Published online Aug 15, 1999. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v5.i4.324
Revised: July 3, 1999
Accepted: July 19, 1999
Published online: August 15, 1999
AIM: To study the significance of p53 gene in hepatocarcino genesis through analyzing codon 249 mutations of p53 gene in non-neoplastic liver tissues.
METHODS: Codon 249 mutation was detected using single-strande d conformational polymorphism analysis and allele-specific PCR in liver tissues from 10 cases of chronic hepatitis, 5 cases of cirrhosis and 20 cases of HCCs.
RESULTS: The detection rate of codon 249 mutation in chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and pericancerous tissues was 70% (7/10), 100% (5/5) and 70% (14/20), respectively by AS-PCR. These mutations could not be detected b y SSCP analysis. The detection rates were 65% (13/20) and 45% (9/20) in cancerous tissues by AS-PCR and SSCP analysis.
CONCLUSION: Codon 249 mutations of p53 gene were very popular in non-neoplastic liver tissues though the number of those mutant cells was only in subsection. Those mutations in cancerous tissues might take place in the stage before the formation of tumor.