Introduction/Background Cervical cancer is worldwide the second most common cancer in women. Immune response appears to be a key determinant in controlling human papilloma virus (HPV) infection. Cell mediated immunity plays a significiant role in progression or regression of neoplastic cervical lesions. Lipid rafts have essential role in T lymphocite activation. Gangliosides play an important role in the formation and stabilization of specific cell lipid membrane domains. This study aims to determine whether ganglioside GM1 expressions in T cell membrane represent risk factor for cervical cancer. Methodology In total, 20 women participated in our study. Peripheral blood samples were obtained from 10 cervical cancer patients and 10 healthy controls at University Hospital for Tumors, Zagreb, Croatia. A 3 mL sample of venous blood was collected from each subject into a test tube containing EDTA as anticoagulant. For T cell subtypes isolation we used Anti CD4 Phycoerythrin antibody and Anti CD8 Peridinin Chlorophyll Protein Complex antibody. Ganglioside GM1 expression in T lymphocytes membranes was analyzed using double labeling antibodies on ganglioside GM1. Results We have not found difference in ganglioside GM1 expression in T lymphocytes membranes between the two groups. Conclusion The present study did not show association of ganglioside GM1 expression in T lymphocytes membranes with cervical cancer development.
