Plasma 249Ser p53 mutation in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma residing in a high risk area.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate plasma p53 mutation in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients from Qidong and to define its significance.
METHODS: Blood samples from 25 hepatocellular carcinoma patients, 20 cirrhotic patients and 30 healthy controls in Qidong area. DNA was extracted and purified from 200 microl of plasma from each sample. The 249(Ser) p53 mutation was detected by restriction digestion analysis and by direct sequencing of exon-7 PCR products.
RESULTS: G-->T transversion at the third base of 249 codon resulting in 249(Arg)-->249(Ser) mutation in exon 7 of p53 gene were found in 11/25(44%) hepatocellular carcinoma cases, 4/20 (20%) cirrhotics, and 2/30 (7%) healthy controls (p<0.01).
CONCLUSIONS: These data show that the 249(Ser) p53 mutation in plasma is strongly associated with hepatocellular carcinoma patients in Qidong area and the mutation should be screened as a new early diagnostic marker for HCC.