Can Serum Vitamin B12 and Folate Levels Predict HPV Penetration in Patients with ASCUS?
In the process of progression to cancer from atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS), mostly Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is responsible. Additionally, patients with cell cycle disorders are thought to be at risk. The aim of this prospective cohort trial was to analyze the association between presence of ASCUS and HPV persistence with folate and vitamin B12 levels. 200 patients who had Papanicolaou (PAP) smear test were divided into a ASCUS group (n:100) and control group (n:100). Control group consisted of women who did not have intraepithelial neoplasia, based on PAP smear results. HPV testing was also done in study group. Serum vitamin B12 and folate levels in ASCUS (+) HPV (+) patients were significantly lower than that of ASCUS (-) or ASCUS (+) HPV (-) patients (