Influence of Serum and Tissue Micronutrient Levels on the Regression of Untreated Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia 2 and 3

Abstract

OBJECTIVE.: To determine the influence of micronutrient levels on the regression of untreated cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). MATERIALS AND METHODS.: Serum and vaginal washings were analyzed for micronutrient levels at the time of diagnosis and after 6 months of observation. Serum and vaginal levels of beta-carotene, vitamin E, and retinol were correlated with spontaneous regression, persistence, or progression of CIN. Regression was defined as resolution of the lesion by 2 or more grades (CIN 2 to normal and CIN 3 to CIN 1 or normal). Wilcoxon signed rank, Wilcoxon rank sum, and Spearman correlation were used for data analysis. RESULTS.: The overall regression rate was 52% (48/93), including 58% (22/38) of CIN 2 and 47% (26/55) of CIN 3 lesions. The median baseline serum levels for beta-carotene, vitamin E, and retinol among those whose lesions regressed were 161 ng/mL, 10,554 ng/mL, and 446 ng/mL, respectively, whereas levels among patients with persistence or progression were 128 ng/mL, 10,286 ng/mL, and 503 ng/mL, respectively. These differences were not statistically significant. The median serum level of beta-carotene at 6 months among patients whose lesions regressed was 456 ng/mL compared with 956 ng/mL among the patients with progression or persistence (p = .38). Vaginal levels of beta-carotene correlated with serum levels; however, they were also not predictive of CIN regression. CONCLUSION.: Micronutrient levels are not predictive of CIN regression.