disease: correlation with clinicopathological parameters, and Ki67 and p53 gene expression

Background—The p21 WAF1/CIP1 gene mediates growth arrest by inhibiting G1 cyclin dependent kinases and has been considered as a downstream eVector of the tumour suppressor gene p53. Aim—To analyse the role of p21 WAF1/CIP1 in gestational trophoblastic disease. Methods—The immunohistochemical expression of p21 WAF1/CIP1 gene was measured in 33 placentas, 28 partial hydatidiform moles, 54 complete hydatidiform moles, and 13 choriocarcinomas in paraffin wax embedded tissue. The results were correlated with p53 (DO7) and Ki67 (MIB1) immunoreactivity as well as clinical progress. Results—p21 WAF1/CIP1 immunoreactivity was found predominantly in the nuclei of the syncytiotrophoblasts. p21 WAF1/CIP1 protein expression correlated with gestational age in normal placentas (p = 0.0001) but not in hydatidiform moles (p = 0.89). Complete hydatidiform moles and choriocarcinomas had a significantly higher p21 WAF1/CIP1 expression compared with normal placentas and partial hydatidiform moles (p < 0.001); there was no diVerence between placentas and partial hydatidiform moles. No correlation between p21 WAF1/CIP1