The expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha specifically stimulated with antigenic epitope of E6 human papillomavirus type 16 in cervical cancer

Introduction: Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha (TNF-α is a pro-inflammatory cytokine capable of controlling Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), but it actually triggers the carcinogenesis in persistent infection. This research aims to see the expression of TNF-α in cervicovaginal secretions stimulated with the antigenic epitope of E6 HPV type 16 in the normal cervical group and cervical cancer. Methods: The analysis was conducted semi-quantitatively on the expression of TNF-α after the specific stimulation with epitope E6 HPV type 16 in the cervicovaginal secretions with ELISpot method. The cervicovaginal secretions were taken with cytobrush in accordance with the research protocol. Results: From August 2013–2015, 40 obtained samples from 2 subject groups in accordance with the criteria of inclusion and exclusion in Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo and Fatmawati hospital. Expressions of TNF-α was 75% in cervical cancer and 10% in normal cervical group (OR = 27,00; p < 0,001). There is significant difference in the expression of TNF-α between cervical cancer group and normal cervix (p < 0_001). This research is able to prove that the highest expression of TNF-α is in the group of cervical cancer (OR 27,00; p < 0,001). In the biomolecular medicine, this research shows significant data about the expression of TNF-α from cells of cervicovaginal secretions as the specific response of HPV antigen type 16. Conclusion: This research is expected to contribute the meaningful data to make TNF-α as a laboratory parameter on the progressivity, therapy, and prognosis on invasive cervical cancer.