Expression of CDH1 (e-cadherina) and Snai1 as possible biomarkers of precursor lesions of Cacu in the parish El Valle del Cantón Cuenca, Ecuador 2023-2024

Background. An important factor in the etiology of uterine cervix cancer (CACU) is persistent high-risk HPV (HPV-AR). Although most of the lesions associated with HPV return spontaneously, the genomic alterations are necessary for cancer progression; Where the accumulation of these genomic alterations leads to the acquisition of mesenchymal characteristics (suppression of the expression of CDH1 and overexpression of SNAI1) that will lead to the acquisition of a more aggressive cell phenotype, thus detonating a metastatic process and resistance to chemotherapy. Goals. Evaluate whether the HPV-AR genotipification, the expression level of CDH1 and SNAI1, compared to the presence of KI-67 and P16ink4a proteins, could be included as a panel of biomarkers indicative of an increased risk of developing a precursor lesion of CACU. Methods The type of study is the validation of a diagnostic test. Samples of liquid base cytology from the transformation zone of the uterine cervix of women who come to gynecological control will be obtained. For molecular analysis, DNA and RNA will be extracted. The viral genotype will be determined using a PCR and hybridization by DNA probes; The level of expression of CDH1 and SNAI1 will be determined by RT-PCR and the presence of KI-67 and P16ink4A proteins will be identified by immunocytochemistry. The data obtained will be tabulated on an Excel sheet through codes assigned to each participant. They will then be analyzed by free R software in their most up -to -date version. Qualitative variables will be described by frequencies and percentages, quantitative variables by means of average, medium, standard, minimum and maximum deviation. To analyze validity, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and Likelihood Rat will be obtained, considering as the detection of Ki-67 and P16ink4a proteins. Expected results. Changes in the expression of CDH1 and SNAI1 during the progression to precursor lesions, their relationship with the HPV genotype, as well as the presence of Ki-67 and P16ink4a proteins.

XIX UNIVERSITY COMPETITION FOR RESEARCH PROJECTS