Hormone receptors status in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia: correlation with the stage of disease

We have investigated the relationship between oestrogen and progesterone re ceptor status (ER,PgR) and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia in different stages (CIN 1, CIN 2, CIN 3). The study group consisted of 38 normal women and 60 premenopausal patients with hyperplastic endocervical lesions. The l evels of ER and PgR in the normal and abnormal tissues were evaluated by a saturation point dextran-coated charcoal assay. The expression ER (> 19 fmo l/mg protein) was found in 61.6% (37/60) of cases and PgR (> 7 fmol/mg prot ein) in 40% (24/60). Only 20% (12/60) contained both receptors. For ER expr ession there was a statistically significant difference in the CIN 3 group as compared with normal cervix (P < 0.01) but not with CIN 1 or CIN 2 (P > 0.05). There was a similar difference in PgR expression with CIN 2 and CIN 3 (P < 0.01), but not with CIN 1 (P > 0.05). These results show the highest incidence of ER and PgR expression in CIN 1. Thus hormone-therapy could be specially effective in this CIN stage and could reduce the progression of more advanced lesions. Med Sci Res 27:681-683 (C) 1999 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.