The biological behaviour of precancerous and early stages of uterine cervix carcinoma is not always easily predictable. It is important therefore to identify new biological markers which could more reliably predict the evolution of the disease or provide important therapeutic targets. To establish the role of the proto-oncogene c-myc in uterine cervix tumorigenesis, we examined 96 tissue samples of different degrees of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN1-CIN 3), in situ (CIS) or invasive squamous cell carcinoma (ISCC) and control cases. Indirect immunohistochemical techniques were used to detect the c-myc expression. Significantly higher levels of Myc protein were found in keratinocytes of high-grade dysplasias in comparison to low-grade dysplasias and control cases. There was no difference between low-grade CIN and a control group of patients. The same significant changes between above mentioned groups were seen in surrounding stromal cells (fibrocytes, fibroblasts, some endothelial cells and lymphocytes). We confirm that expression of c-Myc protein is increased not only in uterine cervix cancer but also in the premalignant lesions. Problem for discussion seems there for whether increased Myc expression in stromal cells might create a more tumor promoting microenvironment which may support the growth and proliferation of transformed cells.

Institute of Pathology Faculty Hospital Olomouc 775 15 Olomouc Czech Republic