.