Abstract: Objective To investigate the expressions of transforming growth factor beta receptors（TGF beta R）, receptor-activated Smads and common-partner Smad in condylomata acuminata. Methods Tissue samples were collected from 20 patients with condylomata acuminate and 15 normal human controls. EliVisionTM plus immunohistochemical technique was used to detect the distribution and expression of TGF beta RⅠ, TGF beta RⅡ, Smad1/2/3, phosphorylated Smad2/3 and Smad4 in condylomata acuminata and normal control skin. Results Positive immunohistochemical staining for TGFβRⅠ, TGFβRⅡ, Smad1/2/3, p-Smad2/3 and Smad4 was detected in the epidermis of normal control skin. The intensity of immunohistochemical staining was significantly lower for TGFβRⅠ, TGFβRⅡ, Smad1/2/3, p-Smad2/3 and Smad4 in the epidermis of condyloma acuminatum than in that of normal control skin （P < 0.05 or < 0.01）. Conclusion The expressions of TGF beta R, receptor-activated Smads and common-partner Smad are decreased or absent in the epidermis of condylomata acuminata, which might interfere with TGF beta/Smad signaling and contribute to the development of epidermal hyperplasia in condylomata acuminata.

Key words: condyloma acuminatum, TGFβ, TGFβR, Smad, signal transduction