Correlation between mRNA levels of IL-6 and TNF alpha and progression ratein anal squamous epithelial lesions from HIV-positive men

Background: The incidence of anal high-grade intraepithelial lesions (HSILs ) and progression of anal low-grade intraepithelial lesions (LSILs) to HSIL are high in HIV-positive men. Endogenous cytokines might support the patho genesis of this progression. Materials and Methods. Accordingly, we determi ned mRNA levels of IL-6 and TNF alpha and their receptors together with vir al genes (HN-gag and HPV E7) in biopsies of anal condylomas, LSILs and HSIL s from HIV-positive individuals by a semiquantitative RT-PCR method. Result s: We found that HSIL significantly differs in expression of these genes fi om LSIL and condylomas, and the latter two lesions Mne virtually undisting uishable from each other: A correlation between cytokine levels and HIV as well as HPV E7 transcripts suggests that changes might be associated with e ach other: Conclusions: These findings reveal important molecular events as sociated with progression of anal intraepithelial lesions (ASILs) in HIV/-i nfected men.